The Magnified Influencer Awards (MIA) is set to return to Lagos for its third edition, with organisers promising an evening of entertainment, fashion, recognition and networking under the theme, “The Royal Experience.”
The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at The Podium, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, as the UK-Nigeria platform continues its mission of celebrating personalities making an impact across entertainment, fashion, media, entrepreneurship, creativity and the digital space.
Founded by Magdalene Jumbo, the Magnified Influencer Awards began in the United Kingdom in 2022 before expanding to Nigeria in 2024.
The platform was established to recognise and celebrate established and emerging talents whose creativity, consistency, innovation and influence are shaping their industries and communities.
The inaugural edition took place in London in 2022, laying the foundation for an awards platform focused on influencers, creatives, entertainers and other personalities contributing meaningfully to the creative economy.
Two years later, MIA expanded to Nigeria for its second edition in Lagos, bringing together influencers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, fashion personalities, creatives and media professionals.
The 2026 edition is expected to build on that journey with what organisers describe as “The Royal Experience” — an event designed to extend beyond the traditional awards ceremony.
According to the organisers, guests can expect a combination of awards, entertainment, fashion, red-carpet activities, interviews, content creation and networking opportunities involving personalities from different sectors of the creative economy.
‘Royalty’ Takes Over the Red Carpet
Fashion is expected to be one of the major attractions of the 2026 edition, with “Royalty” announced as the official dress code.
Nominees, guests and invited personalities will have the opportunity to interpret the theme through their fashion choices while taking part in a red-carpet experience expected to feature interviews, media appearances and content creation.
The organisers say the concept is intended to create an atmosphere where celebrities, influencers, entrepreneurs, creatives, brands and media professionals can celebrate achievements while establishing new connections.
Beyond the glamour, MIA says its awards philosophy goes beyond social media follower counts.
The platform considers factors such as creativity, consistency, originality, audience engagement, professional growth and the value individuals contribute to their communities and industries.
This approach, according to the organisers, allows the awards to recognise both established personalities and emerging talents who are building careers and audiences within the rapidly evolving creative economy.
Musicians, Actors, Creators, Entrepreneurs Compete
The 2026 nominees cut across several areas of the entertainment and creative industries.
Categories include Best Influencer Male Musician, Best Influencer Female Musician, Best Influencer Actor, Best Influencer Actress, Best Influencer Film Director, Best Influencer Male Model, Best Influencer Female Model, Best Influencer Male Makeup Artist, Best Influencer Designer, Best Influencer Crochet Designer, Best Influencer Female Content Creator, Best Influencer Male Content Creator, Best Influencer Comedian, Best Influencer Podcaster, Best Influencer Entrepreneur and Best International Influencer.
The nominees are currently competing for public support ahead of the ceremony, with voting forming part of the process leading to the announcement of the winners.
The organisers have, however, stressed that the winners have not yet been determined.
From London to Lagos
The evolution of the Magnified Influencer Awards reflects its growing UK-Nigeria identity.
After launching in London in 2022, the platform’s expansion to Lagos in 2024 opened the door to a broader community of Nigerian influencers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, fashion personalities and digital creators.
The third edition now seeks to further strengthen that international connection while placing the spotlight on the growing influence of Africa’s creative and digital economy.
In recent years, content creators and digital influencers have become increasingly influential across entertainment, fashion, business and popular culture.
Many have moved beyond creating content to building businesses, launching brands, creating employment opportunities, influencing consumer behaviour and providing platforms for other emerging creatives.
MIA says its objective is to recognise this changing landscape and provide visibility for individuals whose talent, consistency and impact deserve greater recognition.
With its signature message, “Where Excellence Reigns,” the 2026 edition is expected to bring together another generation of influential personalities for an evening combining recognition, fashion, entertainment and networking.
Dear Vows
