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Minnie Dlamini

Showbiz Reporter
Popular television personality and model -Vimbai Mutinhiri – will not be co-hosting the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) with IK as she has been replaced by Minenhle “Minnie” Dlamini.

The awards, now in their fourth edition, return to Nigeria and will be held tomorrow. The ceremony will be broadcast live on all DStv Africa Magic channels.

Mutinhiri who, together with IK had hosted the awards since their inception, said she wanted to pave way for new talent.

“I’ve decided to start the new year with new dreams and a new journey. I also feel that I’ve sufficiently proven myself to the continent,” Mutinhiri told Ghanaian press.

She stated that it was noble to allow someone else to benefit from the opportunity, hence her exit from the AMVCAs.

Fan-favourite IK Osakioduwa returns to host the awards for a fourth time, assisted by yet another South African fan favourite, Minnie.

Regarded as the hottest woman on South African television, Minnie, is an actress, TV presenter, Brand Ambassador, MC and fashionista.

She broke into prominence in 2010 when she beat thousands of hopefuls in the nationwide search for a young and sassy presenter for one of South Africa’s biggest music shows. Within months, Minnie also landed a role as the sassy Miranda on the popular soap Generations, a role which opened her up to a bigger, Pan-African audience.

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, M-Net West Africa director said: “We’re excited to present Minnie as the co-host of the 2016 edition of the AMVCAs.

“She joins an elite group of people who’ve hosted the most prestigious celebration of film and television talent in Africa. Minnie brings to the stage excitement, fun, intensity and wit.”

“Her pairing with IK guarantees a great show and there’s no doubt that our viewers are in for a great time.”

In April 2013, Minnie ventured into the world of sport, ultimately spearheading the current trend of merging sport, entertainment and lifestyle. In the eight months that followed, she has had the honour of co-hosting some of the biggest sporting and lifestyle events in South Africa – maintaining her girly side while showing off her sporty and funky style.

Minnie said: “I’m very excited to be on the biggest platform for celebrating talent in Africa. The AMVCAs recognise and celebrate film and television talent across Africa, and as a proud African, I’m truly delighted to play a role in this celebration.”

On his return to the AMVCA stage, IK said: “It’s truly an honour to host the AMVCAs for a fourth successive year. I’ve been privileged to see firsthand, the contribution of the awards to the film and television industry across Africa and this gets bigger and better every year.”

Some of the nominated actors include Mike Ezuruonye, Majid Michael, Vani Vicker, Daniel K Daniel, Segun Arinze and Blossom Chukwujekwu. Nominates actresses are Funke Akindele, Lepacious, Amimbola Craig, Nana Mensah and Ini Edo. Entertainment will be provided by leading African acts Flavour, Yemi Alade, Zonke and Ali Kiba.