While Cameroon celebrated its first‑ever AMVCA win for Mabanda, one of its own stepped onto the red carpet in a gown that was already a victory.
Nchini Sylvia‑Bright Bi, the actress who helped receive the historic award, paid direct homage to her Bamenda roots – in fire‑engine red and royal gold.
The gown – Toghu reimagined
Itambi’s Touch, the Cameroonian couture house known for blending traditional Toghu with luxury silhouettes, chose a dramatic departure from the classic black velvet.
This gown is deep black velvet with embroidery exploding in Cameroonian royal colours: fiery red, burnt orange and gold.
The off‑the‑shoulder silhouette features a dramatic scalloped neckline. The bodice is a sheer illusion corset, heavily beaded with red starbursts and black sequins. Traditional Toghu motifs – four‑petal flowers, geometric zig‑zags – line the neckline, hips and hem.
A flowing double‑helix in gold and red runs along the overskirt. The mermaid skirt flares into a slight train, turning the embroidery into moving art.
Glam by Cameroon’s finest
Makeup by @tina_kuoh delivered radiant soft glam – glowy skin, smoked brown eyes – letting the dress roar. Hair by Braid WithPetra (Douala) was intricate cornrows pulled into a high curly topknot bun: regal, protective, modern. Small gold earrings and a white beaded bracelet kept the focus on the gown.
‘I get to show off our beautiful culture’
Sylvia, representing her Bamenda identity, shared: “AMVCA 2026 AWARD NIGHT. To have come this far is all to the glory of God, and this right here is my win. My heart is immensely full from the love that the entire Cameroon has shown me. You guys have raised me like a flag, and I’m happy that I get to show off our beautiful culture on a global stage, representing the Bamenda girl that I am with this ‘REGALIA.’”
