If there was any doubt about who owned the Cultural Night red carpet at the 2026 AMVCA, Hawa Magaji erased it the moment her cape caught the lantern light.
The actress and style icon stepped into a staged Northern Nigerian‑Moorish courtyard – all sandstone arches, carved wooden doors, hanging lanterns and traditional talking drums – and she did not walk. She processed. Like a queen from an 18th‑century Zaria epic, reimagined for today’s lens.
A royal silhouette
Hawa’s ensemble, crafted by Oma Bridal (@omalified), was a deep burgundy and gold fever dream. The foundation was a strapless, sweetheart‑neckline mermaid dress completely submerged in heavy gold embroidery, sequins and beading that swirled in baroque patterns. It hugged every curve before flaring at the hem, with a gold tassel dangling seductively at the hip.
But the statement was the detachable floor‑length cape, attached at the shoulders and trailing behind like a monarch’s mantle. Massive gold appliqué ran along its edges and shoulders, catching every flicker of the warm mood lighting. Over her neck sat a separate high‑neck, choker‑style gold‑embroidered piece – royal armour for a modern Arewa belle.
Gele and glam
Her burgundy turban, tied to perfection by Lagos gele maestro Chizzy Gele (@chizzys_gele), was crowned with a large gold beaded brooch at the front. A soft blonde peek‑a‑boo of hair added a contemporary twist.
Under her sculpted brow, smoky gold eyeshadow and a sharp wing framed her serene gaze. Glossy nude lips and contoured skin completed the full Arewa glam.
Drama in every angle
Photographer Ayo Makinwu (@theayomakinwa) captured two defining frames. In the first, Hawa stands centre on an ornate rug, hands clasped, cape evenly draped – poised, symmetrical, powerful. In the second, turned in three‑quarter profile, the cape is caught mid‑swoosh, flying out to reveal its full weight and length, the gold tassel swinging, the mermaid silhouette exaggerated by warm sunrise‑gold light hitting the carved arches behind her.
‘I carry being Northern with so much pride’
Hawa shared her mission behind the look: “A NORTHERN BELLE for the #amvca12 cultural Day. One thing about me, I carry being Northern with so much pride. This year, I decided to fully embrace my Arewa side and represent the North for AMVCA2026 Cultural Day.”
Style direction came from Benny’s Styling (@bennysstyling_), the brand known for sophisticated, intentional image strategy. The result? A red‑carpet moment that felt less like a fashion choice and more like a cultural manifesto.
Heritage, power, and Northern Nigerian pride – all wrapped in burgundy and gold, with a cape that refused to walk quietly.
