Nigeria is home to more butterfly species than any other country in Africa – 1,828 of them, placing it 7th globally. South African actress and AMVCA co‑host Nomzamo Mbatha honoured that extraordinary biodiversity on the 2026 red carpet with a gown titled Nigeria’s Butterfly.
Designed by Sandrah Tubobereni’s luxury house TUBO (@tubo__), the creation took hundreds of hours of hand‑beading.
“This look was designed and embellished by hand in our studio, and finished with a mechanised butterfly detailing. For the woman who is always in motion,” the designer said.
The skin‑tight corseted mermaid gown is fully encrusted with micro‑beads in cobalt, royal, turquoise and navy. Seven giant 3D butterflies – each hand‑beaded – are appliquéd across the bodice, hips and train: one at the left collarbone, one spanning the upper back, two at the hips, and three on the skirt – the largest nearly 18 inches wide. A sheer royal blue chiffon drape softens the heavy beadwork.
Makeup by Bibyonce added a tiny painted blue butterfly on Nomzamo’s temple. Hair by @adefunkeee was a sleek wet‑look bob. Meeyas Jewels provided white diamond accents – no necklace, to let the neckline butterfly shine.
Nomzamo, co‑hosting the 12th AMVCA, chose a Nigerian designer to celebrate the host nation’s status as Africa’s butterfly capital. With 1,828 species, Nigeria’s skies are among the richest on Earth – and her gown turned that natural wealth into wearable art.
