Since the Met Gala and the AMVCAs happened  in the same week, the internet has been in full comparison mode. From debates about red carpet theatrics to conversations about whether Nigerian designers should be “debuting” at the Met, timelines have been flooded with hot takes that often ignore one important thing: these are two completely different institutions with different histories, cultural contexts, and purposes.

Now, Sharon Ojo is weighing in on the conversation, and many people online agree with her take.

In an Instagram post reacting to the endless comparisons between the AMVCAs and the Met Gala, she wrote: “Some commentaries are funny, I won’t lie that I’ve not laughed out loud at a few. African institutions just deserve to exist fully as themselves – not only in comparison to Western ones.”

And honestly, that’s the heart of the conversation.

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards has become one of the biggest showcases for African fashion, beauty, and creativity. Nigerian designers consistently use the platform to experiment, push craftsmanship, and create unforgettable red carpet moments that are rooted in African storytelling and style codes. The value of that does not have to be measured against the Met Gala to matter.

While the Met Gala thrives on a highly curated theme tied to the Costume Institute as a fundraising event, the AMVCAs have grown into a celebration of African entertainment and style in a way that feels distinctly ours. And as Sharon points out, African institutions deserve the room to exist, evolve, and shine without constantly being framed through a Western lens.

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