The Best Lead Actor Category at #AMVCA2025 Showcases Some of the Most Powerful Performances in African Cinema This Year
Each year, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) offers more than just a dazzling night of celebration—it’s a moment to honour the artists who bring our favorite stories to life.
This year’s Best Lead Actor nominees have delivered performances that dig deep, exploring complex emotions and layered characters. These portrayals go beyond great acting—they’re unforgettable, staying with us long after the final scene.
These actors don’t just perform; they embody their characters. They shoulder the weight of their roles with raw emotion and authenticity, reminding us of the rich storytelling power that African cinema continues to offer.
Here’s a closer look at the nominees for Best Lead Actor at the 11th AMVCA:
Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo
Gideon Okeke stars as Tòkunbọ̀, a reformed car smuggler struggling to leave behind a life of crime for the sake of his sick child. As he grapples with the desperation of providing for his family, he’s forced into a high-stakes mission—delivering a government official’s daughter to her captor.
Describing the role as “fast-paced with a pulse,” Gideon shared how he connected deeply with Tòkunbọ̀’s emotional journey. “The guy was going through it, and I had my own fair share of it too.” That real-life resonance breathes authenticity into his performance, making it both compelling and heartbreakingly relatable.
Bucci Franklin – The Weekend
Bucci Franklin plays Luke Chezeta, a man torn between love and the pain of his past. When his fiancée, Nikya, pushes for a family reunion, Luke reluctantly returns to his childhood home—only to face long-buried secrets that challenge everything he’s tried to escape.
As the story unfolds, the emotional tension builds, revealing a complex portrait of a man wrestling with identity, trauma, and belonging.
Femi Branch – House of Ga’a
Femi Branch takes on the formidable role of Bashorun Ga’a, a feared and ambitious leader in 19th-century Oyo Empire. Ruthless in his rise to power, Ga’a’s story is one of political manipulation, revenge, and tragic downfall.
With chilling intensity, Branch captures the dangerous charisma of a man who defied kings and shaped history through blood and betrayal.
Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast
In Skeleton Coast, Thapelo Makoena plays Lorato, a scientist on a treacherous expedition along Namibia’s eerie coastline. As secrets surface and paranoia sets in, Lorato is thrust into a tense mystery that blurs the line between science and superstition.
Makoena anchors the narrative with a grounded, suspenseful performance that reflects the haunting atmosphere of the setting.
Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill
Bimbo Manuel portrays Moyosore Lawson, a manipulative CEO whose cruelty creates a toxic dynamic with his employee Zara. As the psychological tension mounts, Manuel’s performance unearths the unsettling depths of power, control, and emotional abuse.
It’s a chilling and masterfully restrained portrayal that leaves a lasting impact.
Stan Nze – Suspicion
Stan Nze plays Voke, a man blessed—and burdened—with inherited supernatural powers. When his goddaughter is kidnapped by forces immune to bullets, Voke is pulled into a deadly world he doesn’t understand.
Nze delivers a layered performance, balancing vulnerability and strength as Voke fights to protect his loved ones while grappling with a legacy he never asked for.
Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors
In Seven Doors, Femi Adebayo plays Adedunjoye, a devoted husband and father whose life is upended when he’s called to ascend the throne of Ilara Kingdom. Thrust into the center of royal politics, his peaceful life gives way to conflict, tradition, and betrayal.
Adebayo navigates this transformation with quiet intensity, portraying the emotional toll of duty and destiny.
Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising
Adedimeji Lateef leads and produces Lisabi: The Uprising, bringing to life the legendary tale of Lisabi, a fearless farmer who leads the Egba people in their fight for freedom. Set in the 18th century, the film captures the spirit of resistance and the courage of a man who became a symbol of liberation.
Lateef’s performance is both passionate and powerful, embodying the essence of a revolutionary hero.
This year’s Best Lead Actor lineup is a masterclass in storytelling—each nominee delivering performances that are not only powerful but deeply human.
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