AMVCA 2025: Femi Adebayo breaks down on stage

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

The 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has been nothing short of exciting, with stars from across Africa gathering in Lagos to celebrate the continent’s finest in entertainment.

The night saw several standout performances, but it was Femi Adebayo who captured the most heartfelt moment of the evening.

Adebayo, who was nominated alongside acting heavyweights like Gideon Okeke, Bucci Franklin, Femi Branch, and Thapelo Makoena for Best Lead Actor, won the prestigious award for his role as Adedunjoye in Seven Doors. The emotional moment unfolded as Adebayo took the stage to accept his award, visibly moved to tears.

Here’s a look at the nominees for Best Lead Actor at the 11th AMVCA:

• Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo: Okeke’s performance as Tòkunbọ̀, an ex-car smuggler trying to turn his life around, left audiences spellbound. The role saw him balancing moments of desperation and hope as Tòkunbọ̀ fights to provide for his sick child.

• Bucci Franklin – The Weekend: Franklin portrayed Luke Chezeta, a man caught between his past and the woman he loves. His performance brought to life the complexities of family, secrets, and the price of belonging.

• Femi Branch – House of Ga’a: Branch played Bashorun Ga’a, a powerful warrior in the Oyo Empire who defies authority in a tale of ambition, rebellion, and betrayal.

• Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast: Makoena took on the role of Lorato, an African scientist navigating a treacherous quest along the mysterious Skeleton Coast.

• Bimbo Manuel – Princess on A Hill: Manuel portrayed Moyosore Lawson, a controlling CEO whose toxic power dynamics wreak havoc on his employee’s personal life.

• Stan Nze – Suspicion: Nze brought to life Voke, a man with extraordinary powers struggling to protect his loved ones from dangerous forces.

• Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors: Adebayo’s portrayal of Adedunjoye, a man thrust into the throne of Ilara Kingdom, earned him widespread recognition. His performance was a moving depiction of power struggles, family loyalty, and betrayal.

• Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising: Lateef’s role as Lisabi, the fearless leader of the Egba people in their fight for independence, was a powerful testament to his skill as both an actor and executive producer.

Other wins:

• Best Costume Design: Adedamola Adeyemi for Christmas In Lagos

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• Best Makeup: Lisabi: The Uprising — Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)

• Best Art Direction: Lisabi: The Uprising

• Best Sound/Sound Design: Suspicion

• Best Editing: Inkabi — Tongai Furusa

• Best Writing TV Series: Untying Kantai — Abel Mutua Musyoka

• Best Writing in a Movie: Freedom Way — Blessing Uzzi

• Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa): Mwizukanji

• Best Cinematography: The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos — Leo Purman

• Best Digital Content Creator: Iyo Prosper

• Trailblazer Award: Kayode Kasum

• Industry Merit Award: Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh