Stories by Vanessa Obioha
In 2015, Nigerian actress and model Kehinde Bankole clinched the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Lead Actress for her compelling portrayal in ‘October 1,’ the award-winning film directed by Kunle Afolayan. It was her first nomination for the award and marked her as the third actress to win in that category. Since that remarkable win, Bankole has garnered additional nominations, including a nod for Best Supporting Actress (8 Bars and a Clef) at the fifth AMVCA, and a nomination for Best Actress at the eighth edition of the awards for her role in ‘Dear Affy.’
This year, Bankole finds herself in the spotlight once again for her captivating performance in ‘Adire,’ where she takes on the titular role. In the film, she embodies the character of a sex worker who daringly absconds from her pimp and relocates to a remote village to establish a lingerie business. There, she becomes the object of desire for many husbands, inciting jealousy among their wives and particularly drawing the ire of a sanctimonious preacher’s wife.
Unlike in previous editions where the Best Lead Actress was determined by fan votes, this year’s winner will be selected by a jury as part of the changes introduced by the organizers for the awards’ 10th anniversary. Africa Magic and MultiChoice Nigeria announced earlier in the year that a jury would evaluate nominees in key acting categories such as Best Lead Actress/Actor and Best Supporting Actress/Actor. This decision came in response to criticism that social media popularity has sometimes overshadowed genuine recognition of acting talent.
With this new development, the jury faces the challenging task of selecting a winner from a pool of incredibly talented nominees. Bankole’s competition includes Segilola Ogidan (Over The Bridge), Lucie Debay (Omen), Omowunmi Dada (Asiri Ade), Ireti Doyle (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi), Adaobi Dibor (Blood Vessel), Evelyne Ily (Mami Wata), and Funke Akindele (A Tribe Called Judah).
While the list showcases both emerging talents and established acts, the likelihood of the award going to a fresh face remains high. However, the ultimate decision rests on who delivered the most compelling performance. Bankole appears poised to clinch the trophy once again, as her portrayal in ‘Adire’ has garnered widespread critical acclaim. Over the years, she has donned different characters, showcasing her versatility as an actress from stage to screen, and even in animation as she is among the cast of the Disney-produced Nigerian animation ‘Iwaju.’
Yet, the fate of all nominees lies in the hands of the jury, who will reveal the winner of the category on May 11, during the awards ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
