Uzor Arukwe has clinched the Best Lead Actor award at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for his powerful portrayal of a conflicted warrior in the epic drama Colours of Fire.
The ceremony, held on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, saw Arukwe defeat a stacked category that included Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi), William Benson (To Kill a Monkey), veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo (Grandpa Must Obey), and others.
In Colours of Fire, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, Arukwe plays Akinbode – a Yoruba warrior tasked with hunting a beast believed to be unleashed by rival clans. His performance drew praise for blending physical intensity with raw emotional vulnerability, a marked departure from his well‑known “Odogwu” persona.
The win marks Arukwe’s first AMVCA trophy. He was doubly recognised at the 12th edition, also earning a Supporting Actor nomination for Behind the Scenes.
Colours of Fire, produced by Anthill Studios, also won Best Costume Design (Valerie Okeke). In his acceptance speech, Arukwe thanked the director and his fellow nominees, calling the award “a testament to the power of telling African stories with heart and fire
