Bucci Franklin Goes Global with ‘To Kill a Monkey’

Nigerian actor Bucci Franklin says the Netflix series To Kill a Monkey has propelled his career onto the global stage, earning him a nomination at EMY Africa 2025.

Franklin, who plays Oboz in the hit show, revealed that the production did not only trend across Nigeria but also captured strong international attention, drawing a large global audience. Speaking to Doreen Avio at the recently concluded EMY Awards, he explained that the success of the series has opened significant doors for him, including his EMY Africa nomination.

“I got nominated for a category on EMY 2025 so I’d say To Kill a Monkey, did put me on the map and on a global scale,” Franklin said.

He expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted how the show’s global reception has enhanced his visibility, creating opportunities beyond Nigeria’s entertainment market. Franklin also used the platform to thank the producer, director, and writer of the series, Kemi Adetiba-Hemanaka, calling her an “African giant.”

“I’d like to use this opportunity to thank Kemi Adetiba-Hemanaka, the producer, director and writer of To Kill a Monkey. She is a phenomenal African giant,” he added.

The actor further praised female creatives in the industry, noting their attention to detail. He expressed a desire to collaborate with Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso, highlighting her meticulous approach to filmmaking.

“I love working with women because I feel, they pay attention to detail and that’s something that Kemi has and I know there’s a female director in Ghana that I’m also praying to work with. It’s just one Shirley Frimpong Manso,” he stated.