It’s only four months into 2024 and some of the biggest movie offerings have already come from Yoruba Nollywood. If you’ve not been paying attention, we’ve taken the trouble of compiling some of the best Yoruba movies of 2024 that should be on the top of your binge list.
Let’s go.
“Ajakaju” (Beast of Two Worlds)
Actress Eniola Ajao makes her cinema debut in this Yoruba epic you’ll love if you enjoyed Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun and Odunlade Adekola’s Orisa.
Ajakaju follows the story of a king whose reign is threatened due to his three queens’ struggle to give him an heir. When all three wives fall pregnant again, they all bore girls. In his desperation, King Towobola marries a woman from a strange village who grants his desire, but not without consequences.
Eniola Ajao takes on the titular character and stars alongside Odunlade Adekola, Fathia Williams, and Mercy Aigbe, among others. It was released in March 2024 and is currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria.
“Alagbede”
Veteran Nollywood actress, Jaiye Kuti, also makes her first big screen debut in this movie which has been likened to Mainframe’s Oleku for its cinematography and costumes.
Alagbede is the story of a poor blacksmith who falls in love with a woman from a humble background. His soon-to-be mother-in-law makes it clear she’d only support their union if he levels up, leading the blacksmith to resort to money rituals. Unfortunately, his newfound wealth comes with several complications.
Released in April 2024, the movie features Femi Adebayo, Bimbo Oshin, Jaiye Kuti, and Gabriel Afolayan, among others.
It’s currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria.
“Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre” (Series)
Director Kunle Afolayan kicked off 2024 with the four-part series of his hugely successful 2022 Netflix Original film, Anikulapo.
In Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre, Saro is given a second chance at life but he’s confronted with a daunting debt owed to the afterlife. He’s tasked to return to Earth and undo the resurrection of the 20 souls he had once brought back to life.
Meanwhile, the Oyo kingdom suffers a series of calamities due to the Akala’s curse, with the oracle prescribing Arolake’s return as the only solution.
The series debuted on Netflix in March 2024. Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Sola Sobowale are joined by new cast members like Owobo Ogunde, Layi Wasabi, and Lateef Adedimeji, among others. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“Ajosepo”
After an amazing Netflix run with Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, ace director Kayode Kasum makes his first cinema run of the year with this mixed-language family comedy.
The film features a stellar ensemble and follows the lives of Dapo and Tani, a young couple preparing for their wedding with their families in a luxurious hotel. However, the festivities soon lead to a series of chaotic events.
Released in April 2024, Ajosepo stars Yemi Solade, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Bisola Aiyeola, and Timini Egbuson, among others. It’s currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria.
“Agba Cooker”
If you’re in the mood for some Yoruba hardcore action, you should look into this Afeez Owo-directed movie.
In Agba Picker, a notorious gang of criminals wreak chaos on an entire city with the help of a fortified fraudster. The group soon encounters some rivalry and has to battle for their place in the criminal underworld.
The movie stars Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Malaika, and Dayo Amusa, among others.
It was released in April 2024 and is currently available to stream on YouTube.
“Ajaku Akata”
Jagun Jagun director, Adebayo Tijani, once again returns to the director’s chair in this action-packed movie.
A woman is forced to struggle for survival after a greedy relative wiped out her family members in a day. She seemingly finds comfort in the hands of another relative until she realises that things aren’t as they seem.
Ajaku Akata stars Bimbo Oshin, Ronke Odusanya, Wunmi Toriola, among others. It was released in March 2024 and is available to stream on YouTube.
“Igi Owo”
If you’re a sucker for Yoruba drama, Igi Owo should be on your radar.
A husband and wife and their child enjoy their modest lives until things go awry and they’re pushed to seek financial freedom. When help finally comes their way, it changes the dynamics of the family, with the husband doing all he can to win back his loved ones.
Released in April 2024, Igi Owo stars Odunlade Adekola, Antar Laniyan, and Rotimi Salami, among others.
It’s available to stream on YouTube.
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