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All the Questions We Had While Watching “Oloture: The Journey”

Nollywood and Oliver Twist might as well be the same person because they never know when to stop. Whenever we get a movie or series the general public likes, they return in 10 years or two with a sequel or a prequel.

It’s been five years since Oloture – the story of a journalist who went to look for what wasn’t missing and ended up in the hands of murderous human traffickers – came out. The movie ended with a weird cliffhanger, so EbonyLife decided to give us a sequel. I’ve watched it, and naturally, I have questions.

Does Netflix pay more for series?

I just want an explanation for why I sat down to watch a 3-episode limited series that ended up being an hour and 45 minutes long (yes, I did the maths) and ended with a ridiculous cliffhanger. They could have just given us a film so we know what we’re actually signing up for.

Who pissed off continuity?

Someone on the production team has to come out and say what they did to continuity this season because the lack of fucks given is shocking.

Oloture has on a new and not-so-improved wig. Beauty somehow took down her cornrows and cut her hair on her run from the Benin border into Lagos. They must have swapped buses because the girls who entered the Benin Republic are not the same girls who left Nigeria. Something must have happened to the continuity team. This is too much.

Where did Sandra disappear to after one day?

One minute, Sandra was running the hostel with an iron fist; the next, she had disappeared from Lagos and put her sister in charge of her affairs. Either something was pursuing her, or she was pursuing something; we want to know where she disappeared and how.

I know it’s hot in Nigeria, but why was Chuks always shirtless?

It’s hot AF in Nigeria, and Chuks was having money issues. Still, if he had enough funds to fuel his car and buy the food that gave him the energy to disturb all the women in his area, he had enough to buy a shirt, even if it was okrika.

When did Beauty’s mother move?

One day, Beauty’s mother lives on a desolate, dry land. Two days later, Beauty returns to the house, and everywhere is filled with vegetation and fertile soil. It’s either the people that were sent to kill her mother are Grade A gardeners, or someone just called us foolish.

How did Chuks kill Ade so easily?

Yes, I know he used a knife, but did you see how Mr. I-can-send-an-army-of-men-to-shoot-up-your-coaster-bus walked into the scene? He looked like someone with serious money and power, only for Chuks, the pimp, to take him down that easily? Where were his bodyguards? How didn’t he hear Chuks’ heavy boots walking so closely behind him? I need answers!

READ: Gidigbo Central: The Best Nollywood Fight Scenes

Why did Beauty agree to go to Europe again?

She said she was doing it for her sister, but why? Her sister’s dead, and so is her mother; the people who killed both of them are in Lagos, Nigeria. What is she going to Europe to look for?

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Why is Oloture so foolish and naive?

In the history of foolish characters doing foolish things, I fear Oloture might take the cake. She kept her secret hidden from Lagos to Libya, but she meets a fine man named Femi, and that’s who she thinks she can trust?! Not Peju, not Ben or even Victor, but a strange man in a strange land? She should clap for herself.

Will they ever get to Europe?

At first, it was cute, but now I’m getting upset. Oloture better teleport to Europe, remain in one of those African countries, or return to Nigeria before the next season. She’s a danger to herself and her travel companions, and if she makes one more foolish mistake, I will take matters into my own hands and fight her.

ALSO READ: QUIZ: Can You Guess the Nollywood Movie From Its Cast?

Chioma Munachi

July 2, 2024

Pop

Nollywood, oloture, Questions
QUIZ: Can You Guess the Nollywood Movie From Its Cast?

Chioma Munachi

July 2, 2024

Quizzes

Nollywood, trivia
10 Nigerian Actresses Everyone Should Know in 2024

We’re here for the new crop of Nigerian female actors making waves and the older ones flipping scripts and delivering excellence in Nollywood.

If you have yet to pay attention to the names on this list, here’s a chance to know the female actors on your radar in 2024.

Veteran female Nigerian actors

Adunni Ade

Adunni Ade’s appearance in Kunle Afolayan’s Ijogbon indicates she’s back on the big screen. From Funke Akindele’s SHE Must be Obeyed TV show to Bolanle Austen-Peters’s Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti film, one can only perch for what’s next up her sleeve.

Najite Dede

Older Nollywood fans may recognise Najite Dede from her roles in 30 Days and Gidi Up, but she’s also applied her talent to the latest films and TV shows. This year, she stars in Grown after appearing in other recent releases like Unbroken, The House of Secrets, and Riona. She’s proof that talent and experience are recipes for relevance.

Kehinde Bankole

You can only count some of the critically reviewed Nollywood films in the last two years, like Adire, Sista and Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti and leave out Kehinde Bankole. In 2022, she won the Best Actress in A Drama award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). This year, she’s the Best Lead Actress at AMVCA. Tell me, who’s the GOAT again?

Young female Nigerian actors

Ruby Okezie

My first onscreen encounter with Ruby Okezie was in Netflix’s Far from Home TV series (2022), and I knew I’d be there when she features in a new film. Two years later, she appeared in Taiwo Egunjobi’s A Green Fever and is currently starring in Showmax’s series Chetam. My earlier suspicions about her were confirmed.

Sunshine Rosman

Her time on screen dates goes back to the Lunch Time Heroes film in 2015. Since then, notable films like Perfect Assistant and Flawsome (2022) have cast her. She’s also cast in upcoming productions like Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill A Monkey and Chee Keong Cheung’s Son of the Soil—an exciting time in her career.

Genoveva Umeh

When Geneveva won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2024 AMVCA for her role in Breathe of Life, it felt like a special nod to her previous works, from One Night Lagos to Blood Sisters, Far from Home, and Crime and Justice Lagos. She’s a legend in the making.

Sharon Rotimi

Fans have praised Sharon Rotimi for her range in films like The Artifact and TV shows like The Wives and Chronicles. From acting as a baddie to a trophy wife during the day and a fighter at night, she always gives impressive layered performances.

Kanyinsola Eros

If you haven’t seen this young female actor’s work before, her new short series, The Secret Lives of Nigerian Women, is convincing that she’s following up in Nollywood. Kanyinsola Eros’ name rings among the cast of the latest Nollywood films like Muri & Ko and upcoming productions like Murder on Space X.

Blessing Oreva

Blessing Oreva played the gangster babe character in Kill Boro, which made her the film’s breakout star. With such a fierce embodiment of a complex character, I expect to see Blessing bodying different roles on TV.

Ijapari Ben-Hirki

She made her name known to viewers after her performance in I Do Not Come to You by Chance, and any serious director and writer will send her scripts as soon as possible.

Tomide Marv

June 26, 2024

Pop

2024, Nollywood, nollywood actresses, old and young female nigerian actors
The Best Nigerian Movies of 2024 You Need To Watch

It’s halfway through 2024, and Nollywood has delivered some captivating titles that have kept us on the edge of our seats. In case you’re late to the party or missed the memo, here are some of the best Nigerian movies of 2024 that you need to add to your binge list.

Best Nollywood Action Movies

“Ajakaju“

If you enjoyed Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun and Odunlade Adekola’s Orisa, you’ll love actress Eniola Ajao’s big screen debut, Ajakaju.

This Yoruba epic 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 bear girls. In desperation, King Towobola marries a woman from a strange village who grants his desire, but not without consequences.

Ajakuju stars Eniola Ajao, Odunlade Adekola, and Mercy Aigbe, among others. It’s available to stream on Prime Video.

“Lakataabu“

Actor Odunlade Adekola returns to the big screen with this Nollywood movie, Lakataabu. If you loved the actor’s 2023 film Orisa, you should definitely give this some screen time.

Lakataabu explores themes of power, corruption, and enmity. The film follows the story of a powerful human who transforms into a fearless warrior, causing panic and chaos in communities. The movie stars Lateef Adedimeji, Ninolowo Bolanle, Femi Adebayo, Adunni Ade, and Bro Shaggi, among others.

Best Nollywood Comedy Released in 2024

“Ajosepo“

Ace Nollywood director Kayode Kasum made his first cinema run of 2024 with this mixed-language family comedy.

Ajosepo 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.

The movie stars Yemi Solade, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Bisola Aiyeola, and Timini Egbuson, among others.

“Muri & Ko“

If you’re a fan of Biodun Stephen movies, Muri & Ko should be on your binge list. This satirical comedy follows the story of Muri, a petty thief who steals and sells car parts. Muri soon steals a complete car, not realising the owner’s child is inside. His quest to sell the car while keeping the child safe leads to a series of comical misadventures that birth a friendship between the two.

The movie stars Kunle Remi, Bisola Aiyeola, and KieKie. It’s still showing in cinemas across Nigeria.

Best Nollywood Romcom Movies in 2024

“Meeting Funmi’s Parents“

Dinner at My Place director Kevin Apaa takes the director’s chair on this Nollywood romcom set in Nigeria and the United States.

The movie follows the story of Funmi, who gets engaged to her American boyfriend and flies him to Nigeria to meet her parents. Her father, however, insists that he wants a cultured Yoruba man, not a foreigner. He does everything he can to break off their engagement.

Meeting Funmi’s Parents stars Timini Egbuson, Omowunmi Dada, Roman Thomson, Akin Lewis, and Tina Mba, among others.

“Blacksmith” (Alagbede)

Veteran Nollywood actress Jaiye Kuti 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.

The movie stars Femi Adebayo, Kehinde Bankole, Gabriel Afolayan, and Jaiye Kuti, among others.

“All is Fair in Love“

Directed by Kayode Kasum, this title explores the delicate balance between love and friendship. The movie follows the story of two childhood friends and entrepreneurs, Demi and Kanla, who are trying to take their business international. They hire an executive consultant, Mbali, and soon get caught in a love triangle with her. However, Mbali isn’t who she claims to be; she’s part of a money laundering cartel with plans to lure them into making a costly mistake that would ruin their business.

The movie stars Timini Egbuson, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Juliet Ibrahim, among others.

Best Nollywood Thriller Movies in 2024

“Criminal“

This movie results from a programme launched by ace Nollywood director Niyi Akinmolayan to mentor upcoming filmmakers. The crime thriller follows the story of a criminal gang leader who holds a hospital hostage to get lifesaving treatment for his wounded brother. Upon hearing that the police have been contacted, the gang threatens to harm both patients and staff if they are not attended to.

Criminal stars Uzor Arukwe, Funlola Aofiyebi, and Segun Arinze, among others.

“A Green Fever“

Directed by Taiwo Egunjobi, this historical drama follows the story of a man and his daughter taking shelter in a military officer’s residence under the guise of seeking help for her illness. Things take dark turns as the story unfolds when nobody is exactly who they claim to be.

Temilolu Fosudo, William Benson, and Darasimi Nadi star in the movie.

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“Kill Boro“

With a dramatic title that leaves you wondering why Boro must be killed, this Courage Obayuwana-directed film will set you on the edge of your seat. It explores the complexities of family, survival, and the consequences of choices.

The movie follows the harrowing story of Elijah, a young boy desperate to put an end to his father Boro’s relentless brutality against his mother. Driven by desperation, Elijah strikes a deal with a notorious gang leader to kill his father. Kill Boro stars Brutus Richard, Blessing Uzero, and Hilda Dokubo. It’s available to stream on Prime Video.

Best Nollywood Horror Movies in 2024

“Casa De Novia“

The House of Secrets and Mikolo director, Niyi Akinmolayan, makes an even bigger comeback with Casa De Novia.

The movie follows Yoyo, a young journalist in Lagos desperately searching for a new place to live. She soon finds an opulent, suspiciously affordable mansion in the upscale Ikoyi neighbourhood. After she moves in, Yoyo starts to experience strange occurrences powered by supernatural forces. She soon finds out that the mansion is haunted by the ghost of its previous occupant. Casa De Novia stars Lilian Esoro, Efe Irele, and Tope Tedela, among others. It’s available to stream on Prime Video.

“Dead of Night“

If you loved The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi, you should definitely give this Chiemeka Osuagwu-directed title a spin.

Dead of Night unfolds in a quiet village as the robbery plan of three teenage girls takes a terrifying turn when they become trapped in an abandoned mansion with dark secrets. Haunted by mysterious forces, the girls must fight their way through a labyrinth of horror to escape the clutches of an evil entity determined to claim their souls.

The movie stars Frank Donga, Chuks Joseph, and Eric Obinna, among others. It’s available to stream on Showmax.

Enjoyed this piece about the best Nigerian movies of 2024? Read this next: 11 Badass Female Characters Nollywood Has Given Us

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 26, 2024

Pop

Nigeria, Nigerian films, Nollywood, Nollywood movies
Yoruba Nollywood Has Held The Nigerian Film Industry by the Neck and Won’t Let Go

Over the years, Nollywood has given us stellar movies like Lionheart, Blood Vessel, and King of Thieves, which have broken records and language barriers. The industry has given us different storylines on different platforms, with more movies debuting first in cinema before finding a home on one of the two streaming giants in Nigeria – Netflix and Amazon’s Prime Video.

Calculate the amount of money made from ticket sales and whatever the streaming service will pay for streaming rights real quick.

The Yoruba branch of Nollywood seems to have seen the performance of these “big production” movies that debut in cinema and have decided to pitch their tent there.

Mainstream Nollywood seems to have mastered the art of hiding behind these big productions and bigger names to deliver stories that leave you at a loss for words, wondering what you could’ve possibly done to deserve such treatment.

While Mainstream has been doing this for years, the Yoruba branch’s insistence on breaking in with the cinema crowd has only become obvious in the last year, with back-to-back cinema releases from industry OGs like Femi Adebayo (King of Thieves), Odunlade Adekola (Orisa), Jaiye Kuti (Alagbede), and Toyin Abraham (Ijakumo).

READ: The Latest Yoruba Movies You Should See in 2024

These movies get the audience’s attention with big premieres and interesting marketing strategies, causing people to flock to watch them on release only to return with mouths full of questions regarding the storyline, acting, and general quality.

Naturally, this has us moaning and groaning every time a new movie is released, but maybe this issue affects the entire industry, not just this branch.

Here’s why

On multiple occasions, Nigerians have come out to complain about the lack of authentic stories about the reality of the average Nigerian, their experiences, and culture, as well as their tiredness at the continuous portrayal of flamboyant displays of wealth and the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge – all of which are actually part of the Nigerian experience – on their screens.

Nollywood has obviously taken this to heart and tried its hands at something new, but just because the action genre, language-speaking epics, and the theme of police brutality work for some doesn’t mean they’ll work for others.

The industry needs to realize that the audience has grown tired of seeing the same storylines with the same faces in the same settings. It’s time for the industry and all its branches to return to the drawing board and figure out how to tell stories in ways that don’t leave the audience questioning their sanity.

Yoruba language films may currently be offering us poor-quality entertainment on multiple distribution platforms (cinema and streaming services) in exchange for our time and money, but this isn’t a problem peculiar to them.

The entire industry moves as though it could care less for its audience, almost like they’re poking, prodding, and daring us, trying to see how much they can get away with in plotlines, costume, location, makeup, and VFX. At this point, we might need to stop complaining, get down on our knees, and beg industry stakeholders of all the branches (Mainstream, Yoruba, Asaba, Kannywood, Abuja, etc) to have mercy on us and start caring about the art that comes within the business of filmmaking.

Chioma Munachi

June 20, 2024

Pop

Cinema, Nollywood, opinion, streaming services, yoruba nollywood
Gidigbo Central: The Best Nollywood Fight Scenes

We’re all for peace, love, and light, but sometimes, the only way to get your point across and ensure people leave with a lasting memory of you is to roll up your sleeves and engage in a little gidigbo. Nollywood understands this.

From juju-enabled Mortal Kombat-looking fight sequences to hand-to-hand street fighting, here are all the times Nollywood gave us fight scenes that had us at the edge of our seats.

Isale-Eko’s Mama Ify inspired unrest from “Gangs of Lagos”

Kazeem killed Ify and really thought he could get away with it, but Mama Ify said “God forbid” and called for vengeance. Kazeem may not have died in this fight, but they painted the streets red with the blood of their enemies.

READ: We Ranked the Fight Scenes in “Gangs of Lagos” From Survivable to Sorry for You

Paul Edima wakes from retirement from “The Black Book”

There are little things as satisfying as an old man beating the shit out of younger people that came to disturb his peace and quiet, but when the man is RMD, it’s a thousand times better. After teasing us for the first 50 minutes of The Black Book, Paul Edima finally gets himself together and reminds his enemies who exactly he is.

The final heist from “Brotherhood”

Every day for the thief, one day for the SWAT team to avenge their fallen leader and shoot at the Ojuju boys and girl on Third Mainland Bridge. It’s really hard to say who won this fight because the SWAT team left feeling like they had beaten the Ojuju boys and at least two Ojuju boys left with the money they came to steal.

Reggie’s black belt vs Oga Rambo’s street fighting goons from “Far From Home”

As if we weren’t already trying to contain our overwhelming crush on Reggie, the writers decided to throw in Zina’s boyfriend taking down the two grown-ass men Oga Rambo sent to terrorize the school. He didn’t win in the end, but he karate-chopped those men into unconsciousness, and we love it.

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Odeshi VS Everyone from “Soole”

If we ignore all the grunts and groans from Invincible Man, this might be one of the funnier fight scenes from Nollywood. Ifebuchi and other passengers get kidnapped on their way to Enugu and have to fight an odeshi-wielding goon to escape.

Obviously, they escaped, with no thanks to the gun-wielding Counter Terrorism Unit operatives that happened to be on board with them, and all thanks to Ifebuchi and his cutlass covered with the pee from a virgin.

The slowest and possibly longest fight of all time from “Shanty Town”

We understand that the fight scenes are choreographed, but if human beings fought like this on the battlefield, half the human race would be non-existent right now. The fight started slowly. People walked away from the battlefield like they had all the time in the world, and when the time for hand-to-hand combat came, they almost used 2x speed to finish us.

A couple that fights together stays together from “Merry Men 2”

AY may have committed a lot of atrocities with the Merry Men franchise, including the glass-shattering VFX scene that happens in the middle of this particular fight, but he also gave us Ramsey Nouah and Damilola Adegbite kicking ass as a unit, and we’re thankful for that.

Ps: If you see the man Ramsey Nouah’s character “drowns” walking out of the pool as soon as Ramsey does, just act like you didn’t.

Mortal Kombat is shaking from “Kesari”

One would think a god wouldn’t need to engage mere mortals in hand-to-hand combat, but not Kesari. Maybe it was the anger at being dared by gun and cutlass-wielding humans or the fact that he’d been stuck in a tree for many years and he was tired AF, whatever it was Kesari arrived at that village and let his ancestors down.

Chioma Munachi

June 19, 2024

Pop

fight scenes, Nollywood
The Most Iconic Father-Son Duos to Grace Our Screens

Let it never be said that Nollywood doesn’t give us choices. From the deadbeat daddies to the daddies that double as besties, here are the greatest father-son duos Nollywood has given us so far.

Mr Ibu and Muo in “Mr Ibu”

Image Credit: PremiumTimesNigeria

Mr Ibu and Muo were constantly at each other’s throats and never let the other have even a second of peace, but it was clear they cared about each other—even if it was because they got to torment each other.

Andy and Nnamdi Okeke in “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free”

Image Credit: shockng

Imagine finding your way out of a satanic cult, giving your life to Christ, and turning a new leaf only for your estranged son to walk in there and take your spot.

That’s what happened with these two. Andy had to find a way to build a relationship with Nnamdi and save him from the clutches of Richard Williams and his not-so-merry band of blood-sucking demons. We didn’t think they’d succeed, but the cult was no match for a praying father.

Paul and Damilola Edima in “The Black Book”

We didn’t get to see much of their relationship with each other, but we saw the way Damilola’s daddy hunted down the people that killed his son, and that’s enough to show how much they meant to each other.

Fred Ade-Williams and Philip Ade-Williams in “Tinsel”

Was Philip a spoiled brat? Yes

Did his daddy let him carry his spoiled, wayward attitude to the outside world? Yes. Now and again

Fred and Philp’s relationship was strained, but they knew they could always reach out to each other if they needed help.

Chief T.A Fuji and his many sons in “Fuji House of Commotion”

Image Credit: zikoko

Chief T.A. definitely wasn’t the best father to his multiple sons because how do you forget your children’s names? But he was one of the first deadbeat daddies Nollywood gave us, and we appreciate the visibility.

Tivdo and Terfa Gyado in “Unbroken”

Image Credit: AfricaMagic

If there was anything Tivdo knew for a fact, it was that his daddy loved him. Terfa’s shady dealings might have temporarily cost him his legs, but at the end of the day, they were a team, and they knew they had each other’s backs.

Imole and Maje in “Slum King”

Image Credit: BHM

Maje may have lost his biological father at a young age and gotten thrown into maximum prison, but he met x and had his life changed completely. Granted, it wasn’t for the best because his new daddy threw him into a life of gbomo gbomo, but they loved each other and did their best to make sure it showed.

Adil and Jayden in “Big Love”

Adil might not have been Jayden’s biological father, but it was clear to everyone that he would’ve done anything for the boy. Even when Adil and Adina briefly broke up, he still tried his best to show up for Jayden as much as he could.

Chioma Munachi

June 13, 2024

Pop

Fathers, Nollywood, Sons
9 Nollywood Characters That Might Do a Better Job as Nigeria’s President

If you think about it, there’s no way Nigeria isn’t a simulation. We’re currently in a blackout because the Nigeria Labour Congress is on strike.

We’re going through it, and our leaders have decided to act like our problems don’t exist, so we’re nominating these Nollywood characters to take their place.

Odds are that they won’t even do a better job, but there’s no way they’ll do worse, right?

Jedidah Judah in “A Tribe Called Judah”

Photo credit- Afrodives

A businesswoman to the core; she was giving out loans, starting businesses, and helping the people around her. Think about what someone like her can do for our economy.

She might not last long in office due to her illness and her children might embezzle some funds, but we’re sure that she’d take care of us to the best of her abilities.

Big Daddy in “The Black Book”

Photo credit- Zikoko_mag via X

As we all saw, Big Daddy doesn’t play with her people. Also, she doesn’t make promises she can’t keep. If Big Daddy is in office, we might be in a war every day — she’ll probably loan out our army to her friends in distress — but we can be sure that we’ll be well taken care of.

Paul Edima in “The Black Book”

Photo credit- Whatkeptmeup

Like the travel blogger president who left office last year, we can trust Paul Edima to be scarce during his tenure. But the difference is we’ll only need to cry and protest, and he’ll come back and take care of business before he pulls another disappearing act like a Yoruba man with commitment issues.

Queen in “GIrls Cot”

Photo credit- Simony Nollywood TV via Youtube

She’ll tax the shit out of us to keep her pockets fat. But she’ll also know how useful we are to her bank account and make life easier and affordable for the masses and the baddies.

Famzy in “Chief Daddy”

Photo credit- Notjustok

Will Famzy use all of Nigeria’s money to fund his dead rap career? Yes.

Will he use the country and everyone in it to promote his foolish music? Yes.

But these can be managed — we’ll just find him advisors who can convince him to make a good decision every now and again. You can rest assured that during Famzy’s tenure, we won’t have to endure grid collapses and a nationwide famine.

Arolake in “Anikulapo”

Photo credit- Nollywoodreporter

We need Arolake, her bag of money and her connection to the mystical beings who clearly adore her. If she’s our supreme leader, we are set for however long she plans to stay in office.

Timeyin in “Blood Sisters”

Photo credit- Marieclaire

She had Uduak as a mother, two murderous brothers and survived it all. If this doesn’t show her tenacity and survival skills. What else could you possibly want in a leader? She’ll make sure that everyone feels loved and all forms of abuse are met with harsh punishments.

Afamefuna in “Afamefuna”

Photo credit- OkayAfrica

Afamefuna will probably use our money to spoil his Amy nwa and pay off everyone he’s offended. But did you see how he solved his oga’s problem and grew his business? By the end of his second year in office, Nigeria would have paid off all her loans and the naira would have risen.

Mama Ify in “Gangs of Lagos”

Photo credit- Culture Custodian

Mama Ify will clamp down on over-taxing and ensure every child goes to school. Mama Ify will be sweet to us and host cookouts at Aso Rock every Saturday. But don’t take her niceness for foolishness — if anyone moves anyhow, she’ll swear for them in the middle of the street, and it’ll catch them.

Chioma Munachi

June 4, 2024

Pop

just imagine, Nigeria, Nigerian leaders, Nollywood
These Nollywood Movies Should be on Your Radar During Pride Month

It’s officially pride month and the gays are outside. If you and your dearly beloved are out there for some quality movie time, you’ll be glad to know that there are some Nollywood gems that tell stories of love, the power of community and acceptance.

And we made a list.

“Hell or High Water”

This movie was released in 2016, two years after Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act was enacted. Hell or High Water follows the life of a young, married, widely admired pastor. However, he’s soon forced to come to terms with his sexuality; a realisation that initially unsettled him. Hell or High Water exposes the issues of homophobia and societal stigma. Enyinna Nwigwe, Daniel K Daniel, Davies Adedayo, among others star in the movie.

“Walking with Shadows”

Released in 2019, this movie is an adaptation of Jude Dibia’s 2005 novel of the same name.

The movie revolves around the life of gay protagonist Ebele Njoko. In his bid to seek love and familial acceptance, Ebele reinvents himself as Adrian. Everything plays out well for Adrian until a vengeful colleague outs him as gay. Adrian is forced to reveal his sexuality when his wife confronts him. After their divorce, Adrian finds comfort in the power of community when his gay friend offers a helping hand.

Directed by Aoife O’Kelly, Walking with Shadows features Ozzy Agu, Funiola Aofiyebi, Zainab Balogun, among others.

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“All The Colors of The World Are Between Black and White”

This movie should be on your radar if you’re looking for a queer romcom.

Directed by Babatunde Apalawo, it tells the story of two young men, Bambino and Bawa, who become friends after first meeting at a photography competition. The two soon start to develop feelings for each other but they can’t fully express what they feel for each other due to the highly homophobic society. However, the lovebirds are undeterred as they find ways to navigate their feelings. The story shows the importance of love, acceptance and the beauty of human connections. It stars Tope Tedela, Riyo David, Uchechika Elumelu, among others.

“Ife”

This 2020 short was produced by LGBTQ rights advocates and filmmakers, Pamela Adie and Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim. It tells the love story of Ife and Adaora, two women who fall in love after an initial one-night date that extends to three days spent together. Ife highlights the challenges the experience of the ladies as queer lovers in Nigeria.

“Country Love”

Country Love follows the life of a young man, Kambili, who returns home after fifteen years and finds out that his memories of home have changed. The film explores the bond among siblings, love and sexuality, and their impact on queer people. Kelechi Michaels, Uzoamaka Onuoha and Divine Ahiwe.

Read this next: We Got Married So We Can Be Gay in Peace

Adeyinka Odutuyo

June 4, 2024

Pop

LGBTQ, Nollywood, pride month
7 Nollywood Biopics to Watch After “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti”

So you just finished watching the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti movie and are now curious about Nigerian historical figures? We curated a list of Nigerian biopics you should jump on next.

“Badamasi: Portrait of A General”

If Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti gave you a lesson in history, you might want to put a spin on this 2021 biopic about the former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

The movie follows his life, how he rose through the ranks in the Nigerian Army despite his humble beginnings. It gives a glimpse into his time as a head of state, featuring the annulment of the June 1993 presidential elections. Enyinna Nwigwe played the titular character, with support from Julius Agwu, Charles Inojie, Okey Bakassi, among others. You can stream it on Prime Video.

“The Herbert Macaulay Affair”

Directed by Imoh Umoren, this 2019 period film set in the 1920s follows the life of renowned Nigerian nationalist, Herbert Macaulay. Like with the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti movie, you’ll learn about the political activist who played a vital role in the fight for Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule. William Benson plays the lead role of Macaulay, with Saidi Balogun and Kelechi Udegbe playing supporting roles.

“Amina”

Just like the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti movie which is about a female historical figure, this 2021 period drama portrays the events that led to the warrior queen Amina of Zazzau (modern day Zaria)’s ascension to the throne of her father’s empire. Lucy Ameh played the titular character. The movie also stars Ali Nuhu, Clarion Chukwura, Usman Tijani, among others. It’s available to stream on Netflix.

“Ayinla”

If you grew up in a Yoruba home or have grandparents who love music, you’ll have heard a song or two from the Apala musician, Ayinla Omowura. In case you don’t know, there’s a movie biopic about the late musician made by legendary filmmaker, Tunde Kelani.

Released in 2021, Ayinla follows the life of the famed Apala musician until his untimely death at the hands of his manager. Lateef Adedimeji plays the titular character with support from Ade Laoye, Kunle Afolayan and Mr Macaroni. It’s available to stream on Netflix.

“Efunsetan Aniwura”

Ever heard stories of the second Iyalode of Ibadan who was also one of the wealthiest women in the Oyo Empire of the 18th century? That woman is Efunsetan Aniwura, and this movie is about her exploits and struggles. Efunsetan became a menace after she lost her husband and only child. She forbade her slaves from getting pregnant or having children, and beheaded those who did.

Directed by Funmi Holder, the 2020 Yoruba biopic stars Iyabo Ogunsola, Kareem Adepoju, Deji Aderemi, among others. It’s available to stream on YouTube.

“93 Days”

Before the COVID pandemic in 2020, there was the Ebola epidemic outbreak of 2014 that resulted in the loss of several lives. All of that was reenacted in the Nollywood movie, 93 Days, which sheds light on the sacrifices made by several health workers to contain the virus after the first Nigerian patient, Patrick Sawyer, was diagnosed.

Directed by Steve Gukas, 93 Days (2016) focuses on the heroic acts of Dr Ameyo Adadevoh, a female physician who played a key role in curbing the spread of the disease. It stars Keppy Ekpeyong, Bimbo Akintola, Danny Glover, among others. It’s available to stream on Prime Video.

“Invasion 1897”

Released in 2014, this Lancelot Imasuen-directed period piece gives a glimpse into the February 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom by British forces under the command of Sir Harry Rawson. The movie also follows the story of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, the 35th Oba of the ancient empire, and his dethronement. Invasion 1897 portrays how the famous Benin bronze statues were shipped off to European museums.

Mike Omoregbee played the lead role as Ovonramwen, with support from Segun Arinze, Justus Esiri and Paul Obazele. You can stream it on YouTube.

Read this next: The Latest Yoruba Movies You Should See in 2024

Adeyinka Odutuyo

May 30, 2024

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Biopic, Nigerians, Nollywood, Nollywood movies