Nollywood 2023 brought us blockbusters like A Tribe Called Judah, Jagun Jagun, The Black Book and Gangs of Lagos. Three weeks into 2024, you may be wondering if Nollywood has plans to shatter its own records. We did a little snooping, and with these titles on the lineup, there’s no doubt our movie industry is up to the task.
Question is, are you ready for this?
“Casa De Novia”
After an impressive outing with The House of Secrets and Mikolo in 2023, director, Niyi Akinmolayan, and his production house, Anthill Studios, are making an even bigger comeback in 2024 with Casa De Novia.
We don’t know what the storyline is just yet, but the teaser features Small Talk actor, Taye Arimoro, cosplaying as a ghost in a magic mirror. Casa de Novia is heading straight to Prime Video, starring Lilian Esoro, Efe Irele and Tope Tedela, among others.
“Oloture” series
Ebonylife has revisited its critically acclaimed 2019 drama, Oloture, for a series set to drop on Netflix sometime this year. Post production is ongoing, and some familiar faces make a return to the series. Sharon Ooja reprises her role as Ehi (an undercover journalist), while Bucci Franklin and Stan Nze join as new cast members.
“A Better Man”
Nollywood will have its fair share of sappy romance this year, and Uche Jombo is championing this. The Nollywood actress and her production house, Uche Jombo Studios, are heading to the big screen with A Better Man, featuring Daniel Etim Effiong, Elvina Ibru, Tana Adelana and Tina Mba, among others. According to Jombo, the romantic drama “tells the story of Ogechi and Dayo in a stranger-than-fiction romantic whirlwind”. Hopefully, the release will be in time for Valentine’s Day.
“Finding Messiah”
Kemi Adetiba has been more than vocal about her husband, Oscar Heman-Ackah’s directorial debut, Finding Messiah. So far, we’ve seen an otherworldly set, costumes similar to the ones we saw in Black Panther’s Wakanda and the OGs: Pete Edochie, Alex Usifo and Taiwo Ajai-Lycett. The political epic is set in the fictional Republic of Zambay.
Principal photography wrapped in December but major details about its plot and release are still unknown.
“I Do Not Come To You By Chance”
It’s no longer news that Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s award-winning 2009 debut book, “I Do Come To You By Chance” has been made into a movie, and the iconic Genevieve Nnaji executive produced it. AFRIFF 2023 attendees have already got a taste of what the Ishaya Bako-directed title offers, but the rest of us will have to find out when it comes to cinemas this year. Paul Nnadiekwe, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Jennifer Eliogu, Sambasa Nzeribe and Beverly Osu are the major stars in the cast.
“Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre”
Kunle Afolayan wrapped up filming for this four-part series in 2023 and teased fans with BTS photos of what will be a spin-off of the acclaimed Nollywood epic, Anikulapo. The series will premiere on Netflix. New cast members Layi Wasabi and Gabriel Afolayan will join Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, among others.
“Onyegwu”
Uche Jombo means business with her filmmaking in 2024. Premiering this sports drama at AFRIFF 2023, she’s set to release it later this year. Zubby Michael plays the lead character, Alex, who goes spiritual to reclaim his spot in the world of football. Chioma Akpotha, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Nancy Isime and Lateef Adedimeji, also feature in the movie.
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