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Nollywood | Page 4 of 42 | Zikoko!
  • The Black Women Who’ve Been Blackballed From the Entertainment Industry

    The Black Women Who’ve Been Blackballed From the Entertainment Industry

    The world of entertainment may look glamorous and tempting from the outside, but according to the many insider stories that have been exposed over time, it can be brutal and unforgiving. Speaking out against injustice, demanding a fair wage or refusing to be controlled by beneficiaries can hurt one’s career, especially if you’re of a “minority” group — gender, race, age, etc. 

    From Kenyan comedian, Elsa Majimbo, to iconic Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, here are some of the black women who’ve fought against being banned from the global entertainment industry by some of the most recognisable names.

    The Kenyan comedian and content creator recently set the internet abuzz after she name-dropped international supermodel, Naomi Campbell, and accused her of getting her blackballed from Hollywood. Apparently, Naomi shared a documentary idea with Elsa when they first met in 2021. Fast forward to 2022, Elsa released a documentary, and Naomi wasn’t pleased she’d seemingly executed her idea without involving her. Naomi eventually cut ties with her. “Things started going very badly for me. I thought it was because of the situation [with Naomi], but I wanted to be sure,” Elsa said in a TikTok video. She tried to reach Naomi afterwards, but Elsa realised it was a lost cause when the supermodel told her to stop contacting her. 

    The content creator admits that speaking about the Naomi situation was “hard and scary” but “she doesn’t want to be owned by someone else”.

    Mo’ Nique

    In 2010, Hollywood actress and comedian, Mo’Nique clinched her first Oscar Award for the film, Precious. While the win should’ve marked the beginning of a successful career, Mo’Nique largely retreated from Hollywood afterward. During a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, she doubled down on the age-old rumours that producers, Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, were responsible for getting her in Hollywood’s black book. She said the duo had her blackballed over her refusal to promote the movie for free, and not acknowledging them in her Oscars acceptance speech. Mo’Nique claimed she had an audio recording of Perry admitting that he told people she was difficult to work with.

    Joke Silva

    With a career that spans more than three decades, iconic actress Joke Silva also suffered consequences for standing up against the powers that be in the entertainment industry. In a 2021 interview, the actress recounted her experience with a major marketer who wanted her on his project. Things didn’t go according to schedule due to poor time management on the part of the film owners. She gave an extra two days grace period after her two weeks contract had expired, then she walked off the set. “The marketer was big at that time. Because of that, I was secretly blacklisted for quite a while. Mine was never mentioned, but it was done.”

    Taraji P Henson

    In late 2023, during media rounds for the musical remake of The Color Purple, Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress, Taraji P. Henson, ruffled feathers in the industry after calling out Hollywood for underpaying Black actresses. Taraji’s timing got people wondering if she was indirectly calling out Oprah, who had a similar fall out with Mo’Nique. However, the actress returned with an Instagram post noting that Oprah treated her fairly. Thankfully, unlike Mo’Nique, who got little to no support from colleagues, actresses like Octavia Spencer, Gabrielle Union, Viola Davis and Keke Palmer supported Henson.

    Adunni Ade

    Similar to Hollywood’s Mo’Nique, Adunni Ade’s career took a nosedive after the AMVCAs nominated her for Best Supporting Actress in 2017. In a 2021 interview, the actress said she was blacklisted from the English-speaking faction of Nollywood right after the AMVCA nomination. “I might be wrong that I was outcasted out of the English industry. I won’t say 100% but I’ve had jobs taken away from me, colleagues who have now become big names yank my name off or make lies to producers and EPs on reasons why they should not give me a job.” The actress self-funded her movie, Soole, in 2021.

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    Janet Jackson

    Her collaborative Super Bowl Halftime performance with Justin Timberlake in 2004 did more harm than good to her career. Jackson received heavy backlash for a wardrobe malfunction that exposed a nipple during her performance. After the incident, she was banned from MTV and many radio stations refused to play her music. However, due to her undeniable talent, Jackson managed to keep her career going.

    Rita Dominic

    The Nollywood actress’ evolution to a producer didn’t come without its struggle. In 2021, Dominic revealed that she was “silently blacklisted” in Nollywood. Some colleagues in the industry didn’t like the idea of the actress moving out of her comfort zone and starting her own production company. “At some point in my career, I wanted to evolve and do different things. The people we used to work with a lot then didn’t understand that—more like they couldn’t be bothered. So I wasn’t getting work. I was blacklisted silently.” Refusing to stay beat, Dominic proceeded with the Audrey Silva Company and released her first film, The Meeting, in 2012. Dominic’s production house also produced the 2021 thriller, La Femme Anjola.

    READ ALSO: 5 Kinds Of People Who Don’t Deserve The Hate They Get

  • We Ranked the Rich Boyfriends of Nollywood, From “God, When?” to “God Forbid”

    We Ranked the Rich Boyfriends of Nollywood, From “God, When?” to “God Forbid”

    Nollywood found the rich boyfriend trope and held on to its ṣokoto like their lives depended on it. Honestly, we understand because the way these men spend money on their babes?

    If we weren’t too busy shouting, “God, when?” we’d be plotting how to break their happy homes.

    Mide in “Skinny Girl in Transit”

    We know he owns the company Tiwa works at, but at first, we couldn’t see how long his money was because of how casually he spent it. Now, our eyes are wide open. $100 bundles? Shares in Tesla and Apple? In this economy of constant inflation and ₦1,442 to $1?

    God-when-o-meter: We’ve been shouting, “God, when?” since he started dating Tiwa. Now that he’s dropping dollar bundles and shares in multinational companies on her head? God will soon have to beg us to hush.

    George in “Fine Wine”

    Somebody decided to give us RMD as an older lover, and every day, we send good vibes their way. George came into Kaima’s life and treated her like a princess. Shopping sprees, helped her get retained at her job, protected her from her idiot ex? The man thought she hung the moon and stars and did everything to make sure she knew it too.

    God-when-o-meter: Make a “God, when?” button and watch us press it hard.

    Aminu in “The Men’s Club”

    The man referred to himself as a forest because his money is just that long. He bought a house on the spot because the landlord was disturbing the love of his life. He flew from the island to the mainland because he couldn’t care to be stuck in Lagos traffic. Environmental activists might not like him very much and Tumini might be acting like his money is the sole cause of her unhappiness, but that’s okay because we like him very much.

    Aminu, call us.

    God-when-o-meter: We’ll take everything he has to offer, including his “Strong head. I don’t need help” behaviour.

    Adil in “Big Love”

    Adil wasn’t just in love with Adina, he loved her son too and was ready to do anything for them. Including using his parents connections to get her a new job, move them both to Lagos and beat the shit out of his cousin for cussing her out.

    God-when-o-meter: His family loved her, he loved her, they all came together to spoil her and her child silly. Take away his foolish cousin, and we’re in it for life.

    Deji in “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel”

    He bought her parents’ hotel for her. Granted, that was always his plan, but he met her, fell in love with her, and decided the only thing he wants is her love and happiness. And if it cost him a couple million naira, then so be it.

    God-when-o-meter: God, when? But also God, abeg, because imagine the love of your life having a friend and business partner like Martin.

    Behold our Valentine Special

    We brought back three couples we interviewed in 2019 to share how their relationships have evolved in the last five years. This is the first episode:

    Nonso from “The Wedding Party 2”

    Please, the man proposed by mistake and still went along with it. He even planned a destination wedding all because their families were fighting and he didn’t want anyone/thing to stress his baby. Nonso was a man in love; if his baby wanted something, she got it.

    God-when-o-meter: God, when? As long as he takes out the mistaken proposal bit because, why?

    Ahanna in “Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story”

    If your man isn’t willing to elevate himself from the shackles of poverty by robbing a few rich people and his friends then using the money to buy a big ass farm in Abuja to live there with you, is it really love?

    God-when-o-meter: God, abeg. Doing crime with the love of your life is great, but imagine dying because his best friend’s sister, who he was cheating on you with, has come back for revenge?

    Buba from “Wrath and Revenge”

    We can’t deny how long Buba’s money and connections are. The man was willing and ready to do anything to protect Alicia from his stupid cousin and make sure she was good. Even though, now that we think about it, he was really the weapon fashioned against her, and the reason she needed to be protected in the first place. 

    God-when-o-meter: God, abeg. God forbid. God, not in this life or the next. Did you see what he almost did to her? Him and his salt and pepper beard can geddifok.

  • 10 Rom-Com Quotes You Should Text to Your Valentine

    10 Rom-Com Quotes You Should Text to Your Valentine

    Forget waxing lyrical in love letters, if you want your sweet and sappy words to send butterflies into the tummy of the LOYL, rom-com speak is where it’s at. 

    That’s why we combed through the most popular ones for rom-com quotes that’ll have your Valentine weak in the knees. The lines are obviously tested and trusted.

    “I burn for you” Daphne, Bridgerton

    10 Rom-Com Quotes You Should Text to Your Valentine

    It’s a simple, straight to the point confession that you’re willing to walk through hellfire for them.

    “You’re perfect. Everything about you is perfect” Isoken, Isoken

    If you’re a person of few words, this line packs a punch. Simple, you only have eyes for them in this lifetime and the one beyond.

    “Your love is like the wind. I can’t see it but I can feel it.” Lola, A Million Tears

    10 Rom-Com Quotes You Should Text to Your Valentine

    With this, they’ll know that after God, you’re the only one capable of giving them agape love

    Behold our Valentine Special.
    We brought back three couples we interviewed in 2019 to share how their relationships have evolved in the last five years.
    This is the first episode

    “I’ve come here with no expectations, only to profess now that I am at liberty to do so, that my heart is, and always will be, yours.”  Mr Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

    10 Rom-Com Quotes You Should Text to Your Valentine

    They shouldn’t have to be in doubt that your heart 100% belongs to them. This quote is just about showing proof.

    “I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope and every dream I’ve ever had.” Noah, The Notebook

    In other words, there’s no you without them. 

    [ad]

    “I would rather have had one breath of your hair, one kiss from your mouth, one touch of your hand, than eternity without it.” Nicholas Cage,  City of Angels

    10 Rom-Com Quotes You Should Text to Your Valentine

    Another message that tells them life is a vast ocean of nothingness if you’re not the one setting their soul on fire.

    “I’ll never let go, Jack. I’ll never let go.” — Rose, Titanic

    Replace Jack with their name, and this message tells them that there’s no principality or weapon fashioned against y’all’s relationship that’ll prosper.

    “I’m not a tree; I’m a forest.” Aminu, The Men’s Club

    10 Rom-Com Quotes You Should Text to Your Valentine

    This is a reminder that you have an endless supply of yourself to give to them. 

    “You jump, I jump.” Rose, Titanic

    You go where they go. Even to the afterlife…

    “When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want that moment to start as soon as possible.” Harry, When Harry Met Sally

    It’s the perfect message to send when you suddenly realise they’re the missing puzzle in your life.

    READ ALSO: Things to Consider Before You Spend on Valentine’s Day, According to 9–5ers

  • 7 Roles Segun Arinze Will Be Perfect In

    7 Roles Segun Arinze Will Be Perfect In

    There’s something about Segun Arinze’s eyes that has characters confessing all their past, present, and future sins, but must Nollywood typecast him as an olopa? The man has played a police officer in Afamefuna, Merry Men 3 AND Blood Sisters

    Nollywood needs to remove “olopa” from our king’s head and put him in something new. We have a couple of suggestions.

    A priest

    Image Source: Nollywoodbymindspace

    What’s the difference between a priest and a police officer? Well, a lot, but they both have the uncanny ability to get people to confess all they’ve done and might want to do in the future. If Nollywood still wants to make use of his truth-revealing, olopa eyes, then they should make him a priest.

    A vengeful man

    Image Source: Zikoko!memes

    We need someone to wipe out his entire family in the first 30 minutes of a film so his character can spend the next 60 to 90 minutes threatening, maiming and killing people. Have you seen him in Silent Night? We know he can do this.

    Somebody’s disapproving daddy

    Image Source: Zikoko!memes

    We need more Nollywood romance, and every self-respecting romance needs someone to stand as a stumbling block in the way of the protagonist’s love. We volunteer Segun Arinze in the role of disapproving daddy who thinks no one is good enough for his darling child.

    A murderous choir leader

    Image Source: Zikoko!memes

    He could honestly go around hacking people down with a saw, as long as we get to hear him sing every now and again.

    An ever-grieving widower

    Image Source: Zikoko!memes

    Older people are allowed to fall in love, too. Nollywood needs to actually take this one seriously and give Segun Arinze a character that spends half the film grieving the loss of his first love and the other half rediscovering himself and falling in love with someone new.

    A historical figure

    Image Source: torinews!

    It’s already been announced that he’s playing MKO Abiola in a biopic. But people need to be reminded of Segun Arinze’s range yesterday, so we’ll need the filmmakers to speed things up and give us that biopic NOW.

    A time-traveling juju man

    Image Source: Zikoko!memes

    Nollywood’s already given us one juju sci-fi film, so we know they can do it again. They need to put Segun Arinze in costume and have him muttering out incantations through space and time as soon as possible.

  • 7 Nigerian Celebs Who Slid Into the DMs of People More Famous Than Them

    7 Nigerian Celebs Who Slid Into the DMs of People More Famous Than Them

    Forget that celebrities receive a torrent of DMs from fans. They also often slide into other famous people’s inbox. Imagine Adekunle Gold sliding into Don Jazzy’s DM to beg for a job as a graphic designer. Hard to believe, right? 

    That’s why we combed through the internet archives to find these seven celeb interactions that went down in the DMs. Which ones were successful and who got aired till eternity? Let’s find out.

    Vee Iye

    Ex Big Brother Naija housemate, Vee Iye, landed a lead role in Funke Akindele’s Prime Video debut, She Must be Obeyed. But did you know she had to shoot her shot in the DMs. After the series premiered, Vee shared a screenshot of her exchange with Akindele who graciously obliged her request. 

    Mayorkun

    In April 2021, American singer-songwriter, T-Pain, discovered the request folder on Instagram. Apparently, he thought all messages were supposed to go into his direct message inbox, not into a request folder. T-Pain shared a video of all the celebrities he’d unintentionally ignored and somewhere in the flood of DMs was our own Mayorkun. The singer had sent a “Bro! Big fan!” message that never got a response.

    [ad]

    Spyro

    The Who’s Your Guy singer has been on a relentless mission to get Hollywood actress, Meagan Good’s attention via the DM, without success. Spyro first slid into her DM in 2021, expressing interest in working with her. He never got a response. He returned two years later with an even stronger proposition of his undying love. 

    “I have come again, my love. I know you don’t know me, but my love for you knows no bounds. I will always love you, Meagan. I am blown now and ready to settle down, and it’s you I want before Casava starts to age.” 

    After the DM exchange went viral, Spryo acknowledged Tunde Ednut who’d also posted the screenshots on Instagram, and thanked him for bringing his dream of being with Meagan a step closer to reality.

    Nengi

    The BBNaija star announced on national TV that she once slid into ace music producer, Don Jazzy’s DM, and he responded.

    “I’ve always loved Don Jazzy. I’ve sent him a DM once, but I honestly cannot remember what the content of the DM was. It was such a long time ago,” Nengi said during a conversation with fellow housemate, Ozo.

    Davido

    Baba Imade sparked joy among fans in 2020 when he announced that American rapper, Nicki Minaj, would be on his album, A Better Time. But here’s the interesting thing. That collaboration exists because he shot his shot while under the influence of alcohol.

    During an interview on Beat FM, Davido narrated how he’d gone clubbing after recording the song and texted Nicki on a whim. 

    “So I took my phone and DMed her. I said, “Nicki, I got a song for us. It’s gon’ go number one, I promise you” in those exact words. The next morning, I saw a message from her that read, “Send it.” The next day, she sent it…”

    Portable 

    The singer was head over heels after his first-ever DM interaction with Tiwa Savage in February 2023. He’d sent a DM to the singer, showering prayers on her. Tiwa didn’t just respond to his message, she sent a voice note. In typical Portable fashion, he shared a screenshot of the interaction online. 

    Adekunle Gold

    AG Baby slid into Don Jazzy’s Twitter DM multiple times when he was still hustling. At the time, he was a graphic artist who wanted to join the Mohits team to design album covers.

    “Good am Mohit Lord, I’m thinking I cud be of GREAT help to the artistic growth of MOHITS. I’m a graphic artist of magnitude. I do album arts.” AG Baby would also send multiple song links, begging the producer to listen and share. He was mostly aired, but once got a “thanks bro” response. Adekunle Gold released the “embarrassing” screenshots in 2020 in an email to his followers. 

    Can’t tell when you’ve been aired? You should read this: 6 Unmistakable Signs That You Have Been Aired

  • 8 Upcoming Nollywood Titles to Anticipate in 2024

    8 Upcoming Nollywood Titles to Anticipate in 2024

    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. 

    How well do you know your favourite Nollywood characters? Take this quiz to find out.

  • Everything We Can Expect From the Nigerian Entertainment Industry in 2024

    Everything We Can Expect From the Nigerian Entertainment Industry in 2024

    With all the Grammy nominations, new Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy appointments and the promise of a Afrobeats Museum we’ve gotten so far, things are looking promising for the industry this year. Here’s everything we expect to happen.

    Afrobeats gets a seat at the Grammy table

    If you missed it, “Best African Music” has been added to the Grammy list of categories, and Nigerians dominated the nominations last year. Burna Boy’s Alone and Davido’s FEEL were also nominated for “Best Global Music Performance”. Blessing Offor, a Nigerian gospel singer, got two nominations. Rema, Bloody Civilian and Tems were on the Grammy-nominated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever album, Fireboy DML on Jon Baptiste’s nominated album, World Music Radio, and Janelle Monae’s nominated Age of Pleasure album brought in CKay and Seun Kuti.

    Who said it’s not plenty for Nigerian music?

    The new federal directors show themselves

    January 12, 2024, came with the appointment of Nigerian creative industry figures like Obi Asika (Storm Records), Tola Akerele (Bogobiri House) and Ali Nuhu (Nollywood) into the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy. We can’t wait to see what they do first.

    An Afrobeats museum

    On January 13, 2024, we published a two-part story about why we need an Afrobeats museum, and what it would look like, which motivated pop culture journalist, Jide Taiwo, to announce the launch of his museum. We can’t wait to see this brilliant idea come to life.

    Next Afrobeats Star

    Ultima Studio, the makers of the now cancelled hit music talent show, Project Fame, are back with a replacement: Next Afrobeats Star. They haven’t revealed a launch date yet, but it’ll air for ten weeks, and the four judges are music producers, Sarz, Puffy-T, Andre Vibez and P.Priime — a huge win and recognition for our producers.

    X.com: @joeyakan

    AMVCA re-evaluation

    MultiChoice’s Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, Dr Busola Tejumola, announced on January 15, that the categories of the famous Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) have been reduced from 33 to 27, to “meet global trends and standards”. Also, the Best Actor and Best Actress in Leading/Supporting Role will now be decided solely by a jury. These changes mark the tenth edition of the award show this year.

    Source: BellaNaija

    Another Big Brother Naija?

    The reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, just announced the coming of Season 9 audition dates. Nigerians are about to obsess over strangers and make them celebrities once again. 

    More industry drama

    The new year is just 18 days old, and we’ve already seen enough online gbas gbos to last the year. From Stefflon Don and Jada Kingdom fighting over Burna Boy to Prettyboy D-O calling out NATIVE Records’ president, TeezeeDRB, for owing his videographer-friend $500 and Tiwa Savage petitioning Davido over his threat to her life, it looks like a “No gree for anybody” year for the industry too.

    Hehe, iskelebetiolebe

    Get familiar with the New Directors of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy

  • Ayamma, Obara’m, and 8 Other Must-Watch Nollywood Musicals 

    Ayamma, Obara’m, and 8 Other Must-Watch Nollywood Musicals 

    Imagine this: You’re watching Adesua Etomi and Wale Ojo confessing their love to each other, then they randomly burst into song and a choreographed dance routine. There’s nothing as fun and freeing as Nollywood musicals (yes, even when Nancy Isime is singing about finding her missing child), and we can prove it.

    From Oscar Heman-Ackah’s upcoming ‘Finding Messiah’ to ‘Sacred Tradition’ and Obara’m, Nollywood has always been in their musical bag.

    “Ayamma”

    Think ‘The Little Mermaid’  if the main character, Iko, is in no way a princess, and her voice wasn’t stolen. 

    The chief priest just cursed the land, and there’s a possibility of her dying if she so much as hums a tune. 

    The film gave love, drama, and a really annoying protagonist you’d want to fight with all your might.

    “Ayinla”

    You can’t really tell a story about the Apala musician who was stabbed to death by his manager without adding a little song and dance, can you?

    Well, you could try, but ‘Ayinla’ said God forbid. The musical infuses original music from Ayinla Omowura, exploring themes of betrayal, rivalry, and what happens when you steal your manager’s girlfriend with zero remorse.

    “Inale” 

    If there’s anything I’m sure of, it’s whoever came up with the phrase “Fight for love” didn’t mean it the way the people of Otukpo took it. 

    Odeh, the love of Inale’s life, fights other suitors to win her hand and loses (which just goes to show how unserious he is). The film follows the couple after this loss, as Inale is drowned by her sister and becomes a temporary mermaid.Her sister marries her betrothed – Prince Agaba, and Odeh deals with the guilt of his loss.

    “Sacred Tradition”

    An OG feminist, Ugomma hates the traditions and customs of her land and would rather walk barefoott on glass if it meant not following any of them. So obviously the writers make her fall in love with Dinta, a hunter, against the traditions of her village.

    “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”

    ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’ themes include abuse, passion, faith, and love. The film follows Debby, a victim of spousal abuse, as she tries to hide the reality of her marriage to Moses, a choir leader and gospel singer.

    “Obara’m”

    You know the producers of a musical really mean business when they throw actual musicians, like The Cavemen in and let them do their thing.

    The Kayode Kasum-directed film tells Oluchi’s story as she confronts her past mistakes and reconnects with her daughter through their love for music.

    “Deadly Price”

    The film is a spin on the folktale about the princess who married an otherworldly being disguised as a human and followed him to the land of the spirits.

    ‘Deadly Price’ follows Akwaeke as she falls under Odum’s spell, marries and follows him to the land of the dead. Now Ogbuagu must rescue her and return her to the palace where she belongs.

    “Lara and the Beat”

    According to Trish from the movie, ‘Poverty isn’t interesting.’   But somehow, the Giwa sisters find a way to do just that in ‘Lara and the Beat’. Seyi Shay serenades us through the film as her character finds herself, falls in love, and sees her music career take off.

    “Nwaogo the housemaid”

    There aren’t many things that match up to watching someone pine over and yearn for the person they love. It’s even betterwhen the person doing the pining is the prince of Okwe kingdom, and the love of his life is Nwaogo, who doesn’t send him like that.

    We see Nwaogo sing about her tragic life in servitude, and then the prince comes into the equation. We definitely see him chase her around a tree and sing of his love for her multiple times. 

    “Hoodrush”

    Who needs P-Square when we can have the Jabarih brothers?

    Singing, dancing, two-timing, and a possible robbery —you name it — the Jabarih brothers will do it as long as it leads them to success.

    RECOMMENDED: Which of these Old Nollywood Soundtracks Do You Remember?

  • Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    Netflix and chill sounds cool, but nothing beats the satisfaction of stumbling upon ridiculously good Nigerian TV shows that have you allocating a budget for cable TV, even though we’re now in the streaming era. These shows have everything from comedy to chaotic drama and something to tickle your intelligence. Let’s get into them.

    Big Brother Naija (BBNaija)

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    One of the most anticipated reality TV shows in Nigeria, BBNaija is a social experiment that brings 15 to 21 people from across the country together under one roof and presents their daily lives to viewers. You get to watch full-grown adults fight over food, connive against each other, fall in love and form genuine or fake friendships all to win money or fame. Contestants are evicted on a weekly or bi-weekly basis depending on the organisers.

    Where does it air?

    BBNaija has a dedicated 24-hour channel on DStv, and the eviction shows air on all Africa Magic channels. The last season, BBNaija All-Stars, ran for 70 days.

    The Johnsons

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    This comedy TV series debuted in 2012 and has remained on Nigerian TV screens for the last 12 years. It follows the life of a middle-class family navigating life in Lagos, Nigeria. This show has so many family drama scenarios you’ll relate to if you grew up in a typical Nigerian home. Charles Inojie, Osita Iheme, Olumide Oworu and Kunle Bamtefa are among the cast of The Johnsons.

    When does it air?

    The Johnsons airs at 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday on Africa Magic channels.

    Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? is a weekly TV game show hosted by media personality, Frank Edoho, where guests get to test their knowledge on general subjects in front of a live audience. If you love to watch people on the hot seat struggle with questions you probably don’t know the answers to, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? got you covered.

    Where does it air?

    Africa Magic channels, Silverbird and TVC. The last season aired in March 2022.

    The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOL)

    The Lagos version of the American franchise debuted in April 2022 on the streaming platform, Showmax. The first season of the reality show follows the flamboyant and chaotic lives of Iyabo Ojo, Toyin “Tiannah” Lawani, Laura Ikeji, Carolyn Danjuma, Chioma Ikokwu (AKA Chioma Goodhair) and Mariam Timmer. The second season features the same cast members save for the addition of Faith Morey and Tania Omotayo who replace Carolyn.

    There’s the right amount of gbas gbos and drama between the “housewives” to keep you on the edge of your seats. Can you imagine Chioma and Tiannah almost getting physical? Yes, exactly that type of drama.

    Where does it air?

    The first season aired weekly on Africa Magic Urban and Showcase at 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. respectively. The second season is available to stream on the Showmax app.

    My Flatmates

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    If you love The Johnsons, this is one of the Nigerian TV shows that should be on your radar. It features some of Nigeria’s biggest comedians — Basketmouth, Buchi, Yaw Wazobia and Senator — acting as friends who are struggling to get their shit together. You’ll love this show if you’ve ever squatted with friends, had landlord problems or are still hustling your way to the top.

    When does it air?

    My Flatmates shows weekdays on Africa Magic and GOtv channels at 6:30 p.m.

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    Family Feud Nigeria

    It’s a TV game show where different families compete against each other to win cash and prizes. This global franchise hosted by Hollywood actor and comedian, Steve Harvey, debuted its first season in Nigeria in October 2022, with Bisola Aiyeola playing host. You’ll watch families struggle to outbest each other while making fun of themselves. One good thing about this show? You and your family members can join in the game while watching.

    When does it air?

    Family Feud airs on Africa Magic and GOtv channels at 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

    The Voice Nigeria

    This music talent show has Nigerians in a chokehold for one reason: Live performances of popular songs from above average singers. Every season, contestants audition to be a part of the show and come under the tutelage of seasoned musicians. Fans vote for their favourite acts every week until a final winner is chosen.

    The last season had Waje, Niyola, Praiz and Naeto C as judges.

    When does it air?

    The Voice Nigeria airs on Africa Magic, GOtv and StarTimes. It also airs on TVC. Viewing times are 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. depending on the channel.

    If you love Nigerian TV shows, you should get into this: The Reality TV Shows We Nigerians Deserve