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In the last decade, we’ve seen exceptional growth in Nollywood. From Fifty, Wedding Party,Lionheart, Isoken and King of Boys to Blood Sisters, Shanty Town, Far From Home and Anikulapo, it’s safe to say the industry has its foot on our necks and isn’t letting up anytime soon.
Lately, Nollywood has taken the action thriller genre and done with it as it wishes. In 2023 alone, we’ve had Gangs of Lagos, Almajiri, The Trade and Jagun Jagun, with more such movies in the pipeline.
Written and directed by Editi Effiong, The Black Book might still be in the works, but here’s all we know about the star-studded action thriller.
The director’s feature-length debut
Although he’s known for producing big-name projects like Up North, Day of Destiny and The Set Up, this is Editi Effiong’s first attempt at directing a feature-length film. His debut was born out of necessity. The filmmakers Editi approached couldn’t commit to working exclusively on his project for a year.
The Netflix original title took two years to write, a year of pre-production and 13 months to film.
It’s a million-dollar baby
When Seyi Vibez sang Million Dollar Baby, he must’ve had The Black Book in mind. Co-written by Bukunmi Ajakiye, produced by Lala Akindoju and shot by Yinka Edward, the action thriller is the first Nollywood film to be shot on a million-dollar budget.
This budget covered the cost of guns, props, security, shipping generators to Tarkwa Bay for night shooting, and hiring professionals from six different countries, including the UK, the US and South Africa.
In the movie, a father has to fall back on his military training to get justice for his son who was killed by a group of corrupt policemen. Sound familiar?
The Black Book stars Ikechukwu Onunaku, Alex Usifo Omiagbo, Kelechi Udegbe, Denola Grey, Ireti Doyle, Shaffy Bello, Patrick Doyle, Bimbo Manuel, Norbert Young, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Asabe Madaki and Olumide Oworu. Richard Mofe-DamijoplaysPaul Edima, the father, a part he spent a year preparing for, following a strict diet and working out regularly.
RMD dedicated 13 months
In Nollywood, more often than not, actors are allowed to work on multiple projects at the same time. But for The Black Book, Richard Mofe Damijo had to reject other projects and focus his time and energy on it. This might have something to do with the year-long preparation mentioned earlier.
It’s hard to watch movies for leisure these days. But the internet people’s noise over Jagun Jagun couldn’t be ignored. If I didn’t leave X (FKA Twitter) and run to press play, the memes would’ve ruined the experience for me.
Anyway, let’s get into it.
Once I heard the traditional drums and chants, and saw the wide drone shot of a thick forest, I knew I was in for an interesting one. Next thing, there’s a strangely artistic mud house sitting on a rock.
The narrator describes a powerful warrior and jazzman called Ogundiji (Femi Adebayo), and we see him swagger to his throne in a dark fur garment that drags after him. A king looks at him like he’s glaring at God. According to the narrator, Ogundiji is “the messenger of the powerful people.” But this king, who’s supposed to be a powerful client, looks more like an Ogundiji groupie.
An unnamed warrior (Odunlade Adekola) raids a kingdom called Keto, holds the royal family hostage, kills the prince and steals the crown. He draws his sword in the air one last time, but before he can take the king’s head, a weapon comes of from nowhere and butchers his hand off. Blood springs everywhere, Quentin Tarantino style.
Everyone’s shook, including the new amputee himself. It’s Ogundiji in the building. Bully pass bully.
Far away from all the chaos, a young man walks through the forest when he’s suddenly waylaid by a huge tree. He composes himself and talks to the fallen tree, commanding it to let him pass. Lo and behold, the tree stands and gives him the way.
Thankfully, there’s a narrator to read this tree commander’s profile, so I didn’t have to wonder who he is. Gbotija (meaning “Only answer to fights”) is the son of Lagbayi, from a long line of wood carvers. So naturally, he has the power to talk to trees. He’s on his way to enroll in Ogundiji’s School of Warriors, to learn the art of war.
After some training, the time finally comes for the student warriors to go on their first mission — to wage war on a small settlement called Ota Efon. If you’re looking for dark magic that turns day into night and produces cannons of fire, you find it here. You’ll get flying kicks, sword fights and acrobatic moves too. Despite it all, Ogundiji’s trained warriors are met with resistance.
While the war is ongoing, and Ogundiji’s men are suffering defeat, his top generals make merry somewhere in the bush, waiting for their juniors to finish business and come back to them. Ogundiji’s deities notify him of this at home. Sharp-sharp, he goes into his control room to command his killing machine, the demon assassin, Agemo, to win the war for him.
Agemo appears on the battle ground and puts everyone on pause. Then breezes through the warriors to slice and murder the soldiers on the other side. After the war, Ogundiji throws the merry-making generals into prison.
Night falls, and it’s time for dinner — akara and pap. But Gbotija, the tree commander, isn’t having it. Rightfully. After trekking to another town to fight war, and trekking back, why should two people share one akara and pap? Even the agbado era isn’t this heartless (but who knows? God, abeg).
Iroyinogunkitan (meaning “News of war never ends”), Ogundiji’s daughter, makes a scapegoat of Gbotija. They tie him to a tree and beat him black and blue like the Inter Milan jersey. The man has the pain bandwidth of Kunta Kinte, because why did they beat him to a pulp of paper maché, and he still won’t keep his mouth shut?
After the cruel show of supremacy, Iroyinogunkitan asks him to be her friend, giving him these “come and fuck me” eyes.
While Ogundiji’s wife (Fathia Balogun) begs him to forgive the imprisoned generals, one of the junior soldiers, Weyinwo, is busy passing akara and pap to them inside the prison.
Ogundiji catches them red-handed but spares the generals and sentences the junior soldier to burn on a stake. Then he sends his burnt corpse back to his town.
On one side, the kings of the surrounding villages gather to plan their contribution to Ogundiji’s upcoming party. They troll each other about their undeserved thrones, a scene that felt too much like watching Nigerian politicians merry over the national cake.
On the other side, the burnt soldier’s girlfriend seeks a spiritual eye-for-an-eye by sending three ghost gunmen to kill Ogundiji’s wife. Gbotija talks to the dane guns made of wood and the gunmen eventually disappear.
Gbogunmi (meaning “Swallow war”), an alumnus of Ogundiji’s war school, comes to tell Ogundiji he can’t carry out an evil assignment to raid his own wife’s town. Angered, Ogundiji promises to punish him.
Everyone has heard that Gbotija saved Ogundiji’s wife. Gbogunmi befriends him and promises to gift him some charms. As Gbotija’s popularity rises, so does Ogundiji’s hatred for his student. He gives Gbotija a death sentence disguised as promotion tests. First, he tells him to fight Gbogunmi to the death.
Gbotija is victorious and qualifies for the second stage of the test — a seven-day dry fast while locked in a coffin.
Kitan and Gbotija bump genitals in preparation. After seven days, and even though Ogundiji ordered for the coffin to be thrown into a river — in a scene that gave the movie’s CGI budget a run for its money — Gbotija survives. Of course, the coffin is made of wood, and he’s a wood whisperer.
For his last test, Ogundiji sends him to annihilate a town during a Yemoja festival. Gbotija ends up turning their white clothes to blood red.
On his way back to the war school, Agemo attacks him. But why is Ogundiji trying to kill his own apprentice? After asking these questions and playing hide-and-seek in the trees with Agemo, the latter falls hard on a tree branch. Gbotija takes off the demon’s mask, and it’s his babe, Iroyinogunkitan.
As she dies, she reveals how she’s just a kid Ogundiji stole from a village he came to raid. Devastated, Gbojita enters Ogundiji’s compound with her corpse and reveals the cause of her death to Ogundiji’s wife. Their back and forth further reveals that Ogundiji has a son with a regent king in another town. Omo, there’s no greater betrayal than this. But the bombshell is that Ogundiji’s wife actually sacrificed her womb for him to gain powers.
Yet, this OG Yoruba demon has the audacity to ask what she’ll do about it. Ogundiji goes on to brag about his evil powers, and all the towns he’s conquered, when Gbotija realises he destroyed his own town. Ogundiji is the reason why his father had to sacrifice himself for Gbotija to live.
After realising he’s been fighting and killing for his father’s killer, he calls for support. The army divides into two, choosing sides to fight one last battle. During the ensuing chaos, Ogundiji’s wife stabs her husband with Agemo’s knife, demystifying his jazz and allowing Gbotija to finish him off.
It turns out “Jagun Jagun” isn’t about war, but love, betrayal and unchecked power. Gbotija only became a warrior to avenge his father’s death. Ogundiji didn’t value his wife or soldiers, all of whom sacrificed greatly for him.
But it didn’t really end there. Ogundiji’s son (Ibrahim Chatta) hears the bad news and comes running home.
Now that Ogundiji is dead, will his son inherit his fine fur capes and hats, or will they collect dust on a hanger somewhere?
We’re eight months into 2023 and Nollywood has already delivered some audacious offerings that have given us bragging rights and reasons to re-stan the industry. However, with a few months left to wrap up the year, some of our favourite female producers are still cooking, and we can’t wait to be served.
Funke Akindele – A Tribe Called Judah
The queen of Nollywood box office has been lowkey in the past few months, but we’ve gleaned what she’s been up to from her recent social media posts.
After a hugely successful run for the comedy, Battle on Buka Street, Funke is set to make a grand return to the big screens with her 2023 offering: A Tribe Called Judah. So far, we know Funke is taking the director’s chair alongside Captain Degzy (The Griot). Principal photography wrapped up over the weekend but Funke Akindele’s IG post suggests that additional scenes will be shot outside the country. No major cast announcement has been made, but there are reports that Nse Nkpe Etim, Timini Egbuson, Genoveva Umeh, Boma Akpore, Olumide Oworu and Funke Akindele will appear in the film.
Kemi Adetiba – To Kill A Monkey
After a noticeable lull, The Bruce Lee of Visuals, AKA Kemi Adetiba is making a grand return. The last we heard of her in the cinemaverse was in the 2021 King of Boys: The Return of The King; a sequel to the 2018 political thriller, King of Boys. The Nollywood filmmaker is set to reclaim her spot as a leading woman in cinema with her 2023 offering To Kill A Monkey. Principal photography commenced on Monday, August 8, and in an Instagram post, Adetiba wrote: “This is the biggest and CRAZIEST thing I’ve ever done and I’m nervous AF.”
Casting details have been sketchy but we’ve spotted Buchi Franklin (Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story) and Emeka Okoye (Jenifa’s Diary) in BTS stills. Adetiba’s TKAM will also be heading straight to Netflix. We’re sat.
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Bola Austen Peters – Funmilayo: The Lioness of Lisabi
With her last outing, Man Of God, scoring her an AMVCA Best Movie Director nod, Bolanle Austen-Peters is poised to make an even bigger return after securing the rights to produce a Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti biopic titled “Funmilayo: The Lioness of Lisabi,”.
Filming commenced and wrapped in 2022 and a private screening with the Kuti clan went down in March 2023. But there have been no words about an official release date. So far, we know that the iconic Joke Silva and Kehinde Bankole play Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti in different parts of her life. Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti and Made Kuti also make appearances in the film.
Genevieve Nnaji: I Do Not Come To You By Chance
Source: Tiff
The last we saw of our iconic queen was her directorial debut on Lionheart, Nowshe’s coming back to put on the executive producer cap on the adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani‘s award-winning 2009 novel I Do Not Come to You by Chance.
The Nollywood actress will collaborate with Ishayo Bako (Road To Yesterday) who joins the project as director. So far, the cast includes Blossom Chukwujekwu, Jennifer Eliogu, Sambasa Nberibe, and Beverly Osu.
I Do Not Come to You by Chance will screen at the 2023 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) alongside other African titles.
Imagine watching an adrenaline-inducing movie like Jagun Jagun online, and you have to struggle with buffering due to shitty network. Exactly. Not cool. That’s where downloading movies comes in. The picture is cleaner, and you get to pause, fast forward and rewind easier than ever. But the question is, do you know the legitimate sites to download Nollywood movies from?
If you’re trying to get your favourite movies, but avoid copyright wahala or just contribute to the industry’s growth, here are some sites that should be on your radar.
Netflix
Netflix offers you a wide range of all your favourite Nollywood movies, from the oldies to recent releases, all at an affordable minimum subscription plan of ₦1200 monthly. You can upgrade your plan depending on what suits your viewing needs, and as a subscriber, you get to download movies to your device for offline viewing.
YouTube
Most Nollywood filmmakers and production companies have official YouTube channels where they upload full-length movies. SceneOne TV, Accelerate TV and Red TV are some YouTube channels with cool Nollywood content.
Prime Video
Amazon Prime AKA Prime Naija should be on your list oflegitimate sites to download Nollywood movies from if you’re looking for exclusive, newly released content. They’ve only been around for a while but already gave us Gangs of Lagos, Brotherhood and House of Secrets. With the Prime app, you get to stream and download movies to your device at a monthly charge of ₦2,300.
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Ibaka TV
Ibaka TV will choke you with Nollywood movies and TV series, if you let it. As a paying subscriber, you get to stream your favourite content and download to your device for offline viewing. The platform has a ₦700 weekly and ₦2000 monthly plan.
Iroko TV
With a tagline that reads “Nollywood on Your Fingertips”, you should know you’re in for a good time if you’re looking to get into local Nigerian content. Apart from streaming on the app, Irovo TV also lets you download movies for offline viewing. You’ll find titles like UpNorth, Merry Men and King of Boys on the platform. Iroko charges a ₦5000 monthly subscription.
Showmax
Here’s the deal with Showmax, not only will you have access to thousands of your favourite Nollywood movies and series, you also get to binge-watch reality shows like Big Brother Naija, Real Housewives of Lagos/Abuja and Ultimate Love. As a paying subscriber, you can download movies to your device for offline viewing and miss out on the exhausting buffering drama, all for as little as ₦1200.
Nollywood actor and screenwriter Lateef Adedimeji is by far one of the most versatile acts among his peers. With roles across several pictures as a musician to a faithful husband to a monarch, he’s brought gusto to our screens.
Lovers of Nollywood can’t get enough of his stellar performance in the latest Nollywood movie Jagun Jagun, but this isn’t the first time he killed his movie roles. This list bears witness.
Lateef Adedimeji deserves an award for this one. I enjoyed every scene ; Kept me glued on for over 2 hrs…Jagun Jagun! 🔥
Directed by Tunde Kelani, this movie explores the life and death of late Apala musician Ayinla Omowura. From his Egba accent to his imitation of Ayinla mannerisms and bad pronunciation of English words, Lateef Adedimeji ate and left no crumbs.
Madami 1 – 3 (2022)
Released in 2022, the Seun Olaiya-directed movie tells the Nollywood-esque tale of a blind man who becomes romantically involved with his housemaid. The movie gives unique insight into the world of visually impaired and physically challenged people. Lateef played this role so convincingly, I started praying for his health during the movie. He stars alongside Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow), Bimpe Oyebade Adedimeji and Aderemi Adedeji.
https://youtu.be/_VhlPeYNyOM
Olokiki Oru: The Midnight Sensation (2019)
Lateef Adedimeji shines as Olalere, a flirty guy in love with the princess of his town. But will the rucus two armed robbers are causing in their town let their love breathe? Go watch him star beside late Murphy Afolabi, Ibrahim Chatta and Saheed Osupa.
That One Time (2022)
Who would Lateef Adedimeji look like if he had a full beard? This movie has that answer. That One Time, directed by Biodun Jimoh, has only two cast members: Lateef Adedimeji and Bimpe Oyebade Adedimeji. He plays double roles of a newly-wed husband madly in love with his wife (Bimpe Oyebade) and a photographer who came to scatter his love life. Both cast members shine together, but Lateef showed versatility.
Yeye Oge Onitan (2016)
Lateef features in this movie alongside Mide Martins and Jaiye Kuti. Although the movie is about survival and desperation, it also touches on cultism.
Bipolar (Amodi) (2018)
In this film that explores distant relationships and advocates for people living with bipolar disorder, Lateef Adedimeji acts as John, a typical village boy— restless and intrusive.
King of Thieves (Agesinkole) (2022)
In this Femi Adebayo-produced epic, Lateef Adedimeji is full of action. Dripped in red and black attire designed with cowries as his fingers itch to fire his dane gun at any sign of enemy. This blockbuster features Odunlade Adekola, Toyin Abraham, Aisha Lawal and Mr Macaroni.
Jagun Jagun (2023)
This is one of the most anticipated Nollywood movies of 2023 and it matches right up to expectation. Lateef Adedimeji outdid himself in this epic as a powerful warrior who can speak to wood. It’s been said that he even spent a month in the gym just because of the picture.
— Akoroko — African Cinema Now! (@akorokoafrica) August 10, 2023
First film adaptation of a Nigerian book since “Elesin Oba”
Nollywood’s adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s “Death and the King’s Horseman” went to cinemas in 2022. If this film could just match the book’s quality, we’re sure of another banger loading.
(Suckerforcoffee)
An internet scam story
“I Do Not Come To You By Chance” is about a graduate who becomes a breadwinner after his father’s demise. He has to choose between his morals and poverty or following in his uncle’s fraudulent footsteps. Decisions, decisions.
The same title
The movie will retain the book title. But we hope the film won’t leave us wondering if the movie director read the same “I Do Not Come To You By Chance” as the rest of us.
I loved this book so much! One of those books, if made a movie, just has to be very good.
This is all-round great news, especially when one stops to consider that we are talking about the screen adaptation of a contemporary Nigerian novel! https://t.co/SCV7g97FfM
The last time we saw Genevieve Nnaji on screen was in Lionheart, her directorial debut that ended up being nominated for the 2020 Oscars. You know it’s not regular when the Nollywood queen steps out. She executive produced I Do Not Come To You By Chance alongside Chinny Carter. Oscars, here we come.
The hands behind the camera
Femi Awojide (Dazzling Mirage, Sugar Rush, Juju Stories) is set to handle the movie’s direction of photography, while Ishaya Bako (Lionheart, 4th Republic, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel) will direct it. We’ll eat good.
Faces you’ll see in the film
The film features Jennifer Eliogu, Beverly Osu and Paul Nnadiekwe, with Blossom Chukwujekwu in an important supporting roles as Cash Daddy, a successful scammer.
It’s bilingual
Unlike in the book, the characters will speak mostly Igbo peppered with some English. Take it as an opportunity for you to learn some Igbo to impress your friends from the East.
World premiere
Alongside eight other African titles, the film will make its first public display at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7, 2023. Another Nollywood picture set to make waves abroad.
Halfway through the year and we can’t deny that Nollywood has taken us through a rollercoaster of emotions with some of their offerings. In case you’re late to the party, these are some of the best Nollywood movies of 2023 that need to be on your binge list.
Best Nollywood Action Movies in 2023
Gangs of Lagos
If you’re looking for an original Nigerian crime and thriller flick, this is the one for you. It belongs in a collection with the likes of Saworoide, King of Boys and others with underlying social commentary. You’re in for a story about family, loyalty and leadership, packed with action. We hope the sight of blood and gang activities won’t scare you away sha?
The Trade
Inspired by true events, this is a tale of greed and terror set in Lagos. As the story unfolds, we witness the high-stakes game of cat and mouse between a determined law enforcement officer and a cunning kidnapper terrorising the streets. Word on the street is The Trade is inspired by real-life events in 2017. Expect intense suspense, believable Naija violence and a gripping story, as Blossom Chukwujekwu earns himself a top contender spot for best actor of 2023.
Shanty Town
If you loved Jade Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos or Ebonylife’s Oloture, this six-part series will get you hooked from start to finish. Chidi Mokeme makes an epic Nollywood comeback alongside veterans like Sola Sobowale, Nse Ikpe Etim, and played Scar; a scary underworld lord. Shanty Town explores the lives of sex workers who try to escape the grip of a notorious kingpin who answers to powerful politicians.
Orisa
If you fell in love with Femi Adebayo’s King of Thieves (2022), this is another Yoruba epic that will have you at the edge of your seats. Orìṣà tells the story of a rogue king who loses respect for the gods and his people, and is struck with insanity. This happens at a time when a gang of highly skilled warriors form an alliance, threatening to take over his kingdom. Odunlade Adekola takes on the titular character and stars alongside Femi Adebayo, Shaffy Bello, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, among others.
Jagun Jagun
After a successful run with King of Thieves (2022), Femi Adebayo has enlisted the same directors, Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami, for his 2023 offering, Jagun Jagun. The Yoruba epic action tells the story of a young man who joins an elite army in his bid to become a powerful warrior and win the heart of a woman. On his quest, he attracts the wrath of a bloodthirsty warlord who feels threatened by him. Adedimeji Lateef, Bimbo Ademoye, Fathia Balogun and Mr Macaroni feature in this new epic film.
Best Nollywood RomCom Movies in 2023
Love in a Pandemic
In 2020, COVID-19 kept us in our homes, but it didn’t stop some people from finding true love. Bolanle (Nancy Isime), in an attempt to apologise to her boyfriend, dialled a wrong number belonging to Alex (Deyemi Okanlawon). The call to a stranger becomes a routine, and feelings get involved, but the pandemic is in their way. If you need something to convince you that your boyfriend shouldn’t stop you from meeting your true love, Love In A Pandemic is the answer.
Big Love
Our resident Nollywood bad boy, Timini Egbuson, stars alongside Bimbo Ademoye in this Biodun Stephen-directed romcom. Adil (Timini) falls in love with Adina (Bimbo), an independent woman struggling to make ends meet at a graduate training camp, but a secret threatens to ruin their love. Shaffy Bello, Jaiye Kuti and Seyi Awolowo star in this film too.
A Sunday Affair
Dubbed the Valentine Day’s movie of 2023, A Sunday Affair stars two of Nollywood’s most iconic actresses, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Dakore Akande. The powerhouses cast as best friends, Uche and Toyin, fall in love with the same man, and it’s a downward spiral from there that makes for gripping TV. From the cheesy romance to the dramatic chaos, it has all the ingredients to make you blush.
Sista
This movie made me shed a few gangsta tears when I watched it. A single mum zealously fights for her two kids when their deadbeat dad tries to win them over after being absent for years. He does this using his wealth and influence to entice them instead of seeking penance and establishing a connection. Their furious mother swings into action to detach them from a man who never loved them in the first place.
The acting performances of Kehinde Bankole, Deyemi Okanlawon and Bisola Aiyeola. were striking, and many say it’s the best Nigerian film they’ve seen in a while.
Best Nollywood Thriller Movies in 2023
House of Secrets
If you’ve ever been in doubt about the cinematic revolution that’s unfolding in Nollywood right now, this film is all you need to have a change of perspective. Director Niyi Akinmolayan raised the bar in cinematography and production design such that every scene leaves you more intrigued than the last. The story follows Sarah (Najite Dede), who regains her lost memories of a traumatic incident after extreme measures by people seeking to expose a corrupt politician.
Hotel Labamba
Ace director, Biodun Stephen, led a stellar cast for this comedy-thriller that had me sold right from the trailer. Hotel Labamba is Nollywood’s attempt at a murder mystery, and if you’re looking to put on your investigative hat, you should totally binge this. In it, an Instagram influencer is murdered, and every guest at the hotel becomes a suspect, with the pressure on detectives to solve the case before the killer strikes again. Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Ademoye and Femi Adebayo among others are featured.
Dark October
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEXPp5lGpYA
Executive-produced by media entrepreneur Linda Ikeji, Dark October opened old wounds through its near real-life portrayal of the 2012 Aluu Four Lynching. This movie will have you asking why we need to relive this painful memory and nodding in agreement to the wake-up call for jungle justice to be nipped in the bud. There are no Nollywood regulars in this one, but it’ll still have you sat. But brace yourself to cry hard during and after watching.
Nkemakonam
Nkemakonam has an incredible storyline with captivating themes of motherhood, premarital pregnancy and castigation. A young girl is cast aside by her community after getting pregnant, leading her to deliver her baby herself. This is one of the best Nollywood productions of 2023 so far; the acting, pacing and cinematography are nothing short of amazing.
Best Nollywood horror movies of 2023
Omozi
In a bid to japa and give herself and her daughter a better life, Omozi falls into the trap of human traffickers who ship her to Malaysia and her little daughter, Joyful, to Libya. Although quite intriguing and sad, Omozi is an important watch.
Akudaaya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jBnnlKRgI4
If you’re up for some ghost stories, especially one where the deceased reincarnates and tries to live a normal life away from his loved ones, this one is for you. Olumide Oworu leads a stellar cast that also features veterans like Sola Sobowale, Yomi Fash-Lanso and Hafiz Oyetoro, among others.
Ile Owo
Originally released in 2022, this horror-thriller arrived on streaming platform, Netflix, in May 2023, and it’s one for the books. Directed by Dare Olaitan, the movie transports viewers into the life of Akanni Owo (Jide Oyegbile), a wealthy man who would stop at nothing to attain immortality. Bisola Aiyeola, Tina Mba and Akin Lewis were featured in the film.
Best Christian Nollywood movies of 2023
Recitation
Recitation follows Blessing, a young girl who has to dodge a lot of “God, abeg” situations in her quest to live a godly life. Faced with temptation from her peers and society, Blessing resolves to stay steadfast in her faith, relying on the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Enoch
This film is inspired by the life of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). It reveals the circumstances of his birth and childhood, how he became a genius mathematician, found Christ through his future wife and how God called him to ministry. Enoch was released to mark Pastor Adeboye’s 81st birthday.
Abejoye
The series finale was released in January, but this is one Christian series you should binge-watch if you’re a huge fan of Mount Zion productions. Written by Mike Bamiloye, the series explores the story of an African traditionalist dad who visits his son abroad and soon realises that he and his wife are struggling Christians with their own secrets.
For the longest time, the saying “Never judge a book by its cover” didn’t quite apply to Nollywood movies because you could, in fact, judge and critique the film, and you wouldn’t even have to go watch it.
But to say the poster game hasn’t come a long way is to deny the significant growth that has enveloped the industry in the last decade.
A chaotic past
I can’t find a better word to describe past Nollywood movie posters than “sensational”, and to be fair, I get the hustle. We’re talking the late 1990s and early 2000s; the industry was only just picking up. Filmmakers and film consumers didn’t have the luxury of digital streaming platforms. Cinema culture was barely existent in Nigeria, save for occasional viewings at the National Theatre in Lagos.
Aggressive marketing was the only way to sell your movies, and when you narrow in further, you’ll arrive at sensational posters. The average consumer only had access to movies via video club rentals or purchase of cassettes, and much later on, compact discs.
If you wanted their coins, your poster had to be three things: Flashy, star-studded and with a title that tells 70% of the story. All three factors helped consumers make on-the-spot decisions to rent or buy your film. And boy, did the movie marketers understand the assignment? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
Source: Alamy
Power tussle between village chiefs using jazz to make each other’s lives miserable.
You already know there’s a jolly-just-come story about Nkem Owoh’s first visit to London.
What other pointer do you need to know that there’s an old woman and her pet in the movie?
Source: New African Magazine
You already know there’s a plane involved and some characters make their last flight to Abuja.
Let’s get it, Nollywood
It’s 2023, and everything good has come just like the novelist, Sefi Atta, predicted. The budget is bigger, the acting is better, the pictures are cleaner, and the movie posters? Well, how do they say it now, “Seeing is believing”
If there are doubts as to how much growth the industry has had, I raise you the official movie poster for Tunde Kelani’s 2021 biopic, Ayinla.
A one-man silhouette poster for a movie with a reported production budget of ₦50million? The marketers at 51, Iweka road, Onitsha could never. The movie went on to gross over ₦91 million.
It was a risk on the part of movie executives but also an impressive nod to the designers who’re pushing the needle. Just take a look at these receipts.
Source: Instagram/@kaizenkreativ_
Source: Twitter/@kaizenkreativ_/@tomiwale_
Like Kelani, more Nollywood filmmakers have embraced minimalism in their approach to movie posters, and when there’s a need to go loud with a bang, it’s still a far cry from “our chaotic past”.
We recently called it and agreed that Nollywood men are doing the Lord’s work, but it’s important to make a second trip to the garden, pluck red roses and hand them to Nollywood actresses.
The industry is evolving like never before, and it’s so gratifying to see talents match up to the flair that made us fall for Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Rita Dominic among others. If you don’t already have the Nollywood actresses on this list on your radar, here’s your call to do so.
Nollywood’s top young actresses in 2023
Darasimi Nadi
Kayode Kasum’s Obara M stayed with me for many reasons, but one thing I couldn’t quite shake off was Darasimi Nadi’s performance as Ihunanya. Cast alongside veterans like Nkem Owoh and Nancy Isime, the 11-year-old matched their energy head-to-head in a performance that earned her a Best Supporting Actress BFF award. Catch her magic in projects like The Pretty Ones Are the Loneliest, Rough Diamonds and Smokescreen.
Pamilerin Ayodeji
Source: Nollywire
Jade Osiberu’s Gang of Lagos introduced us to the talent that is Maleek Sani of Ikorodu Bois, but with him was another rare Nollywood gem — Pamilerin Ayodeji. Pamilerin was cast as Teni, a younger version of Bimbo Ademoye, and the way she ate the role up? I made a quick dash to my Google search console because where is more of this young queen? The Father, Special Friends and most recently, Alone, are some of her other notable works.
Genoveva Umeh
My first onscreen encounter with Genoveva Umeh was in the Netflix original series, Blood Sisters, where her major standoff with the iconic Kate Henshaw left my mouth gaping. I was hooked, and that singular viewing experience sold me on her ministry. I stumbled on Genoveva again in Netflix’s young adult series, Far From Home, and I knew this was one queen out to make her mark. She’s since landed roles in a 2023 season of MTV Shuga and the Amazon Prime original film, Breath of Life.
Eyiyemi Afolayan
Filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, took the decision to cast his first daughter, Eyiyemi, because “she’s beautiful and a natural at acting”, and honestly, we get it. Her debut as Princess Omowunmi on Anikulapo was a hit that had Twitter NG asking for the neck of her character. She’s among the Nollywood actresses making a bigger comeback in 2023.
Diane Russet
During her time in the BBNaija house, Diane Russet was vocal about her gospel of dominating Nollywood. It might have taken a while to get our attention, but she’s gradually getting there, especially with her slate of YouTube shorts Bayi, Therapist and Storm. She featured in Jade Osiberu’s Brotherhood and executive produced her own Africa Magic show, Ricordi. We know there’s more she brings to the table, and we hope Nollywood is paying attention.
Next rated OGs of 2023
Uzoamaka Aninoh
Uzoamaka Aninoh had us taking notes on her performance in shows like MTV Shuga and Africa Magic’s Venge. But she went on to show her level of depth and range in Showmax’s Diiche, the Domitilla reboot and Dika Ofoma’s short, A Quiet Monday. With CJ Obasi’s Mami Wata set to release soon, we know we’ll get another taste of her medicine, and we can’t wait.
Bimbo Ademoye
Bimbo Ademoye has been at it for a while, and it’s beautiful to see the actress getting all the flowers that should’ve been in her garden for a long time. But they’re there now, and we can’t complain. Cast as Arolake in Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo, and set to make a return in the 2023 series, Anikulapo: Rise of the Specter, her efforts are finally paying off. Beyond a bigger 2023, Bimbo is one of the Nollywood actresses that has staying power.
Elma Mbadiwe
Elma Mbadiwe first popped up on my radar after I watched her in the short film, Without You. Later on, she’d show up on my screen in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, Ndani TV’s F.O.MO. and Rumour Has It, and at first, I thought, “Okay, work rate is super.” I was finally sold on her ministry when she played Carmen in Netflix’s first Nigerian young adult series, Far From Home, and I instantly added her to my “Watch out for this star” list.
Meg Otanwa
Meg Otanwa has been at it since 2011, but she didn’t quite stick in the minds of the Nigerian audience until 2022, when she showed up and showed off in Damilola Orimogunje’s film, For Maria Ebun Pataki. The movie was about postpartum depression, and Otanwa was more than perfect to drive the serious message home. Her performance reminded us of her previous roles in films like October 1, Before 30 and Atlanta. Otanwa has all it takes to raise shoulder with our OG Nollywood actresses.
Efe Irele
Efe Irele has had pockets of big moments in Nollywood but none quite come close to her riveting performance as Bianca in Niyi Akinmolayan’s steamy rom-com, Hey You! What could have made for cringe television had the audience delighted, especially her steamy scenes with resident Nollywood bad boy, Timini Egbuson. Efe bagged her first AMVCA in May 2023, for her role as Theresa in Izu Ojukwu’s period film, Four Four, Forty Four, and madea titillating return in Akinmolayan’s latest, House of Secrets. We love the exciting run for her.
Top-rated veteran Nollywood actresses of 2023
Sola Sobowale
Kemi Adetiba dragged mummy Sola Sobowale back to the shores of Nigeria in 2016 to play Tinuade Coker in Ebonylife’s The Wedding Party. Two years later, Adetiba cast the iconic actress as Eniola Salami, the lead in her political thriller, King of Boys, and there’s been no greater career run like Sola’s since then. Sobowale’s character interpretation shocked her to the core and even drove her to watch a film she’d featured in for the first time. In 2022, she flexed on us with her role as Awarun in Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo,and we’ve just accepted that she’s back for a long time.
Kehinde Bankole
In June 2023, for the first time in a long while, I watched Twitter NG collectively agree on one thing: Give Kehinde Bankole her flowers. We knew she was a leading woman in Nollywood, but we needed Biodun Stephen’s Sista to remind us just how iconic the Kehinde Bankole of SuperStory, The Set Up and Tainted Canvas is. She’s poised to have an even louder applause with her portrayal of Olufunmi Ransome Kuti in Bolanle Austen Peters’s upcoming biopic.
Najite Dede
Najite Dede has been around since the days of The Governor (2017), Riona (2020) and Gidi Up (2012), but we needed Niyi Akinmolayan’s House of Secret to show us her level of depth and star power as a Nollywood screen icon. Najite’s class-act performance in the psychological thriller has laid the foundation for an exciting 2023 for the actress.
Kate Henshaw
It’s been over one year since Blood Sisters debuted on Netflix, and I still get flashbacks of Kate Henshaw’s performance as Uduak Ademola; the emotionally-wrought mum who gave zero shits for her daughter but would kill for her son. If anything, that role was a stark reminder of what Henshaw brings to the table of iconic screen goddesses in Nollywood. Seven months into 2023, we’ve seen more of her as Mrs Eket in Niyi Akinmolayan’s House of Secret, and we know she still has more up her sleeves.
Nollywood has fed us all year round, and this month is no different. We’re getting a range of movies and shows, from a deity’s descent into crime to epics that follow warriors of the ancient Yoruba kingdoms. They’re giving it all, and we’re nothing but ready receivers.
“Jagun Jagun”
From the title, you can tell this film will give action goodness. Jagun Jagun is a period film set in an ancient Yoruba kingdom, starring Femi Adebayo, Adedimeji Lateef, Bukunmi Oluwashina, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Yekini Itele, Fathia Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Adebayo Salami and Dele Odule. It follows a bloodthirsty warlord who feels threatened by a young warrior who wants only love and power. The film is coming to Netflix on August 10th, 2023.
“Mikolo”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMnKOVDnUiw
Produced by Anthill Studios and written by Niyi Akinmolayan, Mikolo is a family adventure CGI movie. It follows a large blue bird, which the movie is named after, that oddly reminds us of the dragon from “How to Train Your Dragon.” The movie is coming to cinemas on August 18th, 2023, and the cast will include Pamilerin Ayodeji, Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga, Yvonne Jegede and Daniel Etim-Effiong.
“The One for Sarah”
The One for Sarah is a romantic drama about Sarah, who has been through emotional abuse and is on the path to rediscovering her self-worth and finding love. The romantic drama stars Beverly Naya, Bucci Franklin, Uzor Arukwe and Daniel Etim-Effiong. It will make its Netflix debut on the 11th of August.
“A Bag of Trouble”
Written and directed by Michael Chimex Onwunali, A Bag of Trouble stars Broda Shaggi, Bimbo Oshin, Jide Kosoko, Hafiz Oyetoro and Sabinus. It follows a struggling young man whose world takes a sharp turn after receiving a token of gratitude from a wealthy politician. Suddenly finding himself rich beyond his imagination, he must fight the evil he perceives closing in or slide back into the tough world he knows too well. The comedy film will be released in cinemas on the 18th of August.
“The Rise of Igbinogun”
The Rise of Igbinogun is an epic with a star-studded cast. A warrior incurs the fury of the king’s guards but becomes a legend among the people when she steals from the rich to empower the poor. It stars Femi Branch, Damilare Kuku, Akin Lewis, Enyinna Nwigwe, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Shaffy Bello, and will be available on Netflix on August 25th.
“Kesari”
https://youtu.be/inifjdtWLY8?feature=shared
Kesari is a Yoruba language action film follows a once-revered deity’s descent into the world of crime as a notorious robber. The film stars Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Yekini, Lateef Adedimeji, Yemi Elesho, Kelvin Ikeduba and Yvonne Jegede. Ibrahim Yekinni produced and co-directed with Tope Adebayo.
“The Modern Woman”
https://youtu.be/BwUsSTwn2kA?feature=shared
The Modern Woman tells the story of a young woman’s carefully balanced life, which spirals into chaos when she faces the devastating loss of her pregnancy. In a fight to reclaim her identity, she must navigate a treacherous path towards self-discovery, challenging societal norms and embracing her own truth. The film stars Bimbo Akintola, Timini Egbuson, and Sharon Ooja and will be in cinemas on the 18th of August.
