Seunfunmi Joshua
Introduction
The year 2024 has started off on a positive note for fans of Nollywood movies, with recent films receiving excellent ratings. There has been a noticeable trend of more movies being released on streaming platforms, a practice that is increasingly popular among Nigerian filmmakers. This shift is seen as a way to expand the reach of Nollywood films beyond Nigeria and Africa, a change that has been well received.
Looking ahead, there is anticipation for a variety of film projects to be released on various platforms and in Nigerian cinemas throughout the year. This year promises to be full of exciting moments and experiences for Nollywood enthusiasts in Nigeria and around the world.
In light of these developments, we have compiled a list of the ten most anticipated Nollywood movies set for release this year. Read on to find out more.
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Produced and directed by Kunle Afolayan, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre is a Netflix series that is set to premiere on March 1. The story builds on the momentum of the well-received Afolayan’s 2022 film Anikulapo. The new series stars an ensemble of returning actors and new acts, and is shot at KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaiye, Oyo state, Nigeria. The series stars principal actors Kunle Remi as Saro and Bimbo Ademoye as Rolake, as well as Layi Wasabi, Sola Sobowale, Gabriel Afolayan, Sisi Quadri, Adeniyi Johnson, Aunty Ramota, Jide Kosoko, Lincoln Owo Ogunde, Uzee Usman, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Moji Afolayan, Funky Mallam and Aisha Lawal. A six-part epic series, it tells the story of Saro who, in order to avoid a terrible fate, returns to Oyo Kingdom with orders to carry out a herculean task.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was part of the films screened at the 12th Africa International Film Festival where it won awards for Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay. Written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the biopic tells the life journey of the mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, capturing her experiences from being a student to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti. The film stars Kehinde Bankole, Joke Silva, Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, Keppy Ekpeyong and Dele Odule.
To Kill A Monkey
Kemi Adetiba’s “To Kill A Monkey” is a crime thriller series which stars Bucci Franklin, Stella Damascus, Bimbo Akintola, William Benson, Michael Ejoor, Dami Adegbite, Lilian Afegbai, Ireti Doyle, Teniola Aladese, Chidi Mokeme, Sunshine Rosman and Enado Odigie. The principal photography of the film was completed in October 2023, and the film is set to debut on Netflix this year as part of her exclusive deal with Netflix. To Kill A Monkey is written and directed by Kemi Adetiba and produced in collaboration with Remi Adetiba.
Oloture: The Journey
Oloture returns as a Netflix series following the success of the 2019 film. Directed by Kenneth Gyang, the film stars Sharon Ooja, Beverly Osu, Daniel Etim-Effiong, Omoni Oboli, Stan Nze, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Bucci Franklin, Patrick Doyle, Bukola Oladipupo and Amarachukwu Ono. The journey of Oloture continues in the series, as she goes through the hostile lands of Niger and Libya to the Mediterranean out of desperation for a way out.
This Is Lagos
This Is Lagos, which debuted at AFRIFF 2023, tells the story of a young man Stevo, played by Gabriel Afolayan, a young man in quest of musical stardom and his struggles for survival in the city of Lagos. The dark comedy is an adaptation of Crispin Oduobuk-Mfon’s short story of same title. Directed by Kenneth Gyang, the film stars Kate Henshaw, Mike Afolarin, David Jones David, Gregory Ojefua, Laura Pepple, Rahama Sadau and Enyinna Nwigwe.
Japa!
Directed by Isioma Osaje (producer of Up North, Quam’s Money, Day of Destiny, The Set Up), Japa! is a sci-fi comedy which stars Blossom Chukwujekwu, Adesua Etomi, Seun Ajayi, Jidekene Achufusi and Layi Wasabi. Principal photography for the film ended in August 2023, but plot details are yet to be exposed.
House of Gaa
Snippets of House of Gaa suggest that it is rooted in traditions and history. The film is directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the brains behind Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and is set to feature Femi Branch alongside other actors. No details of the plot have been officially released; however, the cultural backdrop is a subtle indication that the film might be about the legendary Bashorun Gaa of 18th Century Oyo Empire.
‘77: The FESTAC Conspiracy
Directed by Izu Ojukwu, 10. ‘77: The FESTAC Conspiracy comes as a follow-up to the 2016 historical thriller 76. The film is set against the backdrop of the FESTAC ’77 Arts and Culture Festival which was jointly organized by UNESCO and the Nigerian government. Starring Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Daniel K. Daniel, Ibinabo Fiberisima and Soibifaa Dokubo, the film explores events surrounding the Pan-African occasion.
Finding Messiah
Finding Messiah is a musical drama set in the fictional Republic of Zambay. Touted as a big-budget production which uses a fictional language, the cast includes Sunday Omobolanle, Bucci Franklin, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Segun Arinze, Alex Usifo, Majid Michel, Pete Edochie and Ekpeyong Bassey Inyang. The film is produced and directed by renowned music executive and creative entrepreneur Oscar Heman-Ackah who marks his foray into Nollywood on this project. Principal photography for the film was concluded sometime in January. Plot details of the film have not been released. It is not also known whether the film will debut on a streaming platform or in the cinemas.
A Green Fever
Set in the 80s and directed by Taiwo Egunjobi, A Green Fever is a crime drama that stars Deyemi Okanlawon, Temi Fosudo, William Benson, Ruby Okezie and Darasimi Nadi. The film follows the story of Kunmi and his daughter Ireti, both of whom seek refuge in the house of a stranger when Ireti gets a stroke on a road trip during a curfew. The film is from the stable of Nemsia Films, the production company responsible for Breath of Life, in conjunction with Sable Productions. Set in Ibadan and produced by Eniola Fagbenle, the film premiered at AFRIFF 2023. A Green Fever is coming to Prime Video this year.
I Do Not Come To You By Chance
I Do Not Come To You By Chance is a film adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s novel of same title. The comedy drama film, which premiered at the 2023 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), will be available soon to a wider audience Directed by Ishaya Bako and co written by Chika Anadu, the film stars Blossom Chukwujekwu, Jennifer Eliogu, Beverly Osu, Emeka Nwagbaraocha and Sambasa Nzeribe. The film tells the story of a struggling young man and Nigerian graduate who joins his uncle’s internet scam network as a final resort. Many Nollywood cinephiles look forward to seeing this project due to the contribution of Genevieve Nnaji as an executive producer.
