Author: Michael Kolawole

Lately, the formula adopted by Yoruba filmmakers draws inspiration from the culture’s rich folklore and ancient literature. This grounds their narratives in the familiar traditional Yoruba settings, with the stacked presence of popular actors—who have become synonymous with the revived subgenre— not left behind. While this formula has resulted in one or two remarkable outings that effectively blend tradition with contemporary vision, we have also had some adaptations that struggle to strike the right balance. Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds, directed by Adebayo Tijani and Odunlade Adekola (two recurring filmmakers in this subgenre) falls into the latter category, where the…

Kunle Afolayan’s fantasy drama series, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, picks up brilliantly from where the pilot (the 2022 Anikulapo) ends. After the protagonist Saro (Kunle Remi), the horny-minded, son of suffering enriched by his libidinal valour, dies for the second time, he is sent back to earth to repay his debt to death before he can journey into heaven. Failure to do so would make him a lost soul who wanders with no resting place for eternity. But Saro owes a huge debt—he raised twenty souls from death when he was on earth—which makes his task daunting. Now a…

When the Anikulapo pilot was released on Netflix two years ago, it was well-received for its brilliant story and commendable performances of the lead actors, Kunle Remi’s Saro and Bimbo Ademoye’s Arolake, whose on-screen chemistry commanded attention, as they skillfully navigated their characters’ arcs, conveying a range of emotions with depth and conviction. Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre, a 6-episode extension of the pilot, continues with the story of Saro and Arolake, adding twists and turns while introducing new characters to help drive the story in this vast Yoruba land to its climactic ending. Taiwo Hassan, Aisha Lawal, and Layi…

When the Anikulapo pilot was released on Netflix two years ago, it was well-received for its brilliant story and commendable performances of the lead actors, Kunle Remi’s Saro and Bimbo Ademoye’s Arolake, whose on-screen chemistry commanded attention, as they skillfully navigated their characters’ arcs, conveying a range of emotions with depth and conviction. Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre, a 6-episode extension of the pilot, continues with the story of Saro and Arolake, adding twists and turns while introducing new characters to help drive the story in this vast Yoruba land to its climactic ending. Lateef Adedimeji, Uzee Usman and Eyiyemi…

Most Nollywood films were initially released in cinemas before their availability on streaming platforms to be viewed by those who must have missed them when they screened and to be seen again by those who saw them during their theatrical run. As the films transition from the big screen to digital platforms, Nollywood audiences in the diaspora also have the chance to experience them on Prime Video and Netflix. Below are 2023 Nollywood cinema-released movies currently available to stream. 2022 Nollywood Films Already Streaming on Netflix and Prime Video 2023 Nollywood Movies on Prime Video The Trade The Trade, directed…

Malaika, directed by Steve Sodiya, blends traditional Yoruba theatre and New Nollywood to deliver an average movie with social commentary. The movie revolves around Tutu (Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi), a successful yet hot-headed woman grappling with infertility after five years of marriage to Dr. Ebuka Njoku (Emeka Ike). The opening scenes vividly capture Tutu and her husband’s successful life before leaping into Tutu’s miscarriage and anger issues. The narrative unfolds with montages depicting Tutu’s heart-wrenching multiple miscarriages, leading to an emotional moment where she angrily scatters the once joyfully prepared baby room. This emotional journey lays the foundation for the film’s…

Bank Alert is a comedy drama with an intriguing storyline. The financially distressed protagonist receives a whopping sum of money in his bank account which leads to trouble when the supposed owner comes for him. In a chaotic twist, our protagonist must juggle more than his newfound wealth. He runs helter-skelter, joining forces with the frantic protagonists of Sugar Rush and Ololade, and forming an unintentional squad of financial misadventurers desperately seeking refuge.  Directed by Akay Mason (Day of Destiny), the film introduces a fresh perspective to the sudden wealth trope, infusing it with a unique blend of suspense and…

In the heart-wrenching psychodrama 4:4:44, which is inspired by a true event, we witness an extraordinary love story between a couple: a wife grappling with mental illness, and her devoted husband facing public scrutiny for diverting community health trust funds to cater for his wife’s medication and well-being. Directed by Izu Ojukwu (Amina), the love story in 4:4:44 is with a gleam of dark, malevolent eyes, and loyalty. Set in the early 1940s to the 60s, we revisit the turbulent marriage of Hillary Nweke and Theresa Izuoba Nweke, who are played by Seun Akindele and Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Efe Irele…

EXCLUSIVE: From the shining lights of theatre stages around the world to the klieg lights and silver screen of Nollywood, Olarotimi Fakunle’s artistry knows no bounds. Though some may consider him a newcomer, theatre enthusiasts know better—Fakunle is a seasoned actor with a rich resume of performances, directing, and theatrical knowledge. Long before he delighted the audience with his memorable performance in Jadesola Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos, Fakunle had already stamped his name on theatre stages around the world. In Defense of ‘Gangs of Lagos’ and The Future of Our Films Over a Skype call, we had our interview, where…

True to its title, Gangs of Lagos, Prime Video’s debut African original film, directed by filmmaker Jadesola Osiberu, depicts an impoverished and chaotic neighborhood that bursts into a bloodbath. A hybrid work that integrates components of drama and gangster, the film locates its action in Isale Eko (downtown Lagos). The film premiered on Prime Video on April 7, 2023, starring Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Akpotha, and Iyabo Ojo. In parallel to City of God (2002) and Gangs of New York (2002), the film is set in a present inflected with subtle dystopian facts—local hustlers with illegal operations,…