Have you been feeling out of touch with Nollywood lately? 2024 has had its fair share of underwhelming releases, so it’s easy to feel like the magic is fading. But before you give up, why not give these titles a chance? From powerful storytelling to captivating performances, here are 11 must-watch films that can reignite your love for Nigerian cinema: In this award-winning feature debut by twins Arie and Chuko Esiri, we watch two people chasing the “Great Nigerian Dream.” It is a Japa story told through the eyes of Mofe (Jude Akuwudike), a printing shop technician, and Rosa (Temi…
Author: Oluwatomisin Olorunfemi
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On September 26, 2024, Hollywood publication Variety reported that British powerhouse Idris Elba (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) would play Okonkwo in a TV adaptation of “Things Fall Apart”, Chinua Achebe’s iconic 1958 novel. Many Nigerian netizens criticized the casting, arguing that a Nigerian actor should take on the deeply Igbo role. Some others welcomed Elba’s international acclaim, which could elevate the project’s visibility, stating the role has already been portrayed by a non-Nigerian—the late Senegalese actor Johnny Sekka—in an earlier adaptation, Bullfrog in the Sun (1971). However, industry insiders pointed out that adapting a book is an elaborate and…
In the business of striking groundbreaking industry deals, no one does it like Mo Abudu. From hosting the popular talk show Moments With Mo to becoming the first woman to launch a pan-African TV channel, Abudu has become a towering figure in Nigerian film and entertainment. Over the last decade, the media mogul behind EbonyLife Group—hailed by CNN as “Africa’s Queen of Media” —has consistently worked to expand the industry by forging key partnerships both at home and globally. Here are 11 of her major deals: 1. The ELFIKE Film Collective Back in 2016, Kemi Adetiba’s The Wedding Party premiered…
It’s been almost 5 years since COVID-19 began—and even longer since the Ebola outbreak—yet echoes of the pandemic remain in unique ways (or maybe it’s just the economic inflation reminding us of darker times). Lives were lost, lives were changed, and Nollywood was driven to a standstill at the worst of it. But some filmmakers drew inspiration from the uncertainty. So, I’ve compiled a list of 10 pandemic-themed Nollywood films and series you should know about: 1. 93 Days Steve Gukas’ 93 Days (2016) is based on the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, which it portrays with a special focus on…
In the spirit of the Olympic Games, we’ve compiled a list of Nollywood films that touch on sports (at least, to some degree). While many of these films showcase remarkable individuals striving to excel in various games, they mainly reveal the tough realities of average Nigerians trying to participate in sports in a country with underdeveloped infrastructure. Here are 7 sport-themed Nollywood films you should definitely know about: 1. Onye Egwu Onye Egwu follows Alex Mbanefo (Zubby Michael), a famous international football player who sustains a career-changing injury and embarks on a spiritual journey to rediscover his passion for the…
Philip Asaya, known for his roles in Enakhe (2020-2021), Slum King (2023), and Cake (2022), has delivered one of his most memorable performances to date as a debt-ridden father in Courage Obayuwana’s directorial debut, Kill Boro (2024). In this exclusive interview with What Kept Me Up, the actor breaks down his titular role and shares his thoughts on the topical film that peaked at Number 1 on Prime Video. Spoiler alert if you are yet to see Kill Boro. You are an actor, a poet, an artist, a scriptwriter, and a Web3 expert. As someone who is into so many…
Are you looking for a suitable film to watch with your Nigerian parents? Congratulations! I’ve compiled a list of 6 Nollywood movies “the elders” are likely to enjoy under the careful supervision of their adult children. In other words, you won’t feel like an irresponsible child since these films do not portray violence, raunchy sex scenes, or other things that may offend African parents’ fragile sensibilities and mess with their development. Instead, they all contain an acceptable dose of parent-friendly drama and moral lessons delivered by familiar faces. Disclaimer: If you’re single at the time of viewing, your parents will…
Sometimes, filmmakers find inspiration in real-life people and events, and the rare Nollywood biopic is born. These projects, listed in this article, stand out from the numerous pure comedies and dramas put out each year, because they are rooted in reality, with actual people at their heart. I have also taken the liberty to include documentaries that touch on notable figures who have shaped our society. Here are 15 Nollywood biopics and documentaries you should know about: Ayinla Ayinla (2021) follows the life of famed Apala musician, Waidi Ayinla “Omowura” Yusuf (1933–1980), his untimely death at the hands of his…
There is a brilliant tale of light and electrical expertise behind every scene in Nollywood’s most impactful projects which the audience doesn’t always get to hear. Who better to tell this story than someone who is recognized as one of the best in the field? With two consecutive AMVCA wins in the Best Lighting Designer category, and an ARRI lighting Ambassadorship in his bag, Matthew “Matolight” Yusuf is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in Nigeria’s lighting and electrical design scene. Besides working on blockbusters like Brotherhood (2022), Ayinla (2021), Juju Stories (2021), The Griot (2021), Finding Hubby, and Rattlesnake:…
What makes a film a box office hit? Nigerian filmmakers have been trying to solve this puzzle since the colonial 1920s, with projects that straddle the line between widespread popularity and critical acclaim. Using the industry’s unique template – a blend of storytelling, comedy, and vibes – they are sometimes able to create projects that remain on people’s lips for many years. But not all these ventures draw crowds to the cinemas. Popularity is one thing, and money is another. Yet, some films have managed to crack the code by striking the balance and becoming box office sensations. The 8…