2023 was notably a year of scale. Several notable films went for big set pieces, pulled from Nigeria’s historical notes and brought unique worlds to our screens. The scale would also reflect in the records broken on streaming (for The Black Book and Gangs of Lagos, for example) and at the box office (a last-gasp Funke Akindele-led Tribe save).

This year also promises its uniqueness with a lineup that will have us teleporting from the 90s in Phoenix Fury, to Princess Oyinade’s world in Asiri Ade and even possibly to a fictional African land Zambay in Finding Messiah. This year, the crime thrillers are still making it known that they are here to stay, with another musical expected to follow. 

Nollywood this year is also retelling famous events like in 77: A FESTAC Conspiracy and Funmilayo Ransome Kuti; and showing family bonds like in Ajosepo and UNO (The F in Family). 

Some films that we are still looking forward to this year are projects we have waited for over two years. Is 2024 the year they arrive?

Needless to say, this looks like yet another promising year in Nollywood. 

(The list also includes TV series)

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The 8 Best Nollywood Movies of 2023

Play Network Studios’ Upcoming Projects: What We Know About Them So Far

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To Kill a Monkey 

To Kill a Monkey or TKAM (pronounced TeeKAM) is Kemi Atetiba’s new crime thriller series starring William Benson, Bucci Franklin as Obozuhiomwen, Chidi Mokeme, Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Dami Adegbite, Teniola Aladese, Michael Ejoor, Enado Odigie, Lily Afegbai as Idia and Sunshine Rosman as Amanda Sparkles.
According to the filmmaker, she is “branching out” and “exploring something really different” and pushing her creative limits. The series concluded its principal photography in October 2023 and is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2024 as the first of her announced slate of three projects with Netflix. The series is written by Kemi Adetiba with Remi Adetiba on board as producer.

I Do Not Come To You By Chance

AFRIFF 2023 festival goers already got their chance to watch the adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s novel. Directed by Ishaya Bako, the film is about a struggling Nigerian graduate (played by Paul Nnadiekwe) whose only surefire path forward seems to be abetting his shady uncle’s fraudulent email scam. This is a project many Genevieve Nnaji fans are looking forward to because of her executive-producing efforts. Co-written by Chika Anadu and Ishaya Bako, it also stars Blossom Chukwujekwu, Jennifer Eliogu, Sambasa Nzeribe, Beverly Osu and Emeka Nwagbaraocha. I Do Not Come To You By Chance had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023.

This is Lagos

This is Lagos follows Stevo, played by Gabriel Afolayan, a young man with an insatiable hunger for superstardom in a city where everyone wears a mask of some kind. Directed by Kenneth Gyang, the film also stars Ikechukwu Onunaku, Rahama Sadau, Kate Henshaw, Enyinna Nwigwe, Mike Afolarin, and Laura Pepple. This is Lagos was developed by Gyang and Tom Rowlands-Rees (his creative partner on Confusion Na Wa). After a postponed December theatrical release, a new release date is yet to be announced.

Over The Bridge

Tolu Ajayi’s debut feature film stars Ozzy Agu, Segilola Ogidan, Joke Silva, Deyemi Okalanwon, Chimezie Imo and Paul Adams. The fantasy drama follows Folarin (played by Agu), an accomplished investment banker with a beautiful wife, prestigious connections and a life most people can only dream of. When a high-profile government project he managed goes awry, he starts to question everything he has ever believed to be true. After a world premiere in the UK and an African premiere at AFRIFF in 2023, Over The Bridge is expected to be released this year.

Japa!

Japa! is a sci-fi comedy film directed by Isioma Osaje who is credited as producer of Day of Destiny, The Set Up, Up North, and Quam’s Money. The film, produced under Inkblot Studios and 1Pod Pictures, stars Adesua Etomi, Jidekene Achufusi, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Seun Ajayi and Layi Wasabi. The project concluded its principal photography in August 2023. Details of the plot are yet to be revealed.

‘77: The FESTAC Conspiracy

A continuation of the 2016 historical thriller, ’76, Izu Ojukwu takes the directorial chair once again for a story set around the 1977 FESTAC event. ’77 will feature the reunion of Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic from ’76; the former now an aggrieved serviceman is invited to be a part of a cause out to upset the political order of the continent, along with Ibinabo Fiberesima and Daniel K. Daniel who will also be reprising their ’76 roles. Soibifaa Dokubo will be joining the cast as the Leader of the Free Africa Movement as well as Seun Kuti who will be playing his famous father, Fela Kuti. 

UNO: The F in Family

Ebuka Njoku’s UNO (The F in the Family) is a family dramedy film starring Nkem Owoh as Uzuakpundu, Jennifer Eliogu as Deaconess, Tomi Ojo as Rukayat, Abayomi Alvin as Kenny, Sophia Chisom as Ada, DJ Capello as Gozie and Chimamanda Ukwueze as Nne. Njoku will especially be reuniting with Keezyto from his previous project, Yahoo+, who will be playing Junior, a young artist who often clashes with his family and their beliefs. Evidently, this film will be a complete 180° from Njoku’s previous film. This switch stems the filmmaker’s desire to span diverse genres and also to offer a more palatable alternative with easier family themes for those who do not enjoy dark themes. Like his previous work, UNO will be a blend of Igbo, Pidgin-English and English. Also written by Ebuka Njoku, the film is aiming for an early 2024 release.

Phoenix Fury

Filmed in Nigeria and Ghana, Phoenix Fury is directed by Ifeoma Chukwuogo for Fizzy K Pictures. Not much is known about the plot but we do know that it is set across different periods. Chukwuogo most recently directed a period episode of Showmax psychological thriller Diiche. Phoenix Fury stars Uzoamaka Aniunoh, RMD, Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko, Onyinye Odokoro, Shalewa Ashafa and Joseph Momodu.

Oloture Series

Oloture is returning as a series following the success of the film on Netflix. Oloture’s journey will her through the hostile lands of Niger and Libya to the Mediterranean as she desperately tries to find a way out. Directed by Kenneth Gyang, the cast includes Sharon Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Beverley Osu, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Stan Nze, Amarachukwu Ono, Bukola Oladipupo, Daniel Etim Effiong, Bucci Franklin and Patrick Doyle.

What No One Knows

An I Have An Idea Entertainment film, What No One Knows tells the story of two young women, played by Tope Laguda and Adunni Ade, who have been lifelong best friends but have their friendship tested to the limits as a result of choices they both agreed to make. The film also stars Damilola Ogunsi, Mofe Duncan, Enyinna Nwigwe, Lanre Hassan, Tina Mba and Carol King. After a Nigerian premiere at AFRIFF in 2023, we can all look forward to a commercial release in 2024.

With Difficulty Comes Ease

Through Zainab’s journey as a young widow trying to find her place in the world, we experience love in the different ways it can manifest in Korede Azeez’s With Difficulty Comes Ease produced by Nemsia Films. Uzoamaka Aniunoh brings Zainab to life, along with Caleb Richards playing Rayyan Orji, Ummi Baba-Ahmed as Hajiya and even an appearance from Korede Azeez’s daughter. Korede Azeez is known for Halima’s Choice, her short film in Netflix’s African Folktales Reimagined anthology series released in 2023.

The Artifact

From LordTanner Studios, the film follows four friends on an adventure across several states in Nigeria, racing to find precious stones in an artifact while being pursued. Produced and directed by Tolu Lord Tanner, who has worked on titles like Ajuwaya and Hide ‘N’ Seek, the film stars Adeoluwa Akintoba, Miracle Inyanda, Sharon Rotimi, and Ovy Godwin as the four friends. Other cast members are  Kunle Remi, Yewande Simpson, and Okey Uzoeshi.

Wire Wire

The infamous phenomenon of financial crime or internet fraud is touched upon in this crime drama from BAP Production, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters. The cast includes Lasisi Elenu, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Neo Akpofure, Bisola Aiyeola, Erica Nlewedim, Boma Akpore, Lillian Afegbai, Bucci Franklin, Olarotimi Fakunle, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Kelvinmary Ndukwe, Onyeka Fiaka, Abayomi Towase and Uzo Osimkpa. 

House of Gaa

Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, House of Gaa is another project from BAP Production. Starring Femi Branch, the snippets tease an indigenous and historical production that might bear a relation to the historical figure known as Bashorun Gaa, however, we have no details of the story. According to history, Bashorun Gaa was a notable prime minister (Bashorun) in the Old Oyo Empire during the 18th Century. Feared and respected, he descended into a sort of tyrant, responsible for enthroning and dethroning several Alaafins (given that the Bashorun being of non–royal blood could not be one) until he was eventually killed. 

Anikulapo Series

Following the success of the 2022 period fantasy feature film, Kunle Afolayan announced a four-part sequel series. The series is expected to delve further into the concept of reincarnation and that our souls are connected across lifetimes. Titled Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, it is written by Shola Dada and just like its original, will make its global premiere on Netflix. It will star returning stars Sola Sowobale, Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Eyiyemi Afolayan, and Taiwo Hassan alongside the additional cast of Owobo Ogunde, Gabriel Afolayan, and Lateef Adedimeji. We may have even spotted Layi Wasabi in one of the set images. 

Untitled KAP Supernatural Thriller

After the release of the 2022 fantasy epic, Anikulapo and the 2023 coming-of-age adventure film, Ijogbon, Kunle Afolayan is on to the next with an untitled project. Plot-wise, very little is known about this KAP Motion Pictures’ supernatural thriller. It is expected to be released sometime in 2024. The independently produced project directed by Kunle Afolayan reunites the filmmaker with Jimmy Jean-Louis who has previously starred in The CEO and Citation. This untitled KAP project also stars Bolaji Ogunmola, Olarotimi Fakunle, Sharon Ooja, Muyiwa Ademola, Tina Mba, Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang, Bimbo Akintola and Akorede Bobo.

Asiri Ade

Asiri Ade (The Secret of the Crown) is an Adeoluwa Owu Yoruba epic film written by Dapo Lanre Badmus, both of whom previously worked on the 2021 film, The Griot. Asiri Ade stars Akin Lewis, Bolanle Ninalowo, Omowunmi Dada as Princess Oyinade, Gabriel Afolayan, Mike Afolarin, Fathia Williams, Bolaji Ogunmola, Aisha Lawal, Lasisi Elenu, Lizzy Jay, Dele Odule and Moji Afolayan. The drama follows a king who is searching for someone who is about to expose a secret that would threaten his kingdom. 

Tokunbo

The Ramsey Nouah and Sozo Film production is an action film following Tokunbo, an ex-smuggler played by Gideon Okeke on the “path of redemption”. It is produced by Chris Odeh and directed by Ramsey Nouah. The cast also includes Chidi Mokeme as Gaza, and Aaron Sunday. 

Insecure 

The story of a woman Mabel Ajayi (Beverly Naya) who, trying to win her husband Kunle Ajayi (Efa Iwara) back, gets tangled up in crime. This psychological film is directed by Benn Nwokike and produced by Abdul Tijani Ahmed. It also stars Venita Akpofure as Amara, Ade Laoye as Titi, Darasimi Nnadi (Obara’M) as Miriam, Michael Ejoor, Demi Banwo, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Abdul Tijani-Ahmed and Temitope Olowoniyan. Insecure is confirmed for release in 2024. 

L.I.F.E

Produced by Judith Audu Productions, L.I.F.E tells the story of two females Ema (Omowunmi Dada) and Yinka (Efe Irele) who are not satisfied with their career and wish life treated them differently until it eventually does. The film directed by Uyoyou Adia (Hey You!) has been in the works since 2018 with its then working title, 24 Hours. Also starring Jay Paul, Debo “Mr Macaroni” Adedayo, Temitope Olowoniyan, Eso Dike, Kate Adepegba and Mena Sodje, the film will be available for streaming soon on Prime Video.

Onyeegwu

Football is Alex’s life and life as Alex knows it is about to end. Zubby Michael as Alex goes on a spiritual journey to reclaim his place. The comedy-drama is written by Victor Alabi and based on a story by Uche Jombo who is also the director, produced under Uche Jombo Studios with Jerome Weber as its artistic director. The first teaser was released in 2023. Onyeegwu stars Kayode Ojuolape, Chioma Akpotha as Obiageli, Emeka Nwagbaraocha as Ahanna, Zubby Michael, Nancy Isime, Lateef Adedimeji, Broda Shaggi, and Ini Edo. Onyeegwu premiered at the 2023 AFRIFF.

Finding Messiah

Finding Messiah is a political musical epic drama set in the fictional Republic of Zambay. It is a large-scale production, with even a fictional language. The cast includes Bucci Franklin as Solomon Nai, Pete Edochie, Shine Rosman, Sunday Omobolanle, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Majid Michel, Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang, Segun Arinze, Alex Usifo and Ejike Asiegbu. The first stage of principal photography was concluded in December. Details of its release are still unknown. Oscar Heman-Ackah acts as the film’s producer, director and music composer.

Ajosepo

Ajosepo is a story about family ties that promises to be heartwarming. Cast members include Timini Egbuson, Mike Afolarin, Tomike Adeoye, Ronke Oshodi, Muyiwa Ademola, Mercy Aigbe, Yemi Solade, Kalu-Anaga Emmanuel Eme, Bolaji Ogunmola, Bisola Aiyeola, Lizzy Jay and Gbohunmi David. The film is directed by Kayode Kasum and is aiming for a 2024 release.

A Green Fever

A Green Fever is a crime drama set in the 80s directed by Taiwo Egunjobi. Kunmi (played by Temi Fosudo) in desperation seeks refuge in a stranger’s (played by Ruby Okezie) home after his daughter Ireti (played by Darasimi Nadi) suffers a stroke on a road trip during a curfew. Colonel Bashiru’s (played by Deyemi Okanlawon) arrival escalates the genre of the night, turning things baleful. The film which is set in Ibadan is a Nemsia Films feature film, the makers of Breath of Life, in collaboration with Sable Productions. Produced by Emiola Fagbenle and also starring William Benson, the film had its world premiere at AFRIFF in 2023. A Green Fever is expected to arrive on Prime Video this year.

Funmilayo Ransome Kuti 

Funmilayo Ransome Kuti is a biopic of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti from BAP Production. It stars Kehinde Bankole as Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Joke Silva as the older Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Omowunmi Dada, Adunni Ade, Dele Odule, Jide Kosoko and Adebayo Salami. The film had a limited theatrical run at Silverbird Galleria in September 2023 and plans to premiere officially in 2024. The film also screened at AFRIFF 2023 where it was awarded Best Screenplay (for Tunde Babalola’s efforts) and Best African Film. 

All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White

Directed and written by Babatunde Apalowo, All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White was selected for its world premiere at the Berlinale 2023, competing for best film by a first-time filmmaker and taking home the Teddy Award for best LGBTQIA+ film. During a global festival run, the film also premiered in Nigeria at the 2023 AFRIFF. Bambino (played by Tope Tedela) and Bawa (played by Riyo David) meet in Lagos and hit it off immediately. During their long trips around the city, they develop a deep affection for each other. But in a society that considers homosexuality taboo, they feel the pressure of social norms.

Produced by Damilola Orimogunje (For Maria Ebun Pataki), the film also stars Martha Ehinome Orhiere (WURA), Uche Chika Elumelu (The Wait), and Floyd Anekwe. Director Apalowo hopes the film gets to be seen by Nigerians after its festival run in order to “spark meaningful conversations” and “inspire empathy”. A general audience release should be anticipated this year.

Freedom Way

Freedom Way follows various stories: a group of friends (Timini Egbuson, Ogranya) who are trying to save their start-up after a sabotage; a bike man (Debo “Mr Macaroni” Adedayo) who has to find ways to provide for his family after losing his source of livelihood; a doctor (Taye Arimoro) struggling with his conscience and a police couple (Femi Jacobs and Bimbo Akintola) with a tough choice to make when they end up on different sides of the law.

This will mark Olalekan Afolabi’s directorial feature film debut. Blessing Uzzi is on the production team as a producer. Other cast members include Meg Otanwa as Funke, Sophie Alakija as Temi and Jesse Suntele. Shooting wrapped last year and the film had an intimate private screening in 2023. At this time, there is no set release date. 

No Man’s Land

Plot details are still mostly unknown but the story is returning to the street, to tell a story about the street and for the street with Femi Branch, Sola Sobowale, Omowunmi Dada (Ayinla) and Seun Kuti in the cast. One thing we do know is that we are already feeling really bad for AY, set to be played by one of many newcomers, Waris Rasheed. Co-written by Blessing Uzzi and Caleb Okereke, No Man’s Land is Uzzi’s directorial feature debut. Shooting wrapped in September 2021 and it has since gone to post-production. A first-look poster was released in November 2022.

Shina

Directed by Muyiwa Adesokun and Carmen L. Ike-Okoro, the thriller was filmed in 2022. It stars Timini Egbuson as Shina, and Neo Akpofure as Donald, Tope Tedela, Shawn Faqua and Kelechi Udegbe. It was written by Muyiwa Adesokun and other contributing writers; Toluwani Obayan, Amaka Chidioka and Ife Olujuyigbe, who worked on the script for over a year. It is produced by Feyifunmi Oginni with Film Trybe Production.

Sugar Rush 2

This is a sequel to the 2019 Sugar Rush movie directed by Kayode Kasum. Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye will reprise their roles as the Sugar sisters. Caribbean filmmaker Khris Burton will be directing this sequel which began principal photography in October 2022 and went quiet in 2023. 

ATOKA

In what would be new waters in Nollywood, Seun Afolabi’s ATOKA follows Wale (Soledayo Adegbite), a down-on-his-luck young man who relocates with his wife Wura (Damilola Oni) to his hometown for a glimpse of hope, given the loss of his job in a renowned organisation. However, things take a dramatic turn when he has to implore an unconventional teaching approach to help a failing student (Oluwatobi Fakos) reach his full potential or risk losing all hope in humanity.

Written by David Osarieme, Damilare Aguda, Razak Olayiwola (Anikulapo), Joke Muyiwa (Swallow), Seyitan Adeyemi, Femi Ademiluyi, and Iwalola Adekugbe join this coming-of-age drama co-produced by Aguda Media and Hill Vision Studio. ATOKA will head to festivals before an eventual release on a streaming service. It has since been screened at The Annual Film Mischief in 2023. 

Home Therapy

Cinephiles can look forward to seeing Jude Chukwuka in a lead role in Home Therapy, a divorce drama directed by Paul Edoze and produced by Emmanuel Izuoba (Brotherhood assistant director).

Home Therapy is centered around a retired emeritus professor, Henry, played by Chukwuka, who is going through a rough divorce with his wife. Through Henry, we can explore other characters, as each character takes us on a journey of self-discovery.

Joining Chukwuka (Castle and Castle) in this life drama are Jude Orhorha (Half of a Yellow Sun), Chioma Okafor (Aki and Pawpaw), and fast-rising stars Joseph Chuks (Madam Koi Koi) and Prince Buchi Onigwe. While release details have not been announced, we are keeping our fingers crossed for a 2024 release. It is expected to head to festivals before an eventual release. 

My Big Fairytale Naija Wedding

We do not know a lot about this story but it is apparently a dramedy trilogy written by Xavier Ighorodje and Donald Tombia. It is produced by Giant Creative Studios (behind Shanty Town), directed by Dimeji Ajibola and stars Ini Edo as Mojisola and Ramsey Nouah. Filming started on the film in July 2022 and has gone quiet during its post production stage.

Omoge Suzzy

Omoge Suzzy is “a beautiful comedy story” reuniting Director Biodun Stephen (Breaded Life) with Bimbo Ademoye, who plays the titular Suzzy. Ademoye describes it as “nothing short of humour”. Scripted by Xavier Ighorodje for Giant Creative Studios, Nollywood is no stranger to this genre and viewers can be ready for another addition to the collection. Other stars include Bolanle Ninalowo (Far From Home), Debo Macaroni (Ayinla), Uzor Arukwe (The Blood Covenant) and Toyin Abraham (Prophetess). It has been acquired by a streaming platform, and more details should be released soon.

One Too Many

Directed by Kayode Kasum, the story follows Adesuwa (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) trying to save her son, Otas (Chimezie Imo) from ‘one too many’ injustices in the corrupt justice system. The cast also includes Omowunmi Dada as Ehi, Jide Kosoko, Tope Tedela, Kelechi Udegbe and Funsho Adeolu. It is produced by Atinuke Akande and Joy Grant Ekong for Hope Pictures. It screened at AFRIFF in November 2022. 

Suspicion

Written, produced and directed by Tosin Igho, the thriller will take on the origin story of the lead in his 2008 short film The Suspicious Guy. Suspicion will explore the lives of victims of ritual practices and promises to be an action-packed movie. It stars Stan Nze as Voke, Uzor Arukwe as Rogba, Omowunmi Dada as Chisom and Kalu Ikeawgwu as Mr. Tony. 

Tarella

Set in the mythical Kingdom of Akkaya, Prince Nosa and Tarella, played by Okawa Shaznay and Timini Egbuson, must overcome numerous obstacles in their quest for Happy Ever After in Lolo Eremie and Kayode Kasum’s Tarella. We’ve all seen countless iterations of the Cinderella story and we are excited to see how the African Cinderella Story will do with this trope. Tarella was screened at AFRIFF in 2023. 

The Naija Job

The Naija Job is an adventure heist movie directed by Femi Ogunsanwo and written by Dare Olaitan. Exploring the heist, action & crime genres set against the backdrop of big city politics, the film stars Baaj Adebule, Joselyn Dumas, Antar Laniyan, Ade Laoye, Omowunmi Dada, Daniel K. Daniel, Teniola Aladese, Frank Donga, Nonso Odogwu and Bimbo Manuel. The Naija Job (a working title) is executive produced by Adedayo Amzat, Tunde Leye and Femi D. Ogunsanwo. A release can be expected this year.

That Other Side

Uyi (Baaj Adebule), a ‘reformed’ hustler desperate to raise an amount of money, returns to his hometown, Benin City and finds himself trapped in a warehouse with his estranged best friend, a corpse, his pistol-wielding girlfriend, a witch doctor and a bag of money. Lota Chukwu also stars as Jazz (Jasmine Idehen). It is directed by Victor Sanchez Aghahowa. That Other Side screened at AFRIFF 2021. 

A Romantic Comedy Featuring Lara and Tobi

“Fate works her magic as obsession tangles with true love.” As the title suggests, the film is a rom-com. Written and directed by Segilola Ogidan (A Naija Christmas), it stars Marcy Dolapo Oni as Lara, Taye Arimoro (The House of Secrets), Shaffy Bello (Shanty Town), Nengi Adoki (Juju Stories), Damilare Kuku (The Wildflower), Ruby Akubueze (Ijogbon) and Uche Abuah. It is produced by Barbara Babarinsa and screened at AFRIFF in November of 2022. 

The Weekend

Director Daniel Oriahi is behind The Weekend for Trino Motion Pictures. Exact plot details are still kept tightly under the lid but the film is said to touch on themes like family, heritage and trauma with a political undertone. Principal photography wrapped in December 2022. The project stars Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey, Bucci Franklin, Uzoamaka Aninuoh, Gloria Anozie-Young, James Gardiner, Meg Otanwa and Brutus Richard. It is produced by Uche Louis Okocha.

Otiti

In Otiti, formerly titled ‘Umuemu Oseme’ (The Sins of the Father), we follow a seamstress, Otiti (Gina Castel), who takes care of her ill father who abandoned her as a child. The cast also includes Charles Etubiebi, Tunde Daniels, Chimezie Imo, Obi Maduegbuna, Yinka Davies, Toritseju Ejoh and Racheal Enem Issac. It is directed by Ema Edosio Deelen (Kasala!) and co-written by Chijioke Ononiwu and Ema Edosio Deleen. It debuted in Nigeria at AFRIFF in 2022. 

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UPDATE: Reps from the What No One Knows team reached out with updated credits that Adeoluwa Owu is no longer attached as a director.