Almost exactly a year after debuting Zikoko Life, Big Cabal Media has unveiled the anthology’s second edition (as stylized), which will begin rolling out on YouTube from July 25. Alongside the announcement, What Kept Me Up can exclusively reveal first-look stills from the three new films.
The images (below) offer an early glimpse at the anthology’s latest stories from returning directors Dika Ofoma and Uzoamaka Power, joined this time by Kaelo Iyizoba (Boy Meets Girl).
Created and executive produced by Anita E. Eboigbe for Big Cabal Media, Zikoko Life is produced and showrun by Blessing Uzzi for Bluhouse Studios, whose recent credits include the Nigerian box office hit Call of My Life. Executive producers on the anthology also include Tomiwa Aladekomo and Temitayo Ishola.
The three new films will continue the anthology’s exploration of identity, desire and autonomy under the pressures of family, religion, culture and the uncertainties of young adulthood. According to Eboigbe of Big Cabal, the response to the first edition reinforced audiences’ appetite for intimate, slice-of-life storytelling, giving the creative team greater confidence to experiment with tone while remaining rooted in the publisher’s editorial voice.
“The first edition taught us that audiences are hungry for honest, grounded stories, and that gave us the confidence to double down on authenticity, experiment within that framework, and continue centring characters whose lives feel recognisably close to our viewers,” she said.
That confidence is reflected across the new films, from Dika Ofoma’s homage to classic Nollywood aesthetics to Kaelo Iyizoba’s introspective take on modern relationships, while Uzoamaka Power’s entry leans into what is described as the “most Zikoko” character yet.
Among the three films is “Siraam”, written and directed by Uzoamaka Power, who returns after directing “My Body, God’s Temple” in the first edition, and starring Genoveva Umeh. The film previously premiered out of competition at the S16 Film Festival in December 2025, where it drew attention for its intimate portrait of a young woman navigating love, sexuality and self-discovery.
Kaelo Iyizoba makes his anthology debut with “Before We Fall Asleep”, written by Blessing Uzzi. Starring Tobi Bakre, Onyinye Odokoro and Rita Edochie, the film follows a couple whose relationship begins to fracture as shifting dynamics expose unspoken fears and quiet resentments.
Rounding out the second edition is “A Happy Ending”, written and directed by Dika Ofoma following “Something Sweet” from the inaugural edition. Described as an ode to classic Nollywood, the film follows a young woman who relocates to a big city seeking a fresh start, only to find herself confronted by more possibilities and choices than she anticipated. The cast includes Ifeoma Obinwa and Ruby Okezie.
Launched in 2025 with a weekly release format, Zikoko Life marked Big Cabal Media’s first major move into original scripted filmmaking, adapting the publisher’s signature editorial voice, best known through its Naira Life, Love Life and Sex Life serials, into character-driven films centred on Nigerian women. Released on YouTube, the first three films have since drawn more than 1.48 million combined views on the platform, where the second edition will also be released.
The first edition was praised for its emotionally grounded storytelling and cohesive creative vision. In our review, we described the anthology as a “refreshing” take on women-centred Nigerian stories “executed with flourishes of visual brilliance.”
Beyond Zikoko Life, Big Cabal Media has continued to expand its screen output through projects including the second season of HER Docuseries and the visual podcast Overthinkers Anonymous, alongside its broader editorial and publishing work.
Become a patron: To support our in-depth and critical coverage—become a Patron today!
Track Upcoming Films: Keep track of upcoming films and TV shows on your Google calendar.
