The list of frequent collaborators in Nollywood continues to grow as more filmmakers find creative partners they trust. Among the latest additions to frequent director-producer collaborators are Judith Audu and Uyoyou Adia. They return on Evi, a female-led Afrobeats drama written and directed by Uyoyou Adia, currently filming and set for release in the second quarter of 2026 through FilmOne.
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The film tells the story of Evi-Oghene Donalds, a gifted but arrogant Afrobeats star whose career crashes when her record label suddenly ends their contract without compensation. Stripped of fame and fortune, she is forced to face the harsh realities of the music industry and rebuild her life with the help of her best friend and a troubled manager.
The producers describe Evi as a story about strength, loss, and rediscovery. It focuses on the personal struggles of women in the music industry and the pressure that comes with success. “This is for every woman who’s ever been told to shrink herself just to fit in,” said producer Judith Audu. “Evi is a bold, unapologetic story that proves women can rise above challenges and thrive on their own terms.”
Producing under her company, Switch Visuals Productions, Damilola Oskioya reunites with Judith Audu of Judith Audu Productions. Both companies previously collaborated on the six-episode series Hustle and plan to expand their partnership in 2026.
Audu made her first major mark as a producer with Just Not Married (2016). She went on to produce Stormy Hearts (2017) and later directed short films like Not Right, which addressed domestic violence. In 2025, she co-produced The Party, a three-part murder mystery series on Netflix.
More reunions on the Evi project have Uyoyou Adia and Judith Audu, who have built a working relationship over the years. They first worked together on The Sessions, and most recently in 2023, L.I.F.E. They also worked together on My Name is Misan, a yet-to-be-released adaptation of a memoir by Misan Udogie. Previous directorial works from Adia are Charge and Bail and Hey You!
Having a background in travel and lifestyle content creation, Osikoya moved into filmmaking to tell stories that connect across cultures. Her company began with music videos and commercials before producing its first feature, A Weekend Fiasco, released in cinemas in 2025.
“As both a travel expert and filmmaker, I have always been passionate about stories that move across borders,” Osikoya said. “Evi is entertaining, but it also carries a message about truth, resilience, and representation.”
EVI is backed by CCHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter, which is supported by the Gates Foundation.
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