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 manager, and some notable events in between. Lateef Oladimeji (Jagun Jagun) revives the titular character with superb acting and an Egba accent that pays homage to Abeokuta, Ayinla’s hometown, where the semi-biopic (as described as Kelani) was filmed. Omowunmi Dada, Ade Laoye, Mr. Macaroni, and Kunle Afolayan also feature under the direction of veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani (Saworoide), who hails from Abeokuta and claims to have seen Ayinla as a child. Originally released in cinemas in 2021, it is available on Netflix. 

Finding Fela 

This American documentary tells the story of the legendary King of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, using archive footage of his performances and interviews with Bill T. Jones, the director of the New York musical, “Fela!”

The documentary, directed by Alex Gibney, premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. And, in 2015, it was nominated for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards. You can watch it on Netflix.

Amina 

Izu Ojukwu’s Amina (2021) is based on the story of Amina of Zazzau (modern-day Zaria), and it depicts events that resulted in the warrior queen’s ascension to the throne of her father’s empire. Lucy Ameh (O-Town) takes the titular lead role, starring alongside Ali Nuhu, Clarion Chukwurah, and other stars. 

Although the film came under fire for having some historically inaccurate facts, it earned 13 nominations at the 2022 AMVCA and won 4 awards, including Best Overall Movie. It is available on Netflix.

Amaka’s Kin: The Women of Nollywood 

Amaka’s Kin: The Women of Nollywood (2016) is a short documentary created by Tope Oshin (MTV Shuga) in remembrance of renowned Nollywood director Amaka Igwe (1963–2014). In this remarkable piece, Tope Oshin, Omoni Oboli, Jade Osiberu, and several other female filmmakers describe their unique experiences and challenges in the Nigerian film industry, even as they honor the memory of one of their “kin.”

It is available on WIFFTV.

93 Days 

93 Days (2016) is a reenactment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. The film, directed by Steve Gukas (A Place in the Stars), sheds light on the sacrifices and bold decisions made by several men and women to contain the virus after the first patient, Patrick Sawyer (Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey), is diagnosed. While it isn’t a typical biopic, 93 Days (2016) focuses on the heroic acts of the central character, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh (Bimbo Akintola), a physician who played a key role in curbing the spread of the disease.

The film won the Audience Choice title at the 2017 Images of Africa Awards and garnered six nominations at the 2017 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). You can watch it on Prime Video.

Badamasi: Portrait of a General 

Badamasi: Portrait of a General (2021) is a biopic about the former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. It chronicles the events in his life, from his humble beginnings in the northern village of Wushishi to his rise in the Nigerian Army. Enyinna Nwigwe (The Wedding Party) plays the eponymous role in this periodic piece directed by Obi Emelonye (Last Flight to Abuja), which also features Charles Inojie, Okey Bakassi, and Julius Agwu, among others.

You can watch it on Prime Video.

Anini 

Anini (2005) is an old Nollywood thriller directed by Fred Amata (Letters to a Stranger), following the life and misdeeds of Lawrence Anini. Late actor Nosa Ehimwem portrays the famous bandit who shook Benin City to its core in the 80’s, alongside Chidi Mokeme (Shanty Town), who plays Osunbor, his sidekick. Fred Amata, Bimbo Akintola, Segun Arinze, and others also feature in the biopic, which earned five nominations at the 2006 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). It is available on YouTube.

Sango: The Legendary African King (1997)

Sango is the legendary Alaafin of fifteenth-century Oyo, who was so powerful during his reign that he eventually became a deity to the Yoruba people. In this award-winning biopic directed by veteran filmmaker Obafemi Lasode (Stolen Treasures), Wale Adebayo takes on the role of the powerful ruler. Peter Fatomilola, Antar Laniyan, and the late Rachel Oniga also play important characters that bring the epic story to life.

In 1988, the film was screened at the 4^th New York African Film Festival, and a year later, it was shown at the 7^th Pan African Film Festival. You can watch it on YouTube.

Invasion 1897 

Invasion 1897 (2014) is a retelling of the February 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom by British forces, under the command of Sir Harry Rawson. It depicts the life of Oba Ovonramwem Nogbaisi, the thirty-fifth Oba of the ancient empire, and his dethronement after the punitive expedition. The award-winning film is directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen (Home in Exile), and it features Charles Venn, Segun Arinze, and Paul Obazele, among others. 

It garnered several accolades, including the 2015 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards in the Best Movie of The Year, Best Director, and Best Soundtrack categories. 

It is now available on YouTube.

Stubborn Grasshopper 

The two-part story is based on the life and times of General Sani Abacha, who was Nigeria’s Head of State from 1993 to 1998.  Directed by Simisola Opeoluwa (Ogidan), Stubborn Grasshopper (2001) tackles the political issues surrounding the dictatorship of Abacha. However, some names and events are changed in the retelling. The film stars Clem Ohaneze, Euchari Anunobi, and Ramsey Nouah, among others. You can watch it on YouTube.

The Herbert Macaulay Affair 

Imoh Umoren’s The Herbert Macaulay Affair (2019) is a period piece set in the 1920s. It is based on Herbert Macaulay, the renowned Nigerian nationalist who paved the way for the country’s independence from British rule. The biopic casts William Benson (Obara’M) in the lead role, alongside Saidi Balogun, Kelechi Udegbe, and other stars who bring the story to life. You can check the film out on Plex.

Apaye 

Apaye (2014) narrates the story of Elder Irene Yepayeye Uriah-Dieah, a mother of six who struggles to take care of her family after her husband abandons her. The biographical drama, directed by Desmond Elliot (Knocking on Heaven’s Door), features Clarion Chukwurah-Abiola, Belinda Effah, and Caro Michael, who play Yepayeye at different stages of her life. You can watch it on YouTube.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti 

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti focuses its lens on its titular character, the renowned activist and leader who is also the mother of legendary Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters (Man of God), the biopic features Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, and Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko in its lead roles. It won awards in the Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay categories at the 12^th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). It will be available in Nigerian theaters from May 17, 2024.

Awujale (TBD)

Awujale is the highly-anticipated biopic about Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagaba II, the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom, one of the longest-reigning traditional rulers of Nigeria. It stars Debo “Mr. Macaroni” Adedayo, Sola Sobowale, Antar Laniyan, and other notable actors, under the direction of Tunde Olaoye (Married but Living Single, Lugard). The film is produced by Seun Oloketuyi, founder and CEO of The Best of Nollywood Awards. 

A release date has not been announced.

House of Ga’a (2024)

Bolanle Austen-Peters’ House of Ga’a is inspired by a real-life historical figure, Bashorun Ga’a. He was a powerful leader in the 18^th century Oyo Empire, who is said to have been more influential than the kings of that era. Femi Branch, Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham play important roles in the biopic, which is expected to be released on Netflix later this year. 

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