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Five most watched movies by top Nollywood actresses

In recent years, Nollywood has witnessed an impressive surge in high-grossing films, setting new movie records and gaining international recognition. With increased audience engagement and groundbreaking productions, the Nigerian film industry has solidified its place as a dominant force in global entertainment.

Several movies have played a key role in Nollywood’s rise, drawing massive audiences to cinemas and streaming platforms.

Here are most watched movies by top Nollywood actresses:

1. Everybody Loves Jenifa – Funke Akindele

Released in 2024, Everybody Loves Jenifa was a cultural phenomenon that dominated the Nigerian box office. The film, led by Funke Akindele, showcased her signature comedic brilliance, leaving audiences in fits of laughter. Cinemas were packed with eager fans, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of the year. The movie’s popularity reaffirmed Akindele’s status as one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars.

2. Thin Line – Mercy Aigbe

Premiering on December 13, 2024, Thin Line was a major hit that set Mercy Aigbe apart as a filmmaker capable of delivering fresh and compelling stories. The movie’s storyline was different from the typical Nollywood narratives, attracting a large audience. Its success proved that Nigerian audiences were hungry for unique and well-crafted films, setting a new standard for storytelling in the industry.

Read Also: Top eight movies to watch in cinemas this weekend

3. Alakada Bad and Boujee – Toyin Abraham

Toyin Abraham continued her streak of successful movies with Alakada Bad and Boujee, released on December 20, 2024. The film opened with an impressive ₦134 million in its first week, proving Abraham’s star power. The Alakada series has always been a fan favorite, and this latest installment delivered humor, drama, and a storyline that kept audiences engaged. The film also attracted new fans, expanding Abraham’s already massive following.

4. Love in Every world – Omoni Oboli

Unlike traditional cinema releases, Love in every world by Omoni Oboli took Nollywood by storm on Youtube. Within a week of its release, the film had already hit over a million views, with the Youtube page gaining a million new followers due to its success. The movie quickly became an online sensation, inspiring viral memes and TikTok trends. The film’s impact demonstrated how Nollywood is thriving beyond the cinema, reaching global audiences through digital platforms.

5. Labake Olododo – Iyabo Ojo

One of Nollywood’s latest hits, Labake Olododo, premiered in cinemas on March 28, 2025. The film received significant promotion, with Iyabo Ojo’s daughter, Priscilla Ojo, using Instagram to create buzz for the launch. The strong marketing efforts paid off, as the movie attracted a large audience, proving that strategic publicity is key to Nollywood’s growing cinema culture.

Nollywood’s rapid growth is undeniable. With increasing investments, better storytelling, and high production quality, the industry is on a steady path to even greater success. Streaming platforms like Netflix are now airing more Nigerian films, further expanding the reach of Nollywood to international audiences. As Nigerian filmmakers continue to push creative boundaries, the future of Nollywood looks brighter than ever.

March 31, 2025
FULL LIST: Top 10 highest-grossing movies in Nigerian history

Funke Akindele’s latest movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ made history on Thursday, January 4, 2024, by becoming the first Nollywood film to surpass ₦1 billion at the box office.

The movie, which was released on December 15, 2023, has been a massive success, grossing over ₦613 million in just two weeks of its release.

The movie has been a hit with audiences and critics alike, with many praising the film’s storyline and excellent performances by the cast.

As the Nollywood film industry continues to grow other movies will be expected to join this list.

Here’s a list of the top ten highest-grossing movies in Nigeria:

1. A Tribe Called Judah:

This is the highest-grossing movie with N1,060,711,491, the movie was produced by the Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network.

2. Battle on Buka Street:

Released in 2022 by Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network/FilmOne studios the movie went on to gross over 650 million naira.

3. Omo Ghetto: The Saga:

The final part of the Omo Ghetto series was released in 2020 by SceneOne Productions, directed by Funke Akindele grossed over 620 million naira, ₦636,129,120 to be exact.

4. The Wedding Party:

The romantic movie with Adesua Etomi and Bankole Wellington as the lead stars, and directed by Kemi Adetiba was released in 2016 by Ebonylife Films / FilmOne / Inkblot Production / Koga Studios and it got 452 million naira.

5. The Wedding Party 2:

The sequel didn’t do as well as the original movie but it still grossed millions of naira, 433 million naira to be exact.

Read Also: Why I do not sanctify myself for deadly roles in movies – Kanayo O Kanayo

6. Chief Daddy:

The comedy movie directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and released in 2018 grossed ₦387 million.

7. Brotherhood:

Brotherhood is a Nigerian crime-action thriller produced by Jade Osiberu and starring Tobi Bakre, Boma Akpore, Falz, Basketmouth, Sam Dede, Ronke Oshodi Oke among others. The film was released to cinemas in Africa on 23 September 2022, It grossed 328 million naira.

8. King of Thieves (Agẹṣinkólé):

It is a 2022 Nigerian thriller film produced by Femi Adebayo and directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani. It stars Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, and others. It grossed ₦320 million.

9. Sugar Rush:

Sugar Rush is a 2019 Nigerian crime action comedy film written by Jadesola Osiberu and Bunmi Ajakaiye. The film stars Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye in the lead roles, and it got ₦287 million.

10. Ijakumo:

Ijakumo is a 2022 suspense thriller produced by Toyin Abraham Films Production / Filmone and had it was released on 23, December 2022. It grossed ₦278 million.

January 6, 2024
Invest in movies, don urges Muslims

A call has been made to Muslims to invest in the film industry as a way of projecting the beauty of Islam and countering the negative depiction of Muslims on the screen.

This call was made by Associate Professor of English, University of Ilorin, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, penultimate Sunday, while reviewing a film produced by Dr. Faoziyah Sulaiman of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, at the Africa Hall of Mustapha Akanbi Foundation, Ilorin, Kwara State.

In his review, entitled “Give Little, Get Plenty: A Review of Ojo Ogundoju’s ‘Charity’”, Dr. Adedimeji noted that the global movie industry is partly used in psychological warfare “where violence is unleashed on Muslims through name-calling, character assassination, sheer propaganda and negative framing, which all seem to justify vilifying Muslims, occupying their lands and generally tormenting them,” with a typical Muslim portrayed as a “bad guy” and a Muslim woman as “oppressed”.

Dr. Adedimeji, who is also the Secretary General of the University of Ilorin Muslim Community, deplored the Western cinematic narrativity that is obsessed with the negative stereotyping of Muslims.

While commending the script writer and producer, Dr. Sulaiman and the Director, Mr. Ogundoju, on a job well done, the reviewer, who is the immediate past Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, submitted that the effort was welcome because the Nigerian movie industry is also not free of films that offend the sensibility of Muslims.

He revealed that the production of “Asewo to re Mecca” in 1992 was detestable to Muslims just like more recent titles like “Basiratu Baseje”, “Aminatu Pa-pa-pa”, “Osanle Modinat”, “Sikiratu Sindodo”, “Jelili Oniso”and “Awalu and Awawu”, where, according to him,”Islamic names, symbols and identity are caricatured and denigrated”.

Congratulating Dr. Sulaiman, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Yunusa Oyeyemi, said that he had known the producer for some time because of her commitment to impacting on the society through writing.

May 18, 2018
Movies are bait for human soul – Sammy Wonder

Gospel singer, Sammy Wonder, has called for caution on soap operas and movies, saying that they are bait for human soul from the dark forces.

“Satan wants your soul, so he produces very enticing and appealing movies which just portray people living a carefree life without Jesus Christ, using God’s name in vain, drinking, dressing immorally, and promoting all sorts of things God so much hates and despises,” the singer said on his Facebook page.

“God told me all those ungodly movies, soaps, cartoons, are Satan’s bait for human souls. Is it worth it to exchange your soul for a movie? Nothing on earth can buy the human soul. It took Jesus Christ to pay with a sacrifice of His own life; His blood.”

The recording artiste at Blue Pie, is presently an international Indie recording artist who sings in French and English. He came into prominence in 2014 after releasing his hit single, ‘The Star Will Always Shine’, which grabbed the attention of Hollywood Music Supervisors who added the song to their catalogues.

January 25, 2018
Censors Board reconstitutes taskforce on illegal movies

It was a heart lifting development for filmmakers who attended the inauguration of a special taskforce, constituted by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to checkmate the upsurge of unlicensed and unclassified movies in the country.

The move was one of the steps taken by the new Executive Director of the NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, who assumed office barely three months ago.

The feat, according to many, was a subtle approach to minimize piracy of intellectual property in Nigeria.

Inaugurating the 8-man taskforce at the Ikoyi office of the agency, Thomas said the reconstituted national taskforce against unwholesome movies, was one of the mandates given him by President Muhammadu Buhari “to revitalize the dying dreams of the founding fathers of the film industry, whose shear efforts brought the sector to phenomenal limelight, but have so far recorded pains and tears as a result of the sabotaging works of people bent on crippling the industry.”

Acknowledging that the Nigerian motion picture industry was built on the sweat and toils of its doyens, and not by government, the NFVCB boss said, “My own responsibility therefore as one of the representatives of the government is to rekindle dashed hopes and fertilize the soil for their seeds to thrive and reap bountiful harvests from their toils and labours in the sector.”

According to Thomas, the entertainment industry in Nigeria is the second largest employer of labour in Nigeria after agricultural sector; estimated to employ over one million Nigerians, hence the policy objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Buhari administration is to increase film production by 15 percent on an annual basis, export videos to generate USD1 billion in foreign exchange by 2020 and improve enforcement of intellectual property rights for artistic works produced in Nigeria.

To achieve this, Thomas said, comes the need to enforce intellectual property rights in the film industry.

“We have therefore selected men and women of impeccable character, cutting across various interests in the industry, thoroughbred professionals who have immensely contributed to the sector, and who know exactly where the shoe pinches,”

Chaired by the NFVCB ED himself, the national taskforce which is headed by veteran filmmaker, Patron/Advisor to the Board, Chief Eddie Ugboma, has as its members, Head of Lagos State Film Censors Board, Mr. Dele Balogun; notable marketer, Igwe Gab Okoye, aka Gabosky; and notable northern Nigerian filmmakers, Hajia Aisha Alilu and Mallam Malik Awah. Others are actor Saint Obi and film marketers Norbert Ajaegbu and Olatunji Ojetola.

According to the ED, the taskforce will work closely with members of the Police, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other relevant agencies to achieve results.

The taskforce is expected to specifically look into issues regarding proliferation of unclassified or unapproved movies, Influx of foreign movies dubbed in indigenous languages, and movie distribution by unlicensed agents.

In their acceptance remarks, the members of the taskforce were unanimous on the need to bring sanity to the film industry.

June 16, 2017
Most anticipated MOVIES of 2017

Today marks the beginning of the year and as it is, every New Year comes with new expectations. In recent times, the stakes have been raised of movie production in Nigeria. OVWE MEDEME takes a look at some of the films expected for the year which, it is hoped, will either match or surpass those produced previously.

Queen Amina

APTLY titled ‘Amina’ the epic movie which has brought back Okey “Paulo” Ogunjiofor, the man responsible for the all-time Nollywood classic, ‘Living in Bondage’, holds so much promises for 2017.

According to information, Ogunjiofor just wrapped up post-production of the epic movie on location in Jos, Plateau State, after four months pre-production and filming (a month and a half for training cast and 105 days of principal photography).

Boasting of 96 crew members and well over 2000 artistes, ‘Amina’ is directed by Izu Ojukwu of ’76’ fame.

Chronicling the life and times of the legendary Queen Amina of Zazzau, the theme of the movie is women empowerment and the plight of the girl-child.

The film is supported by the Bank of Industry through their loan scheme called BoI Nollyfund which has already been accessed by other notable Nollywood filmmakers.

Also, Queen ‘Amina’ was selected from among three other equally big film projects from the stable of Videosonic studios for the main purpose of integrating Northern Nigeria into the main stream of film production as what obtains in the south.

Cast of the movie include Ali Nuhu, Yakubu Mohammed, Lucy Ameh, Magaji Mijinyawa, Godwin Ogaga and Asabe Abubakar and a host of talents from Northern Nigeria.

Okafor’s Law

WITH the hype surrounding its release, it’s safe to say that ‘Okafor’s Law’ by Omoni Oboli is one of the most anticipated movies of the year.

This is coupled with the fact that it was one of the eight Nollywood movies screened at the city-to-city segment of the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

‘Okafor’s Law’ stars Richard Mofe Damijo, Toyin Aimakhu, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Ken Erics, Ufuoma McDermott, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Yvonne Jegede, Halima Abubakar, Mary Lazarus, Uche Nnaji, Betty Irabor, Tina Mba, Gabriel Afolayan, and Funke Bucknor.

The controversial movie with Jude Idada’s theft accusations will probably be a box office hit. The star-studded film.

It tells the story of Chucks (aka Terminator), an ardent player with the ladies. He enjoys the attention of women, including girlfriends from the past. He believes that once a man has had a woman, he forever has access to her.

When challenged by his friends to see if he can prove the universality of that theory with three ex-girlfriends from his school days within 21 days, he accepts it.

Lost in London

THE fictional character, Okon, portrayed by Ime Bishop Umoh, has put a smile on the faces of movie lovers, however, he returns this year with something different.

‘Lost in London’ is a comedy flick that sees Okon bringing his mischievous nature to bear.

Aside Umoh, the flick also stars some of Nollywood’s finests like Alexx Ekubo who plays as Bona and Valerie Okeke.

Written and produced by Uduak Isong Oguamanam, ‘Lost in London’ is directed by Sunkanmi Adebayo.

The movie is the third instalment in the Okon series, the first two being ‘Okon Lagos’ and ‘Okon Goes to School’.

Something Wicked

NOLLYWOOD does not have a lot of psycho-thriller dramas. This makes ‘Something Wicked’ to be perceived as a breath of fresh air. The movie parades talented actors and will appeal to lovers of horror genre.

It tells the story of a widow (Hauwa), whose recently orphaned nephew, Abel, moves into her home from the violence-riddled Northern Nigeria, after the murder of his parents. Abel has a difficult time fitting into his new family, while Hauwa struggles with the challenges of balancing a failing business and single parenthood.

This family’s bond is tested when they are thrown in a life-threatening situation and we see how easily misunderstandings lead to misconceptions and premonitions are sometimes the only warning we get, in this game of life and death.

‘Something Wicked’ stars Gabriel Afolayan, Iretiola Doyle, Ivie Okujaye-Egboh, Adesua Etomi, Beverly Naya and Okey Uzoeshi.

It is Okey Uzoeshi and Isioma Osaje’s debut as producers.

Industreet

AWAY from the big screen, a lot of excitement awaits TV lovers in 2017. One of those is the highly anticipated TV series, ‘Industreet’, by none other than Funke Akindele.

According to information, the upcoming sitcom, which stars great actors, is a music-oriented television drama based on the African entertainment scene. Producers say that it will focus on survival in the entertainment industry and on the hustle in the ghetto.

‘Industreet’ features stars such as K-Switch, Charles Okocha, Mo-Easy, Freeze of Cool FM, Lydia Forson, Linda Ejiofor, Tina Mba, Kunle Coker, Akah Nnani, among others.

January 1, 2017
WHY JAMAICANS LOVE NOLLYWOOD MOVIES–COMEDIAN AYO MAKUN

From doing standup comedy and shooting skits, comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, took the Nigerian movie industry by storm with his record breaking debut production, ‘30 Days in Atlanta’. Now set for another cinema run, the comedian-turned-filmmaker says that he is set to achieve more feats. He speaks with OVWE MEDEME on the journey so far and other issues.

WHAT is the concept behind A Trip to Jamaica?

I did a little research and I discovered that Jamaicans love Nollywood movies. Many of them, even at work go out to buy our DVDs. Apart from that, we love their culture, so I thought there should be that blend. Also, there was this collaboration between Busy Signal, a Jamaican artiste and Tiwa Savage which is the official theme song of the movie.

From comedy to movies, where is your final destination?

I love entertainment. I have a passion for it and that is why I studied Theatre Arts. I majored in directing. It’s just me doing my thing. The fact that money comes in is just a plus. The next destination will be doing more films, try as much as possible to continue to put my name on the world map and of course, to continue to learn on the job as well.

What are your projections for the film, considering that your last movie made it to the Guinness Book of World Records?

Before the Guinness World Record came, we were done with A Trip to Jamaica. Let me take you back to 30 days in Atlanta. This was me just setting out to go have fun. I’m known around here as a standup comedian with my programme, AY Live. I had a discussion with my wife about diversification, about doing something different and since I do a lot of skits that made my YouTube channel the most viewed in the country for three years back to back, she suggested I put them together to make a full movie. That was what gave birth to 30 Days in Atlanta.

And because I was new in the business, the idea was just to put some budget together and go shoot a film. I didn’t know it was going to make a difference. And right now, I am basking in that euphoria. I enjoy and appreciate the fact that 30 days in Atlanta made it to the Guinness book of records. And I know the expectations are there right now. So let’s see what this film will bring my way.

How did it make you feel?

I felt good. I feel very happy. I didn’t see it coming, not even for a second. I mean, I always tell people, I used to go to the library back in the days to just grab that book and I have this impression that these people, they probably had four heads. I never knew a day would come when I would see myself in the book. Maybe, somebody is reading now and thinking AY too has four heads.

These days, comedians are delving into movies. Is it that the comedy industry is no longer paying?

It’s a very good thing. As a matter of fact, that is how it’s supposed to be. Because if you look at some of the people we look up to, you know that they are almost doing the same thing. Somebody like Bovi, I know he’s had that idea. It’s just that it’s coming at the right time. All over the world, comedians are now doing movies. It’s not just about doing standup comedy.

What do you think you did differently to earn you a Guinness record?

I just said that, I set out to go there and have fun. A lot of people are attributing it to something else. They are saying maybe I did Juju. I’ve heard all sorts and I’m beginning to suspect myself in the sense that in the series of the things that I do always come out well. My standup comedy show is one of the biggest in the country. Same with my TV show. I’m just a product of grace. That is what I tell people. Not because I am the best, not because I know how to do it better. I just have this shining light and I keep praying that the grace remains. For now, let me enjoy my grace.

Your last movie was affected by activities of pirates. How do you intend to forestall that this time around?

Piracy is worldwide but for Nigeria, it is very bad. Even before it gets to the cinemas, it is out there. Good enough, they allowed me enjoy my cinema run. It was very heartbreaking but then we have worked out modalities to curb their excesses. We cannot curb it completely because there is always somebody who will sell out. We have a security feature in place but it is not something I would like to make public. I would also like to beg the federal government to do something about it. I live in fear, knowing that I’m about to release my movie.

In a nutshell, how would you describe A Trip to Jamaica?

It’s a romantic comedy. It talks about love. And it was shot in Jamaica, Nigeria and Atlanta as well. It’s a movie starring the likes of Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe-Etim, myself playing Akpos, Chris Attoh from Ghana, Eric Roberts from Hollywood and Paul Campbell from Jamaica. It promises to be fun. I’m just going to ask fans and lovers of comedy to go on out there and see A Trip to Jamaica.

What inspired the story?

You know, I create stories. I mean, there are some parts that have personal experiences, but then, it’s just something I came up with, knowing fully well that I want to shoot in Jamaica. I just thought of a need to do something that would blend with that background and would reflect Nigeria as well. So, that was what inspired it.

From 30 days In Atlanta to A Trip to Jamaica. What will Akpos be up to next?

Akpos is very adventurous. Akpos is not limited to a zone. That’s why you see in my movies, if I’m doing anything in the Akpos series, you’ll see him operating from his zone to another zone and also to go and reflect how a Warri boy would be seen or appreciated in that region. So, if you say you want to play the Akpos character and you just limit it within, it’s just going to be normal.

So, from 30 Days in Atlanta, we decided to also make A Trip to Jamaica. Don’t be surprised, if I come back again to say, Akpos is going for a week in Paris because the truth is that people would want to know what he has gone to Paris to do again. It’s just a strategy, an idea, a concept and it’s helping the brand.

Do you think A Trip to Jamaica would surpass 30 Days In Atlanta?

Everybody who is in business will tell you ‘yes’. But let’s go beyond business. I believe strongly in A Trip to Jamaica and Nigerians would tell me the outcome.

What sparks your creativity?

First, it’s a determination to succeed. I have a family to take care of. And number two, I just love to make people happy. Anything I can do to make people laugh and happy, I embark on it.

How much have you invested so far?

So much! It’s just that we hardly discuss budgets. The last one we talked about, we remember the people who came to our office (laughs) to ask for what they did not put in the movie.

Are we likely to have an Akpos series?

The series is in discussion right now. That is for another day. We’re going to have the series pretty soon.

What other creative side of you are we yet to see?

Creative side of me? I’m all about entertainment. And I love to be an all-encompassing showbiz person. The only thing I know; I won’t venture into right now is singing. Because I know that I can’t sing to save my life. But e go get the way the matter go be, I go carry mic.

October 1, 2016
Free movies at AFRIFF 2015

LAGOS is set for a harvest of the best of African films, as the 5th edition of the popular Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) kicks off this Sunday in the nation’s entertainment hub, rotating screenings from Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, City Mall Cinema, Onikan and Genesis Duluxe, Lekki.

The event which holds from November 8 to 15, 2015, is expected to feature some of the best exports from the continent, while celebrating the auteurs whose films have been celebrated on the global stage such as Festival de Cannes, France; Berlinale, Germany and Venice International Film Festival among others.

Organizers of AFRIFF are of the view that the festival, being domiciled in Nigeria, will afford Nollywood the opportunity of sharing artistic and business ideas with filmmakers from other African countries for possible collaborations.

Meanwhile, Nigerian movie buffs will have a refreshing experience viewing films from other clans; most of them politically and economically motivated.

“Films are documentaries of the life and history of a people. The things you read in the papers or see on TV about the situations in Egypt, Syria, Mali, Iran, and South Africa for example are better reflected, as captured by filmmakers from these countries,” said Afie Braimoh, AFRIFF’s Director of Operations.

She announced that these films come free-of-charge to the public, who are merely enjoined by AFRIFF to register on www.afriff.com or at the venue of their choice, prior to the screenings of the films.

“Details of the film schedules are already on the website. Those interested would only need to check titles and the venue that is closer to them. It’s a bumper harvest, as we have about 180 films from Africa and the Diaspora,” said Festival Manager, Ikenna Ezenyirioha.

AFRIFF’s highlights this year include Jonas Carpignano’s Mediterranea, a film about capital flight, as the opening film, while Road To Yesterday, the highly anticipated feature film debut by Nollywood diva, Genevieve Nnaji will close the festival. Among other top films from Africa and the Diaspora will be Ayanda, a South African film featuring our own OC Ukeje, with a special screening during the South African Day at the festival.

Aside from the glamour that resonates with the stars whose films are being shown at these festivals, the initiative also provides a platform for thought-provoking discourses, master classes and networking.

Film journalists too, for the first time will share in the experience, not just as spectators and reporters, but as participants in a series of workshops that will improve their reportorial skills, and launch them into the world of international film critics.

With about 139 films in competition, the actors and filmmakers will share in the spotlight of a closing ceremony that rewards excellence. The glory of the night will not just be about the plaques and prize money, but a testament of the best from the year in review, coming from high profile jurors.

November 7, 2015
Eight movies make Africa Magic’s September festival

In what portends a relief from fear of pirates, eight Nollywood filmmakers have produced movies exclusively for the popular Africa Magic channel on DStv.

The productions, which would not go through the usual distribution framework, are made for television, and will feature on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151) every weekend throughout September, 2015, with the first title scheduled to show on Saturday, September 5 at 22:15 CAT.

There are strong indications that Multichoice is expanding its synergy with the Nigerian movie industry with the blockbuster movies, having just unveiled a television series, Do-Good, staring Kate Henshaw and Basorge Tariah Jr.

In September, lovers of entertainment will be treated to a month of exclusive new movies featuring the biggest Nollywood stars as Africa Magic kicks off its Original Blockbuster Festival, which the company says is in line with its mission of providing entertainment for Africa by Africans.

The eight films which were unveiled at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Friday include Red Card by Zik Zulu; Carpe Diem by Desmond Elliot; Love Struc by Obi Emelonye; Amiabl by Stanlee Ohikhuare; Merciful by Zeb Ejiro; Dowry Man by Desmond Elliot; After the I Dos by illian Amah; and Subterfuge.

The films feature popular faces such as Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Patrick Doyle, Ini Edo, Monalisa Chinda, A.Y Makun, Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, Nonso Diobi and Ufoma McDermott among others.

Speaking at the event, Regional Director, M-Net (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “Africa Magic remains at the forefront of not only showcasing quality indigenous entertainment for Africa and the rest of the world, but also in developing world class content. Our Original Blockbusters initiative is part of our ongoing investment drive in the Nigerian film and television industry, and we have partnered with renowned actors, directors and producers to give our viewers a truly memorable September.”

She said “Nollywood remains at the centre of entertainment not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa and indeed the rest of the continent. Our relationship with the finest talents in the film and television industry not only ensures that our viewers are continuously spoilt for choice, but also ensures that the industry continues the rapid development for which it is renowned for.”

August 31, 2015
Film enthusiasts laud resurgence of Cinemas in Nigeria

The cinema culture in the country seems to be on the increase in recent times, a fact that has been attested to by movie viewers. This could also be seen easily in the number of movie houses springing up across the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on the basis of the upsurge of movie houses here and there, especially in Lagos and other major cities, movie viewers have responded to the development with enthusiasm, spending their time at weekends in such places.

NAN reports that there was a lull in the cinema business with the advent of video machines which afforded people the opportunity to watch movies at home and even at a lesser cost since they could view different movies in a day.

The situation was further compounded by the emergence of the digital satellite television which also offered viewers a variety of shows.

These developments led to the closure of major cinema houses and there conversion to houses of religious worship.

But in 2004, Ben Murray Bruce, now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the auspices of his Silver Bird Group, opened the Silver Bird Galleria which has about five cinema halls and a shopping mall.

Nigerians since then began to change their attitude of watching films at home to visiting the cinemas, causing a revival of the industry.

In Lagos, some of the popular cinema houses that had gone moribund include the Pen Cinema, Agege, Roxy Cinema, Apapa, Casino, Yaba, Oregie Cinema Ajegunle.

However, some have rebounded, while some are undergoing renovation with a view to once more offer services to the people.

Some viewers who spoke to NAN about their experiences said it offered them the leisure they needed to take their minds off the week’s work in their offices, business and academics.

A banker, Mary Ajagbe, told NAN that movie outings at weekends had also added to her itinerary which included picnic at the beach and shopping at the malls.

Ajagbe added that the new cinema culture in the country had made her to be up to date with current Hollywood and Nollywood movies in their original forms.

“I enjoy my weekend outings these days because of the options I have on my leisure times at weekends.

“I hope that more cinema houses will be built across Lagos and other cities in Nigeria,” she said.

Isaac Oladele, a student at Yaba College of Technology, who spoke to NAN in the premises of Ozone Cinema, Yaba, said that his weekends were usually reserved for movies.

“I watch mainly on weekends while some people come to watch movies regularly every day, Mondays to Fridays, and also during the weekend.

“Most of the movies are Western and sometimes Nollywood movies. I always look forward to my weekends because of this,” he said.

In the same vein, Temidayo Esohe, a student told NAN that the current cinema culture in the country was a good development for leisure at weekends.

“The cinema viewership is very encouraging most especially when you come during the weekend.

“People usually come in the night on Saturdays and after church service on Sundays because there is a church close by,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bode Olawale, a student of the University of Lagos, who sells movie ticket on part time basis at the Ozone Cinema, told NAN that ticket sales had been very lucrative because of the influx of movie goers.

“Our customers are mainly students from University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology who attend our shows on a regular basis.

“The development has made it possible for me to make extra pocket money in addition to what my parents usually give to me for my upkeep,” Olawale said.

July 13, 2015