After a phenomenal 2023, the Nigerian film industry is gearing up to deliver an encore of epic proportions. The year 2024 has started on a positive note for fans of Nollywood movies, with recent films receiving excellent ratings.
There has been a noticeable trend of more movies being released on streaming platforms, a practice that is increasingly popular among Nigerian filmmakers. This shift is seen as a way to expand the reach of Nollywood films beyond Nigeria and Africa, a change that has been well received.
Looking ahead, there is anticipation for a variety of film projects to be released on various platforms and in Nigerian cinemas throughout the year. This year promises to be full of exciting moments and experiences for Nollywood enthusiasts in Nigeria and around the world.
We may not know when they are coming out, but these are 10 big anticipated Nollywood movies/series of 2024 that Nigerians and the rest of the world are waiting to watch this year.
‘77: THE FESTAC CONSPIRACY’
Izu Ojukwu returns with ’77: The Festac Conspiracy,’ a continuation of the compelling ’76.’ Set against the backdrop of the Festac ’77 Arts and Culture Festival, the film will unravel the significant events surrounding this pivotal Pan-African gathering. The cast, featuring Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberisima, Chidi Mokeme, Memry Savanhu, Adonaijah Owiriwa, Daniel K. Daniel, Nelly Ekwereogu, and Shuaibu Ebenesi Adams, ensures a cinematic spectacle.
FUNMILAYO
RANSOME-KUTI
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was part of the films screened at the 12th Africa International Film Festival where it won awards for Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay. Written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the biopic tells the life journey of the mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, capturing her experiences from being a student to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti. The film stars Kehinde Bankole, Joke Silva, Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, Keppy Ekpeyong and Dele Odule.
“HIJACK ’93″
Charles Okpaleke ventures into an ambitious new project, “Hijack ’93,” through his Play Network Studios. The historical feature film delves into the gripping 1993 Nigerian Airways flight hijack.
Directed by Robert O. Peters, “Hijack ’93: The MAD Men & the Aircraft” unfolds the true-life tale of four Nigerian teenagers affiliated with the Movement for the Actualization of Democracy (MAD). Motivated by discontent with the annulled presidential election, these youths hijacked a plane from Lagos to Abuja, demanding the return of MKO Abiola’s mandate. After three days of unsuccessful negotiation, the boys were arrested and imprisoned, regaining their freedom in 2001.
The film, a blend of action, crime, and political thriller intrigue, is currently in production without a confirmed release date. Notable actors, including John Dumelo, Efa Iwara, Jemima Osunde, Idia Aisien, Nancy Isime, Sharon Ooja, and more, are set to bring this compelling narrative to life.
Produced by Rogers Ofime and directed by Robert Peters, “Hijack ’93″ promises to be a riveting addition to Play Network Studios’ repertoire of original films.
‘I DO NOT COME TO YOU BY CHANCE‘
Renowned Nigerian director and actress Genevieve Nnaji marks her triumphant return to the film scene with ‘I Do Not Come To You By Chance,’ premiering at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
Following her groundbreaking Oscars entry, ‘Lion Heart,’ in 2018, Nnaji adapts Adaobi Tricia Nwabuike’s novel, delivering a compelling narrative.
Topping the list of our most anticipated Nollywood movies of 2024, the film follows Kingsley, a university graduate grappling with unemployment and familial obligations. Drawn into a deceitful world by his charismatic uncle, Boniface, played by Blossom Chukwujekwu, the movie unfolds as a gripping tale of resilience and deception. After dominating AFRIFF in 2023, the film boasts an exceptional cast, including Paul Nnadikwe as Kingsley, and features Jennifer Eliogu, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, and Beverly Osu. Nnaji’s latest work has captivated her devoted fanbase and reaffirmed her prowess in storytelling and filmmaking.
KING OF BOYS 3’
Kemi Adetiba hints at the third installment of the much-acclaimed ‘King of Boys’ series. With a cross-generational cast, including Sola Sobowale, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Nse Ikpe-Etim, this feminocentric thriller is set to deliver a fresh dose of suspense and political intrigue.
‘ASIRE ADE‘ – ADEOLUWA OWU’S FOLLOW-UP TO ‘A TRIBE CALLED JUDAH’
Renowned director Adeoluwa Owu, fresh off the success of ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ in 2023, is gearing up for his next masterpiece, ‘Asiri Ade.’
This upcoming film, marking Papaya Studios’ debut, features Bolanle Ninalowo portraying a formidable king on a quest to uncover an assailant threatening to unveil a perilous secret capable of crumbling his vast empire. The king, on the brink of a strategic alliance with a wealthy kingdom, is determined to overcome any obstacle in pursuit of his ambitions.
The stellar cast, including Omowumi Dada, Gabriel Afolayan, and Mike Afolarin, recently gathered for a private screening in Lagos, Nigeria.
‘TO KILL A MONKEY‘
Kemi Adetiba, the maestro behind ‘King of Boys,’ presents ‘To Kill A Monkey,’ a series delving into the world of cybercrime. Led by Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, Chidi Mokeme, and an ensemble cast, this series promises to be a riveting exploration of morality and consequence.
Executive producer Remi Adetiba, promises an unparalleled experience, stating, “If we achieve just 70% of our vision, it’ll surpass ‘King of Boys 2.’” Snippets and behind-the-scenes glimpses have heightened viewer anticipation, leaving us eager to learn about the release date. Stay tuned for more updates on this gripping series.
‘SUGAR RUSH 2’-THE SWEET RETURN
The Sugar sisters are back in action with ‘Sugar Rush 2.’ In 2019, ‘Sugar Rush’ captivated Nigerian audiences, dominating the box office and sparking conversations. The film centered around three sisters stumbling upon $800,000, facing the Financial Crimes Commission, and a criminal gang claiming ownership.
The star-studded cast, including Bisola Aiyeola, Bimbo Ademoye, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Banky W, Omoni Oboli, and others, is set to deliver another exhilarating experience for Nollywood enthusiasts. Despite a strong N58 million opening, complications with the Nigerian Censors Board led to a temporary suspension, but not before the film grossed an impressive N287 million.
Jadesola Osiberu, producer of hits like ‘Gangs of Lagos’ and ‘Brotherhood,’ has confirmed the sequel’s filming through captivating stills from the South African production location. With lead stars Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bimbo Ademoye returning, ‘Sugar Rush 2’ promises to continue the legacy of the original comedy crime movie, directed by Kayode Kasum and produced by Abimbola Craig.
‘WATER AND GARRI‘ – TIWA SAVAGE’S
CINEMATIC DEBUT
In a surprising twist, Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage takes center stage in ‘Water and Garri,’ a Prime Video film directed by Meji Alabi. This drama unfolds the story of Aisha, an ambitious designer returning to her roots, guaranteeing a thrilling experience for fans eagerly anticipating Tiwa Savage’s lead role.
FINDING MESSIAH
Finding Messiah is a musical drama set in the fictional Republic of Zambay. Touted as a big-budget production that uses a fictional language, the cast includes Sunday Omobolanle, Bucci Franklin, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Segun Arinze, Alex Usifo, Majid Michel, Pete Edochie and Ekpeyong Bassey Inyang. The film is produced and directed by renowned music executive and creative entrepreneur Oscar Heman-Ackah who marks his foray into Nollywood on this project. Principal photography for the film was concluded sometime in January. Plot details of the film have not been released. It is not also known whether the film will debut on a streaming platform or in the cinemas.
–Benprince Ezeh
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