Nigerian cinema has witnessed quite the year. From sprawling epics, to comedy dramas and biopics, the industry continues to charm audiences with compelling stories. As 2024 comes to an end, moviegoers still have much to look forward to.
On the big screen, Funke Akindele returns in Everybody Loves Jenifa, the latest film in her Jenifa franchise. In true Akindele fashion, her December release aims to match the unprecedented success of her 2023 family drama A Tribe Called Judah, the first Nollywood film to make a N1 billion at the box office.
Other notable filmmakers include Jade Osiberu, who forays into holiday romance with A Christmas in Lagos; it is the first and only film to stem from the director’s multi-title deal with Amazon Prime before the streamer withdrew partnership from Africa (her previous titles Gangs of Lagos and Brotherhood were underway before the deal). Tosin Igho’s mystic thriller Suspicion is also slated for release on Prime, and Femi Adebayo rounds off the streaming list with his directorial debut Seven Doors, a Yoruba Netflix original set for December.
These upcoming titles spell a promising close to an exciting year at the Nigerian Box Office.
Suspicion (November 28)
Director: Tosin Igho.
Cast: Stan Nze, Omowunmi Dada, Richard Mofe Damijo, Kalu Ikeagwu, Uzor Arukwe, Shaffy Bello, Tina Mba, Francis Sule, Boma Akpore, Tony Akposheri, Esegine Orezi Allen, and Ashafa “Small Mummy” Salamot.
Synopsis: A young man (Stan Nze) wields newfound supernatural powers to seek revenge for the murder of his best friend. As he falls into the world of juju, rituals and black magic, he contends with betrayal and the moral cost of his quest for justice.
Everybody Loves Jenifa (December 13)
Directors: Funke Akindele, Tunde Olaoye.
Cast: Funke Akindele Nancy Isime, Bisola Ayieola, Stan Nze, Patience Ozokwor, Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi), Chimezie Imo, Jackie Appiah, Folarin “Falz” Falana, and Omowunmi Dada.
Synopsis: Funke Akindele reprises her role as the titular lead in another entry to the beloved Jenifa franchise.
Seven Doors (December 13)
Director: Femi Adebayo.
Cast: Femi Adebayo, Chioma Akpotha, Adebayo Salami, Ronke Oshodi, Muyiwa Ademola, Jide Kosoko, Aisha Lawal, Yinka Quadri, Gabriel Afolayan.
Synopsis: Femi Adebayo’s limited series is another period drama set in Yorubaland. This time, it swings between the 18th and 19th centuries, and centers a Yoruba king (Femi Adebayo) and his Igbo wife (Chioma Akpotha). Tension erupts at the arrival of a Hausa investor whose plans clash with the kingdom’s traditions.
A Christmas in Lagos (December 20)
Director: Jade Osiberu.
Cast: Shaffy Bello, Wale Ojo, Richard Mofe Damijo, Teniola A. Aladese, Angel Anosike, Rayxia Ojo, Shalom C. Obiago, Ladipoe, Arya Starr, Ladipo, Adekunle Gold, Liya, Waje, Wurld.
Synopsis: This holiday rom-com features interlinked stories set against the vibrant festivities of the Lagos “Detty December” season — a recent heartbreak has Fiyin (Teniola A. Aladese) convinced that her best friend is her soul-mate, but he returns from New York ready to propose to his secret girlfriend; 59-year-old Gbemi (Shaffy Bello) is caught between her current boyfriend and an old flame; and London-born Ivie (Rayxia Ojo) arrives in Lagos for an exciting Christmas when she unexpectedly falls in love. ♦
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