The days when apathy towards Nollywood movies portrayed you as elite have long passed. This isn’t just because Nigerians are trying to be more appreciative of their creations. Concluding that it is for that reason alone waters down the effort and creativity of Nigerian filmmakers. You would agree that the Nigerian film industry has produced some excellent films over the past ten years.
We have witnessed them delve into increasingly intricate tales that were, hitherto, limited to films produced by their western counterparts. As a result of this, interest in and love for Nollywood movies have been on the rise in the last decade.
It is a beautiful sight to behold, one that filmmakers have been looking forward to for decades, as citizens keep their eyes fixed on their screens and their ears to the ground, anticipating what is to come in the coming months or even years.
In 2023, we saw and read updates about certain movies that were undergoing production and would be set for release this year. After gauging public interest in a few of these Nollywood movies, we assembled a list of ten highly anticipated films for the coming year.
I Do Not Come To You By Chance
You might not know what starpower is until it is narrated to you as if you are a five-year-old. The only time the last AFRIFF saw a massive crowd was on the night slated for IDNCTYBC’s screening. There could only be one reason— Genevieve had her name on it. Word on X was that there was almost a stampede that night. We cannot wait to watch the film, which is based on a novel by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani. Even though Genevieve doesn’t star in it. Apparently, being out of sight isn’t always out of mind.
Finding Messiah
Though billed as a political-musical drama, Finding Messiah is the Nollywood musical that we have all secretly yearned for. According to an Instagram video by the director, Oscar Heman-Ackah also serves as the original songwriter. The actors would also performed the songs in their original versions. Although the public does not yet have access to the plot, this film’s cast list contributes to its already impressive buzz. Prominent ghetto musician Daddy Showkey will be returning to our screens after his last appearance in Seven. Veteran actors Pete Edochie, Alex Usifo, and Ejike Usiegbu have all been announced to be part of this production.
All Is Fair In Love
Co-produced by Deyemi Okanlawon. It was first touted as a continuity for his and Kunle Remi’s friendly feud on screen. It was recently set to be released in theaters on Valentine’s Day, but with changes in the cast. Deyemi Okanlawon and Timini Egbuson, two young business partners and friends, would be slugging it out over their love for Buhle Samuels.
Tokunbo
Over the last five years, Ramsey Nouah has demonstrated his incredible directing abilities. We see this in the remake of two films: Ahanna, The Rattlesnake, and Living Bondage: Breaking Free, which marked his directorial debut. Despite its plot being familiar and overflogged, his past works has helped him gain viewers’ attention. In Tokunbo, the main character, Gideon Okeke, is an ex-smuggler seeking atonement.
Water and Garri
The emergence of Tiwa Savage into the Nigerian movie industry came as a beginning-of-the-year surprise to many. At the same time, we are eager to see if the A-list singer will do as excellently as she does with music. In addition to playing the lead role, Tiwa executive produces the movie. The music for this family drama about grief and returning to one’s roots is also hers. Mike Afolarin (Ishaya from Far From Home) and Jemima Osunde are among the other stars in this film.
Wire Wire
Bolanle-Austen Peters has done a fantastic job of captivating her audience with her portrayals of real-life experiences. Especially with the success of films such as The Bling Lagosians, Funmilayo: The Lioness of Lisabi, The Man of God, and Collision Course. She also has Wire Wire, which mimics online fraud, in addition to House of Gaa and Funmilayo. All are scheduled for release this year.
Oloture Series
Given the thrilling conclusion of the original movie, it was only fitting that a sequel be made available. The Oloture Series will be coming back to our screens in the form of a series. This time, it is to address the mysteries that have boggled our minds for years. In addition to new stars like Bucci Franklin who would grace our screens, previous casts would also be making a comeback.
Anikulapo Series
Anikulapo: Rise of the Sceptre, a four-part sequel to the film that gave us weeks’ worth of memes, has been teased for release later in the year. Kunle says that this sequel will explore the idea of reincarnation in greater detail. Just like the original film, it will also debut on Netflix. Alongside a few new faces like Gabriel Afolayan, Lateef Adedimeji, and possibly Layi Wasabi, the film would star majority of the stars from the first film.
Supernatural Thriller by KAP
Since signing a three-year deal with Netflix in 2021, Kunle Afolayan has ensured that one film is released annually. The book by Sefi Atta was adapted into the film Swallow in 2021; Anikulapo followed in 2022; and Ijogbon, a coming-of-age film, came out in 2023. Production is currently underway on a supernatural thriller that is expected to be released this year. Although the plot is not yet available to the general public, we are eager to see it. Bolaji Ogunmola, Olarotimi Fakunle, Jimmy-Jean Louis, Tina Mba, and Ekpenyong Bassey are stars to watch out for.
Dead Serious
Nothing could have prepared us for yesterday’s release of the RomCom’s trailer. Viewers aren’t anticipating the release of the film just because of acts like Sabinus, Nasboi, and Sharon Ooja together. But mainly because Ooja and Sabinus would be acting as a couple. Despite its seemingly predictable plot, fans are anticipating the movie because of the acts on the lineup.
Conclusion
These are but a few Nollywood movies that have been announced for 2024 release. Subsequently, the list would be updated as more titles get out.
