Entertainment
10 Nollywood Movies To Expect In 2024
This article highlights 10 lists of Nollywood movies to expect in 2024.
2023 ended on an excellent note with Nollywood bringing premium entertainment to the screen. Several movies took unique spotlights in 2023 with a conviction that Nollywood has transcended and embraced new developments. Movies like Gangs of Lagos directed by Jade Osiberu, Anikulapo directed by Kunle Afolayan, Brotherhood by Jade Osiberu, Sista by Biodun Stephen gave audiences an entertaining and enjoyable sight to behold. Added to this was the release of A Tribe Called Judah, Malaika, and Ada Omo Daddy storming theatres and giving theatergoers a run for their money, while Breath of Life stole the limelight for streamers. These December movies have wowed audiences and garnered their interest as they wait in eager expectation of what Nollywood has for them in 2024. This article highlights 10 lists of Nollywood movies to expect in 2024.
1. To Kill a Monkey
Intending to “branch out” and “explore something different” and push her creative limits, Kemi Adetiba announces the production of a new crime thriller series To Kill a Monkey alongside Welcome To The Fourth and a sequel to King of Boys.
To Kill a Monkey is Kemi Atetiba’s new crime thriller series starring William Benson, Bucci Franklin as Obozuhiomwen, Chidi Mokeme, Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Dami Adegbite, Teniola Aladese, Michael Ejoor, Enado Odigie, Lily Afegbai as Idia and Sunshine Rosman as Amanda Sparkles. The series concluded its principal photography in October 2023 and is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2024 as the first of her announced slate of three projects with Netflix.
2. Anikulapo : Rise of the Spectre
Following the massive success of the 2022 Yoruba epic film “Anikulapo”, Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan Kunle Afolayan announced a four-part sequel series titled“Anikulapo” series: “Rise of the Spectre”. Written by Shola Dada, the movie just like its original, will make its global premiere on Netflix. Added to the least of returning stars Sola Sowobale, Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Eyiyemi Afolayan, and Taiwo Hassan are Gabriel Afolayan, Layi Wasabi, Owobo Ogunde, and Lateef Adedimeji.
The series is expected to delve further into the concept of reincarnation and that our souls are connected across lifetimes.
3. This is Lagos
This is Lagos is the story of Stevo, a young man with an insatiable hunger for superstardom in a city where everyone wears a mask of some kind. The movie is directed by Kenneth Gyang and stars Ikechukwu Onunaku, Rahama Sadau, Kate Henshaw, Gabriel Afolayan, Enyinna Nwigwe, Mike Afolarin, and Laura Pepple. This is Lagos was developed by Gyang and Tom Rowlands-Rees (his creative partner on Confusion Na Wa). After a postponed December theatrical release, a new release date is yet to be announced.
Originally set for a December 2023 theatrical release, a new release date is yet to be announced, but we know it will be released in 2024.
4. Over the Bridge
Tolu Ajayi’s debut feature film ‘Over the Bridge’ stars Ozzy Agu, Segilola Ogidan, Joke Silva, Deyemi Okalanwon, Chimezie Imo, and Paul Adams. The fantasy drama follows Folarin (played by Agu), an accomplished investment banker with a beautiful wife, prestigious connections and a life most people can only dream of. When a high-profile government project he managed goes awry, he starts to question everything he has ever believed to be true. After a world premiere in the UK and an African premiere at AFRIFF in 2023, Over The Bridge is expected to be released this year.
5. Meeting Funmi’s Parents
This movie is written and directed by Kevin Luther Apaa who wrote Dinner at My Place(2022), April Fool’s Day(2016). ‘Meeting Funmi’s Parents’ is a romantic comedy set in Nigeria and the United States about an interracial romance that hits rock bottom when a just-engaged Nigerian Girl returns home with her white fiancee. Her father, being a cultured Yoruba man, does not want an Oyinbo(a white man) son-in-law. He does everything he can to break off their engagement.
The movie stars Roman Thomson, Omowunmi Dada, Timini Egbuson, Tina Mba, Broda Shaggi, Akin Lewis, Sophie Alakija, and many others. With the captivating thriller released on YouTube, audiences eagerly anticipate the release of the movie in 2024.
6. Sugar Rush 2
Jadesola Osiberu, the writer of Sugar Rush, a Nigerian crime action comedy film in 2019 leaves the viewers in anticipation of a sequel after getting thrilled by the original. Sugar Rush 2 is a sequel to the 2019 Sugar Rush movie directed by Kayode Kasum. The iconic stars; Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bimbo Ademoye will reprise their roles as the Sugar sisters. Caribbean filmmaker Khris Burton will be directing this sequel which began principal photography in October 2022 and went quiet in 2023. This movie should be released hopefully this year.
7. A Green Fever
Directed by Taiwo Egunjobi, A Green Fever is a crime drama set in the 80s in Ibadan. It tells the story of Kunmi in desperation seeks refuge in a stranger’s home after his daughter Ireti suffers a stroke on a road trip during a curfew. Colonel Bashiru’s arrival escalates the genre of the night, turning things baleful.
The movie is a Nemsia Films feature film, the makers of Breath of Life, in collaboration with Sable Productions. Produced by Emiola Fagbenle and also starring William Benson, the film had its world premiere at AFRIFF in 2023. A Green Fever is expected to arrive on Prime Video in 2024. The movie stars Temi Fosudo, Darasimi Nadi, Ruby Okezie, Deyemi Okanlawon, and others.
8. All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White
Written and Directed by Babatunde Apalowo, All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White was selected for its world premiere at the Berlinale 2023, competing for best film by a first-time filmmaker and taking home the Teddy Award for best LGBTQIA+ film. The film also premiered in Nigeria at the 2023 AFRIFF.
Bambino (Tope Tedela) and Bawa (Riyo David) meet in Lagos and hit it off immediately. During their adventure around the city, they develop a deep affection for each other. But in a society that considers homosexuality taboo, they feel the pressure of social norms. Babatunde Apalowo hopes Nigerians get to see his movie and “spark meaningful conversations” and “inspire empathy”. A g release should be anticipated this year,2024.
9. Flawsome 2
Award-winning Nigerian screenwriter Dami Elebe is the head writer for the highly anticipated second season of Showmax’s popular series Flawsome.
Flawsome Season One series made waves, drawing in audiences with its relatable characters and their journeys through life’s twists and turns. Flawsome showcases four friends portrayed by Bisola Aiyeola, Ini Dima-Okojie, Sharon Ooja, and Enado Odigie, the 13-part series delved into the lives of diverse characters navigating life’s challenges and triumphs, revealing the strong bonds that hold them together despite their flaws.
Showmax has confirmed the release of Flawsome Season 2 as it promises to be an even more riveting rollercoaster ride as Dami Elebe weaves her narrative magic. This new series should be expected in 2024.
10. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti
Funmilayo Ransome Kuti is a biopic of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti from Bolanle Austen-Peters’ Production. The movie features Kehinde Bankole who played the younger Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, and Joke Silva as the older Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. The movie also starred Omowunmi Dada, Adunni Ade, Dele Odule, Jide Kosoko, and Adebayo Salami.
In September 2023, the film had a limited theatrical run at Silverbird Galleria and plans to premiere officially in 2024. The film also screened at AFRIFF 2023 winning Best Screenplay for Tunde Babalola and Best African Film.