Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is a name that resonates with every Nigerian who has had the opportunity to receive primary education: “the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria”. While this might have been a mean feat for a woman in her time, it is unfortunate that this singular occurrence has been used to define and inadvertently undermine the legacy of one of the most significant women in Nigerian history. FRK was a progressive women’s rights activist and a foremost voice in the Nigerian political scene, especially in the struggle for independence. Her legacy has long needed revision, and Bolanle Au ..read more

Sometimes, when Hollywood “isn’t in the mood” for fresh and original movies, they settle for sequels to existing films. Sequels promise to expand the story with new characters, grander adventures, and higher stakes. But let’s not forget, they’re also a cash grab for studios; milking every last penny out of a successful IP. Generally speaking, movie sequels come in three flavours: the good, the bad, and the meh. A good sequel not only fills the pockets of film executives but also gives fans a fresh movie to bond over. Sometimes, these sequels even surpass their predecessors. Delightful examples ..read more

Ebuka Njoku came onto the scene with his feature debut, Yahoo+, a social commentary film on the internet fraud ritualist phenomenon. It’s a film with an intriguing subject matter that faltered with execution. His latest film, Uno: The F in Family, a family drama about acceptance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, has similar pitfalls. Like Yahoo+, it has its strengths, but there is a sense that this film could have been more. Official poster for UNO: The F in Family. Via Cinemax. Junior (Keezyto) has reluctantly returned home to his family in Enugu with his fiancee, Ruky (Temi Ojo), after leavi ..read more

Japa (stylized as Japa!) is Isioma Osaje’s debut film. It simultaneously conveys every Nigerian’s most pressing desire and nightmare, which is to leave the country but be unable to. Produced by Inkblot and released directly to Prime Video, the film holds true to its promise. Japa arguably has the most intriguing premise from a Nigerian comedy released this year. But as with all fallible Nigerian films, Japa bears its marks of incompleteness.  Official poster of Japa! Via Prime Video. Mezu (Jide Kene Achufusi) has acquired a pass to the greener pastures of America. But he quickly realises ..read more

When Jade Osiberu introduced us to the raw talent that is Maleek of the Ikorodu Bois fame in Gangs of Lagos (2023), it was his impressive performance as a conflicted street teen that immediately endeared us to him, one that won him an AMAA award that same year. Now, in Aburo, a tender, heartwarming tale of courage and destiny, Maleek once again plays the role of a troubled street-smart kid. This time, he is with an exceptional athletic gift. Official poster for Aburo Set in modern-day Lagos against the vibrant backdrop of the city’s class divide, Aburo follows the story of its titular characte ..read more

The much-anticipated celebratory tenth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was held on May 11, 2024, at the Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos. Hosted by perennial moderator IK Osakioduwa, the ceremony brought a mix of emotions for first-time winners as well as recognition for some industry veterans. This year’s edition had 28 categories, with 17 non-voting and 9 audience voting categories, and the winners were selected by a jury led by head judge Femi Odugbemi. Prime Video’s original Breath of Life was the biggest winner of the night, clinching all three of its nominated acting categor ..read more

Muri & Ko, the highly anticipated drama starring Kunle Remi and Bisola Aiyeola, is coming to a cinema near you soon. According to sources, the film, another Inkblot Productions collaboration with ace director Biodun Stephen, will arrive in box offices nationwide this June. Poster for Muri and Ko The excitement around Muri & Ko has been steadily building since Inkblot, the creative powerhouse behind hits like Far from Home and A Weekend To Forget, announced its second collaboration with Biodun Stephen in February. Their first joint venture, Big Love, was a resounding success, ranking am ..read more

Uyoyou Adia’s Anthill-produced film, Casa De Novia, is Nollywood’s latest attempt at mixing a random genre with comedy. The film stars Taye Arimoro and Anee Icha as its leading stars. As with other Nollywood films of its nature, events proceed as expected. It is a mixture of another genre with comedy—usually slapstick comedy. This is followed by a plot that could be a better film if paid with more respect and attention. And finally, a subpar execution, forcing the film to need a deus ex machina resolution. This has been the case with previous attempts like Dead Serious, Prophetess, etc. Casa D ..read more

In the newest festival news coming out from Nigeria, Cheta Chukwu’s Strawberry Chinny, a romcom starring Chimezie Imo and Genoveva Umeh has been selected for Essence Film Festival 2024, set to take place in New Orleans from July 4th to July 7th. The announcement was confirmed with the release of official posters and a trailer. The trailer introduces us to the amusing but awkward living situation of best friends (played by Chimezie Imo and Genoveva Umeh) who find themselves in a living arrangement after one of them, dubbed as an irrational heartbroken makeup artist per press release, is dumped ..read more

Sometimes, when Hollywood “isn’t in the mood” for fresh and original movies, they settle for sequels to existing films. Sequels promise to expand the story with new characters, grander adventures, and higher stakes. But let’s not forget, they’re also a cash grab for studios; milking every last penny out of a successful IP. Generally speaking, movie sequels come in three flavours: the good, the bad, and the meh. A good sequel not only fills the pockets of film executives but also gives fans a fresh movie to bond over. Sometimes, these sequels even surpass their predecessors. Delightful examples ..read more