2023, brought to our screen numerous awesome Nollywood movies from different aspects of our rich cultural background as a country. Also, last year there were a couple of movies that grossed so much on streaming (The Black Book and Gangs of Lagos, for example) and at the box office (a last-gasp Funke Akindele-led save).

2024, promises to bring even way more Nollywood movies to our screens, capturing various aspects of genres, cultures, and subjects. These are movies that we have all anticipated for about two years. Hopefully, these Nollywood blockbusters grace our screens this year but until then let’s keep our fingers crossed.

To Kill a Monkey

Produced by Kemi Adetiba, To Kill a Monkey is a new crime thriller series with a line-up of seasoned actors, 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.

Kemi Adetiba is “branching out” and “exploring something different”, she made it clear that she is seeking new paths and stretching her creative limits. The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in 2024, this is the first of her three projects in conjunction with Netflix. Remi Adetiba is working on board as producer while Kemi Adetiba is the writer.

I Do Not Come To You By Chance

This movie is an adaptation of Adaobi Tricia’s novel. It is directed by Ishaya Bako. The film centers on a young Nigerian graduate whose way forward seems to be abetting his compromised uncle’s fraudulent email scam. The movie features actors like Blossom Chukwujekwu, Jennifer Eliogu, Sambasa Nzeribe, Beverly Osu, and Emeka Nwagbaraocha. It is produced by Genevieve Nnaji.

I Do Not Come To You By Chance had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023. It is one of the most anticipated Nollywood movies of 2024.

This is Lagos

Gabriel Afolayan plays Stevo, a young man with a thirst for fame and stardom in a city where everyone hides who they are and wears a mask. This is Lagos is Directed by Kenneth Gyang, it parades movie stars like Ikechukwu Onunaku, Rahama Sadau, Kate Henshaw, Enyinna Nwigwe, Mike Afolarin, and Laura Pepple. A new release date is yet to be announced after it was postponed in December.

Sugar Rush 2

This is one of the most anticipated Nollywood movies of 2024. The Sugar sisters return for a sequel to 2019’s, Sugar Rush. 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.

Japa!

Produced by the producers of Day of Destiny, The Set Up, Up North, and Quam’s Money. Japa! is a sci-fi comedy film directed by Isioma Osaje, who also doubles as the producer. The movie is produced under Inkblot Studios and stars Adesua Etomi, Jidekene Achufusi, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Seun Ajayi, and Layi Wasabi. The production was wrapped up in August 2023, but still unreleased, the date of release is still yet to be revealed.

77: The FESTAC Conspiracy

’77″ is the sequel to ’76″ the historical thriller released in 2016. Ojukwu is the director and sets this story around the events in FESTAC 1977. The project will be a reunion of Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic from ’76. The movie will also feature Soibifaa Dokubo, who will be playing the role of the Free Africa Movement Leader and Seun Kuti will be appearing in the movie playing the role of his father, Fela Kuti.

Tarella

Set in the mythical Kingdom of Akkaya, Prince Nosa (Timini Egbuson) and Tarella (Okawa Shaznay), must overcome numerous obstacles in their quest for Happy Ever After in Lolo Eremie and Kayode Kasum’s Tarella. We’ve all seen countless iterations of the Cinderella story and we are excited to see how the African Cinderella Story will do with this trope. Tarella was screened at AFRIFF in 2023. 

Onyeegwu

Michael as Alex goes on a spiritual journey to reclaim his place as a football star after a career-ending injury. This comedy-drama is written by Victor Alabi and based on a story by Uche Jombo who also doubles as the director. The first teaser was released in 2023. Onyeegwu stars Kayode Ojuolape, Chioma Akpotha as Obiageli, Emeka Nwagbaraocha as Ahanna, Zubby Michael, Nancy Isime, Lateef Adedimeji, Broda Shaggi, and Ini Edo. Onyeegwu premiered at the 2023 AFRIFF.

House of Gaa

Another project is scheduled to be released in 2024. Produced from BAP Production and Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, House of Gaa cast members include Femi Branch.

The movie portrays the story of Bashorun Gaa, who according to history was a notable prime minister in the Old Oyo Empire during the 18th Century. He was a feared and respected chief who lost his life because he grew to become oppressive and wicked towards several Alaafins and other respected people in the society. The release date is still unknown.

A Green Fever

Taiwo Egunjobi returns with A Green Fever, a crime drama set in the 80s. Kunmi (Temi Fosudo) in desperation seeks refuge in a stranger’s (Ruby Okezie) home after his daughter Ireti (Darasimi Nadi) suffers a stroke on a road trip during a curfew. Colonel Bashiru’s (played by Deyemi Okanlawon) arrival escalates the genre of the night, turning things baleful.

The film which is set in Ibadan 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 this year, it is one of 2024 most anticipated Nollywood movies.

Funmilayo Ransome Kuti

Funmilayo Ransome Kuti is another project to watch out for this year. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti is a movie that follows the life of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti from BAP Production. The cast includes Kehinde Bankole as Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Joke Silva as the older Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Omowunmi Dada, Adunni Ade, Dele Odule, Jide Kosoko and Adebayo Salami.

The film is set to premiere officially in 2024. The film had a limited theatrical run at Silverbird Galleria in September 2023 and is now set to premiere officially in 2024.

All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White

Babatunde Apalowo’s 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. During a global festival run, the film also premiered in Nigeria at the 2023 AFRIFF. Bambino (played by Tope Tedela) and Bawa (played by Riyo David) meet in Lagos and hit it off immediately.

During their long trips 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.

Produced by Damilola Orimogunje (For Maria Ebun Pataki), the film also stars Martha Ehinome Orhiere (Wura), Uche Chika Elumelu (The Wait), and Floyd Anekwe. A general audience release should be anticipated this year.

We Can’t wait to see these Nollywood movies. Which Nollywood movies excite you the most?