Hello, NSS fam! Welcome to our brand new NSS Nolly Roundup, a monthly compendium of notable Nollywood events/happenings. The roundup will feature cinema and Netflix releases, celebrity news (weddings, birthdays, deaths, etc), festivals, awards, movie premieres, and much more. Basically, a summary of all that took place in Nollywood which you cannot afford to miss. We intend to share this monthly, on the first day of a new month, with a focus on events from the previous month.
We kick off with a roundup of October Nollywood news. Without further ado, you can dive right in below.
Premieres
October saw the premiere of some movies ahead of their cinema releases. Movies that premiered in October include Badboys And Bridesmaids; Progressive Tailors Club, Alábedé and Charge And Bail. From having guests come in #GuiltyAsCharged attires to guests donning a general aso ebi material, the premieres were quite colourful events. We curated pictures from the premieres on the blog and in case you missed it the first time you can view them with the links below.
For Badboys And Bridesmaids, click here.
Click here for Charge And Bail.
View pictures from Alábedé’s premiere here.
For Progressive Tailors Club, check here.
Cinema Film Releases
The ultimate goal of most film productions is to have them seen at cinemas nationwide by members of the public. From our research, about eleven movies made it to cinemas in October. They include Pandora’s Box (released October 1), Hide ‘N Seek (released October 1), 13 Letters (released October 1), Badboys And Bridesmaids (released October 8), Charge And Bail (released October 15), April Showers (released October 15), Women And Lies (released October 22), Beautifool (released October 29), Progressive Tailors Club (released October 29), Black Out (released October 29), and Sin (released October 29). Read on for a short synopsis and links to view the trailers.
Pandora’s Box
Starring IK Ogbonna, Ufuoma McDermott, Onyii Alex, Nini Mbonu and Mr Faf, Pandora’s Box is a romance drama looking at secrets and the harms they could cause to relationships. The movie is directed by Simon Peacemaker and produced by John Chukwuemeka. To watch Pandora’s Box’s trailer, click here.
Hide ‘N’ Seek
This is a thriller drama written by Bode Asiyanbi, executive produced by Abayomi Bello and directed by Tolu “LORDTANNER” Awobiyi and Adekunle-Bryan Oyetunde. It is a crime-thriller drama that tells the story of a Robinhood-like attempt to stop a corrupt public servant of high designation from embezzling public funds.
Hide ‘N’ Seek stars Kunle Remi, Sani Muazu, Uche Montana, Efa Iwara, Bimbo Ademoye, Kiki Omeili, Akah Nnani, Enado Odigie, Demi Banwo, Tosin Ibitoye, Jeff Bankz, Olakunle Fawole, Mojisola Adebanjo, Dibor Adaobi and Fares Boulos. To watch the trailer, click here.
13 Letters
13 Letters tells the story of Akinola ‘Owoblow’ Owolabi, the guy every woman wants and hates at the same time. Depending on your interaction with him Owoblow could annoy you or even remind you of someone you dated. Can he change? Will he change? That’s what you have to find out come October 1.
Featured actors in the Kayode Peters directed movie include Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Bolanle Ninalowo, Mofe Duncan, Teddy A, Chris Iheuwa, Adeherself, Rosemary Afuwape, and Ariyiike Dimples. Watch the trailer here.
Badboys And Bridesmaids
Featuring Elozonam, Nengi Hampson, Jidekene Achufusi, Amarachi “Maara” Udoezika, Mercy Isoyip, Jimmie Akinsola, Demola Adedoyin, Kelly Wekpe and Idia Aisien, the romantic comedy is about the destination wedding of two high school lovers who have nurtured a near-perfect relationship and who are just 3 days away from their perfect wedding. Since it’s high school love; good old comrades are united and everyone has history. While the groomsmen are in the mood for the weekend of their lives and looking to ignite the fire, the bridesmaids are not called “Ice-Queens” for nothing.
Badboys And Bridesmaids is directed by Seyi Babatope and produced by Yomi Black. Catch the trailer here.
Charge And Bail
An Inkblot Productions’ movie, Charge And Bail is a legal drama that follows the story of Boma, a high flying lawyer from the upper class, who was deployed to a charge and bail law firm run by two brothers for her youth service. A culture clash ensues between the haves and the have nots as Boma tries to navigate the new world.
Charge And Bail is directed by Uyoyou Adia, written by Naz Onuzo, and produced by the duo of Eku Edewor and Matilda Sola. It stars Zainab Balogun, Stan Nze, Femi Adebayo, Folu Storms, Bimbo Manuel, Tope Olowoniyan, Eso Dike, Craze Clown and Chigul. Click here to watch the trailer.
April Showers
This is a romantic drama directed by Richards Omos Iboyi. It follows the story of Linda, whose 41st birthday marks a disappearance of her hopes of getting married after several heartbreaks. Until she makes a life-changing decision. Nollywood stars in April Showers include Eyinna Nwigwe, Gbenga Titiloye, Kunle Remi, Lilian Esoro, Pere Egbi and Thelma Ibemere.
Women And Lies
Featuring Bimbo Ademoye, Charles Okocha, Chris Okagbue, Ifeanyi Kalu, Jennifer Obodo, Janet Mbawuike, Jessica Agu David, Lucy Ameh and Okey Jude Uche Nwaefuna, Women And Lies tells the story of a wife who together with her cohorts decide to give her unfaithful husban a taste of his own medicine. Women And Lies is directed by Jessica Agu David.
Black Out
This follows the story of Madam Shan and her son, Captain Abdalla. Madam Shan is an outspoken businesswoman and activist who is assassinated after she leads a fresh protest movement that rapidly gains public support all across the nation. In a quest for justice, her son, Captain Abdalla leaves the Nigerian Army and embarks on a one-man war. Black Out is directed by Abbey Abimbola who also stars in the movie. Other cast members include Akin Olaiya, Ayo Mogaji, Eniola Ajao, Murphy Afolabi, Olatayo Amokade (Ijebu), Sanyeri, Segun Arinze and Tayo Sobola.
Sin
Directed by Samuel Obiora, Sin is a drama that tells the story of Marvin who abducts Ellie, the daughter of Chief Ajasa, after the latter caused him immeasurable pain. Chief Ajasa is infuriated about Ellie’s abduction but is even more shocked when he gets a message from Marvin revealing a past dark secret. Will Ellie be made to pay for the sin of her father or will feelings get in the way? Find out when you watch Sin at the cinemas. Some of the stars to look out for in the movie include Blossom Chukwujekwu, Christiana Martins, Jide Kosoko and Nancy Isime.
BeautiFool
BeautiFool is a thriller produced and directed by Richards Omos Iboyi. It stars Taiwo Obileye, Enyinna Nwigwe, Priscilla Okpara, Tana Adelana Egbo, Anthony Monjaro, Kevin Ikeduba, Bethel Njoku, Gregory Ojefua and others.
BeautiFool follows the story of Chief Coker, who after being diagnosed with cancer considers willing his entire wealth to his foundation as his son, Josh, is not ready to live up to the family’s legacy. Josh is not about to let that happen and so he devises a way to get back at his father. Fate brings Ebiere, a local gin seller, into Chief’s life and it seems like Chief is about to have a few happy moments before his death or is he? Check out BeautiFool’s trailer here.
Progressive Tailors Club
Progressive Tailors Club is a comedy-drama directed by Biodun Stephen, produced by Victoria Akujobi and Niyi Akinmolayan. It stars Rachel Oniga, Jaiye Kuti, Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Beverly Osu, Lizzy Jay, Blessing Obasi, Kolawole Ajeyemi and many more. The movie follows the story of members of the Progressive Tailors Club who have gathered for a meeting to elect their new leader. However, when a longstanding, trusted executive is eliminated for corruption, it comes down to a choice between the old, the new and the ridiculous. Watch the trailer here.
You can still watch all the above movies at cinemas nationwide. You can check out cinema schedules online so you can plan accordingly.
October Netflix Releases
Asides from the cinemas, Netflix has quickly become one of the best platforms to view Nigerian movies. This is all the more due to the flexibility it offers in terms of viewing times, devices and locations. The streaming site is not taking its advantage for granted and is constantly looking for more Nigerian content to entertain its audience. In line with this, three Nollywood movies made it to Netflix in October. They are Swallow, Gone and Special Jollof. Read on to get some details about the three movies.
Swallow
Swallow is a 2021 Netflix Original movie based on Sefi Atta’s novel with the same title. It tells the story of Tolani and Rose, two bank clerks whose quest for a better life led them down tortuous paths. Swallow is directed by Kunle Afolayan and features an impressive cast including Deyemi Okanlawon, Eniola “Niyola” Akinbo, Chioma Akpotha, Eniola Badmus, Ijeoma Grace Agu, Omotunde Adebowale, Kevin Ikeduba, Mercy Aigbe, and Joke Muyiwa.
Swallow premiered on Netflix on October 1 and we wrote a review of it here.
Gone
Directed by Daniel Ademinokan, Gone features Stella Damasus, Gabriel Afolayan, Sam Dede, Sophie Alakija, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Ademoye and Gbenga Titiloye. The 2020 movie follows the story of Ani (Sam Dede), a boxer who leaves his family in Nigeria in search of greener pastures in the US. Tumultuous years later, he returns to find his old life changed.
Gone started streaming on Netflix on October 15, 2021.
Special Jollof
Rounding up the Nigerian Netflix releases for October is Emem Isong’s Special Jollof. Produced and directed by Emem Isong, Special Jollof is a 2020 romantic comedy-drama that follows the story of Rachel Hudson, a journalist bent on exposing illegal immigrants.
It features Uche Jumbo, Joseph Benjamin, Mary Magdalene, Bukky Wright, Femi Adebayo, Pere Egbi, Chinwetalu Agu and more. The movie began streaming on Netflix on October 27. Check out the trailer here.
YouTube Series That Debuted In October
Two new series debuted on YouTube this October. They are Our Best Friend’s Wedding S2 and Money.Men.Marriage.
Our Best Friend’s Wedding
Following a successful first season, TNC Africa’s Our Best Friend’s Wedding returned with season 2 in October. The series follows the story of three friends, Kemi, Jade and Charles, as they search for love and meaning while navigating the crazy world they live in. It stars Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Maurice Sam, Martha Ehinome, Eso Dike, John Njamah, Oshuwa Tunde-Imoyo, Shine Rosman, Deza The Great and Marycollete Unamka.
Our Best Friend’s Wedding is executive produced by Olawale Adetula, produced by Belinda Yanga-Agedah and Tolulope Akintade Akintan and directed by Belinda Yanga-Agedah. The series premiered on October 14, 2021. Catch up on all released episodes when you click here.
Money.Men.Marriage (MMM)
MMM follows the lives of five young women through the eyes of a newcomer to the chaos and unpredictability of Lagos. Amazing casts featured in MMM include Toni Tones, Arese Emokpae, Rachel Anthony, Kabiri Fubara, Chris Iheuwa, Adebukola Oladipupo, Chinasa Anukam, Ibrahim Suleiman, Sika Osei, Elozonam, and Obi Maduegbuna.
MMM is written, produced and directed by Ted Abudu. Ema Edosio co-directed the series, while Isioma Osaje co-produced and Tamara Aihie co-wrote. The series premiered on October 29, 2021, with six episodes. Click here to watch the episodes.
AMAA Nominees Announcement
Ahead of its 28 November 2021 awards gala, the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) announced the 2021 nominees for its twenty-six (26) award categories.
The announcement was made at a nominations gala that took place on Friday, 29 October 2021, at the EbonyLife Place in Lagos. AMAA was founded in 2005 by Peace Anyiam-Osigwe to celebrate superior performance in the African film industry. The 2021 awards will be the 17th edition of the much-recognised award.
The 2021 nominations cut across different countries including Burkina Faso, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, UK, Haiti and of course, Nigeria. Tunde Kelani’s Ayinla, Funke Akindele-Bello’s Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Kunle Afolayan’s The Citation and Daniel Ademinokan’s Gone are some of the Nigerian movies that made the list.
Winners of the 2021 AMAA will be announced at the awards gala holding at Marriott Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos.
To view the full 2021 nominees’ list, click here.
Abuja International Film Festival
The annual Abuja International Film Festival returns for its 18th edition this November.
Founded in 2004 by Fidelis Duker, the festival “offers a contemporary and liberal platform for the filmmakers of the World to exhibit the excellence of the film art form.”
The 2021 edition has been scheduled for 1 – 5 November 2021 and attendees can join virtually or physically at the Silverbird Cinemas, Abuja. Some activities to expect at the festival include film screenings, awards presentation party, networking, masterclasses, panel discussions and capacity building workshops.
For more information, click here.
AFRIFF Announcement
Returning for its tenth edition which also happens to be its anniversary edition is the African International Film Festival, AFRIFF. The festival was established in 2010 by Ms Chioma Ude with a vision to raise awareness about African Cinema, its vast potentials and the tremendous socio-economic impact it has not only on African economies but other third world and developing economies as well. The festival claims to be Africa’s most vibrant film festival experience.
The 2021 festival is scheduled for 7- 13 November 2021 at the Landmark Retail Boulevard in Lagos, Nigeria. Activities to expect at the festival include film screenings, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, networking and more.
Bolanle Austen-Peters Collision was announced as the closing film for the festival. You can view the full list of films selected for this year’s AFRIFF when you click here. For registration details, visit www.afriff.com.
Celebrity Birthdays
It was birthday celebrations back to back throughout October with some of the celebrants sharing stunning pictures to mark their days. Actors who had their birthdays include Nse Ikpe-Etim (October 21), Dakore Egbuson-Akande (October 14), Shaffy Bello (October 8), Hilda Dokubo (October 22), Kunle Remi (October 18), Osas Ighodaro (October 26), Stephanie Okereke-Linus (October 4), Hassan Taiwo Ogogo (October 31).
Check out the photos in the gallery below.
Celebrity Death
On a sad note, veteran Nollywood actor Joshua Johnson passed away on Thursday, 28 October 2021, from an undisclosed illness. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Training/Opportunities
We shared two hot opportunities for filmmakers in October. One is the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFIM) Business Lab and the other is the Pan Atlantic University School of Media and Communication’s Business of Film for Filmmakers Course. To get details of both programmes, visit the links below.
Box Office News
For more than five weeks now, Toyin Abraham’s The Ghost And The Tout Too has maintained its position as the highest-grossing Nigerian movie at the box office. According to data gotten from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria’s (CEAN) website, its current earnings stand at N132, 486,675 followed by Jim Iyke’s Bad Comments at N66,036,756. Other movies
Celebrity News
Chinwetalu Agu’s Dalliance With Nigerian Security Forces
Veteran actor Chinwetalu Agu had two run-ins with Nigerian security forces in October that resulted in him being detained for days.
The whole drama started on 7 October when the actor was arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, by members of the Nigerian Army for allegedly wearing a Biafran attire and promoting IPOB activities while distributing food relief items. The Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) facilitated his release the next day, 8 October, only for him to be picked up by the Department of State Services (DSS) the same day. This time Agu’s release was to come days later, 12 October to be precise. His release was once again secured by the AGN.
We are glad the actor is free now and we hope he remains free.
Jaiyeola Kuti Earns Doctorate Degree
Next time you see actor Jaiye Kuti be sure to address her as Dr Jaiye Kuti. The ace actor shared the news of her qualification on Instagram on October 29. She earned her Doctor of Arts degree from Prowess University in Delaware, USA. Congratulations, once again, ma’am.
That’s it for October’s Digest. Our next NSS Digest comes out in December. Ensure you look out for it!
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