Rita Osakwe
Netflix has released a list of new original series and films from Nigeria, doubling down on its commitment to finding talent on the African continent.
“The new series and films, which are at different stages of production while others are ready to premiere, will join the growing slate of Nigerian content on the service and debut to 193 million members in 190 countries around the world,” the streaming giant said in a statement.
Netflix unveiled deals for three of Nigeria’s best-known directors, Kunle Afolayan, Kemi Adetiba and Mo Abudu.
Afolayan’s ‘Citation’ follows a young university student who forms a bond with her charismatic and well-connected professor who ends up sexually harassing her. The film stars Jimmy Jean Louis, Gabriel Afolayan, Ini Edo, Joke Silva and newcomer Temi Otedola. It will be available on the platform from November 6.
The highly-anticipated ‘King of Boys II’ is the sequel to Adetiba’s 2018 crime thriller in which a businesswoman and crime boss is drawn into a power struggle that threatens all she holds dear.
The film, which launches globally in the first half of 2021, begins with lead character Eniola Salami’s triumphant return to Lagos after a five-year exile. It features returning stars Sola Sobowale, Remilekun “Reminisce” Safaru and Toni Tones, as well as new talent in Richard Mofe-Damijo and Nse Ikpe-Etim.
Abudu’s Òlòtūré is the story of a young female journalist who goes undercover as a prostitute to expose a human trafficking syndicate and will launch on the platform October 2. The film is part of Netflix’s partnership with Abudu and her production company Ebonylife. Directed by Kenneth Gyang, its cast includes Sharon Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Wofai Fada.
“These Netflix original films demonstrate how we’re building a home for the best-in-class Nigerian content for our members in Nigeria and beyond,” said Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s director of licensing and co-productions in Africa.
“It’s amazing to see how Nigerian films and series resonate with audiences around the world. By making it easy for people to watch films and shows from other countries, we can help them build empathy and develop a shared understanding of the world.”