In celebration of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, Netflix has announced a collection of upcoming licensed Nigerian stories, showcasing the country’s rich storytelling talent.
This lineup, set to debut throughout the final quarter of 2024, highlights Netflix’s commitment to entertaining its Nigerian audience with diverse and captivating local content. The platform aims to bring fresh narratives that reflect the dynamism of Nigerian culture to a global stage.
The slate includes a variety of films and series from renowned Nigerian filmmakers such as Charles Okpaleke, Femi Adebayo, Clarence Peters, Omoni Oboli, and Zeb Ejiro.
These upcoming releases will allow audiences to immerse themselves in the richness of Nigerian narratives, providing a window into the country’s history, culture, and creativity.
The stories will explore a range of genres and themes, promising something for every viewer as the country’s filmmaking talent takes centre stage.
Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s Vice President of Content for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the importance of Nigerian storytelling on the platform.
He reaffirmed Netflix’s dedication to being the premier destination for the best Nigerian films and series.
By acquiring exciting licensed titles from top Nigerian filmmakers, Netflix continues to celebrate the country’s vibrant cultural heritage and its growing influence in the entertainment world.
One of the standout releases in this lineup is the highly anticipated film ‘Hijack 93,’ which will be launched on October 25, 2024. The thriller, inspired by true events, recounts the story of four young men who hijacked a plane in protest of Nigeria’s annulled 1993 elections.
The film explores the tension between their political demands and the safety of the passengers, bringing history to life. Produced by Play Network Studios, the film features a star-studded cast including Nancy Isime, Sharon Ooja, and Jemima Osunde.
Charles Okpaleke, the producer of ‘Hijack 93,’ expressed his dedication to telling important African stories through film. He emphasized the historical significance of the events portrayed in the movie and the importance of preserving such stories for future generations.
Okpaleke’s vision aligns with Netflix’s broader mission to showcase authentic African narratives to a global audience, ensuring that important moments in the continent’s history are remembered.
He said:
“Hijack 93 is a fictional retelling inspired by true events of a Nigerian Airways flight that was hijacked in 1993 by some Nigerian teenagers. Such historic events that are part of the spine of our democracy have the tendency to dissolve before the next generation has knowledge of it. As a filmmaker, my focus is telling our true African stories for the world to see.”
In addition to ‘Hijack 93,’ several other Nigerian productions are slated for release in 2024, including ‘Inside Life’ (October 11), ‘Domitilla’ (November 8), ‘Sisi London’ (November 29), and ‘Seven Doors’ (December 13).
These films will be available exclusively in Africa and will offer a variety of narratives that resonate with local and international audiences. Each title promises to bring unique perspectives and fresh storytelling to the Netflix platform.
Netflix has also renewed the fan-favourite series ‘Aníkúlápó’ for another season, with production already underway in Ibadan and Ghana. The series, which was produced by Kunle Afolayan and peaked at #1 on the Netflix Global Top 10 list, continues to explore Nigerian culture and history.
The new season will delve into the complex realities of the slave trade, with a cast featuring actors from Portugal, Ghana, and Nigeria, demonstrating the global connections in Nigeria’s past.
Director Kunle Afolayan expressed excitement about continuing the ‘Aníkúlápó’ journey with Netflix. He highlighted the importance of telling authentic Nigerian stories and sharing them with the world.
Afolayan’s vision for the series is to explore deeper cultural themes and connect with viewers through stories that reflect Nigeria’s heritage, making the series a powerful representation of the country’s history and identity.
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th independence anniversary, Netflix’s upcoming releases offer an exciting opportunity for audiences worldwide to engage with the country’s rich cultural heritage.
These films and series, deeply rooted in Nigerian creativity, resilience, and history, reflect the country’s growing influence in the global entertainment industry. Through this slate of licensed content, Netflix continues to elevate Nigerian storytelling, bringing it to audiences everywhere
