Abiola Sobo and Tolu Ajayi, two prominent Nollywood directors, have teamed up for the upcoming Showmax original drama series, Princess on a Hill, which is set to debut in November 2024. Abiola Sobo is known for his work as the director of the popular TV series Inspector K, while Tolu Ajayi’s recent project, Over The Bridge, led the nominations at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) with an impressive 12 nods.
Their collaboration on Princess on a Hill has generated significant anticipation, combining their respective directorial expertise to create a high-quality African drama that is expected to resonate with audiences both in Nigeria and internationally.
Princess on a Hill explores profound themes such as power, ambition, and the price of success. The show follows Zara, a young woman who unexpectedly rises to fame after winning the Lawson Group’s Leading Ladies reality show. However, with this newfound success comes the difficult task of saving the very company that helped propel her to stardom. Zara is thrust into the ruthless world of corporate business, where power dynamics and fierce competition define her every move.
Her journey is not just about managing the company; she must also confront the formidable CEO, Moyosore Lawson, who is determined to see her fail. This battle for survival in the corporate world becomes a defining challenge in Zara’s life as she learns to navigate high-stakes business and personal ambition.
The series was officially announced during the 2024 MIP Africa in Cape Town, an event that forms part of Fame Week Africa, a festival dedicated to African television, film, and music. The timing of the announcement has heightened interest in Princess on a Hill, as MIP Africa serves as a hub for groundbreaking content across the continent.
By presenting this show at such a prestigious event, the series is positioned to attract attention from both African and global audiences. Its focus on authentic African storytelling makes it a promising addition to Showmax’s growing portfolio of original content that seeks to elevate African voices on the international stage.
Tolu Ajayi, commenting on the project, emphasized the mythic qualities of the show’s narrative, describing it as a modern African take on universal themes. He likened the corporate boardrooms in the series to ancient kingdoms, filled with familiar characters such as the “wounded cruel king,” the “village belle turned warrior princess,” and “strutting knights” in a setting that blends fantasy with contemporary African business life.
His words;
“there’s that dreamlike quality we want to convey in this modern African iteration of a universal mythical experience, business boardrooms as kingdoms, the wounded cruel king, strutting knights, conniving bishops, treacherous duchesses, the village belle turned warrior princess and sometimes a touch of the village jester; all the familiar elements of a mythic tale.”
Ajayi’s vision for the show introduces a unique blend of mythic storytelling elements into the world of corporate drama, elevating Princess on a Hill beyond the typical business narrative.
Abiola Sobo echoed these sentiments, noting that the series portrays the degradation of innocence and the deep human need for validation. With African characters that audiences can relate to, Princess on a Hill promises to deliver a story that is both captivating and reflective of universal experiences.
Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, further highlighted the attention to detail in the production, from the set design to the editing process, which ensures a premium cinematic experience. With Princess on a Hill, viewers can expect a rich narrative steeped in African culture and storytelling, while still engaging with timeless themes of power and ambition.
