Connect with us

Entertainment

Netflix marks Nigeria’s 64th Independence with 2024 films, Including ‘Hijack 93

As Nigeria celebrated its 64th independence anniversary, Netflix announced an exciting collection of upcoming licensed Nigerian stories that will showcase the country’s dynamic storytelling talent.

This thrilling lineup, debuting throughout the final quarter of 2024, underscores Netflix’s dedication to entertaining its Nigerian members with various exciting local stories.

This diverse slate of local content, which spans a variety of genres and themes, features upcoming films and series from acclaimed filmmakers such as; Charles Okpaleke, Femi Adebayo, Clarence Peters, Omoni Oboli, and Zeb Ejiro. Starting in October, these stories will entertain audiences to experience the richness of Nigerian culture and narratives like never before.

“It is essential to us that Netflix remains the premier destination for the best in Nigerian storytelling for our members in Nigeria,” said Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s Vice President of Content for the Middle East and Africa. “We aim to continue celebrating the country’s rich and vibrant culture and history by acquiring a variety of exciting licensed titles from Nigeria’s best filmmaking talent.”

With a commitment to proving that great stories can indeed come from anywhere and be loved everywhere, Netflix continues to spotlight Nollywood as a cultural and entertainment powerhouse. The upcoming 2024 slate includes new releases like the film Hijack 93, a thriller film inspired by true-life events launching on 25 October, the anniversary of the event. Hijack 93 tells the story of four young men who hijack a plane in protest of the annulled 1993 elections in Nigeria. As they navigate the high-stakes situation, they must balance their demands with the safety of the passengers and their freedom. The film, created by Play Networks Studios (Blood Vessel, Glamour Girls), will feature an all-star cast including; Nancy Isime; Sharon Ooja; Jemima Osunde; Idia Aisen; Adam Garba; Nnamdi Agbo; Akinsola Oluwaseyi; Allison Emmanuel; Efa Iwara and John Dumelo.

“Hijack 93 is a fictional retelling inspired by the 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 tend to dissolve before the next generation knows of it. As a filmmaker, my focus is telling our true African stories for the world to see,” says Charles Okpaleke, producer & co-founder of Play Network Studios.

Also launching in 2024 – but only available in Africa – are Inside Life a series launching on 11 October; Domitilla* – a film launching on 8 November, the film Sisi London launching on 29 November) and Seven Doors* a film that will launch on 13 December.

Netflix has renewed the Nigerian fan-favorite series, Aníkúlápó for another season and recently kicked off production in Ibadan and Ghana where the series leads Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, and Lateef Adedimeji to make a comeback to reprise their roles alongside new cast members Antar Laniyan, Joke Muyiwa, Adebowale Adebayo, and Saidi Balogun. The film, which once peaked at #1 on the Netflix Global Top 10 list and returned as a series will be produced by Kunle Afolayan Productions and directed by the award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.

Speaking about the upcoming season. Afolayan says, “We’re overjoyed that Netflix has renewed Anikulapo for another season. We take pride in telling our stories authentically and this series is a powerful reflection of Nigerian culture and history. This season will explore the complex realities of the slave trade, with actors from Portugal, Ghana, and Nigeria, showing the global connections in our history. Filming in Oyo State and Ghana helped us ground the story in places rich with our heritage. We’re excited to continue sharing this journey with the world and celebrating the depth of our culture.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Wizkid Cancels multiple North America dates on ‘Morayo’ Tour, Sparking Online Debate

Nigerian superstar Wizkid has cancelled several dates on the North American leg of his much-anticipated ‘Morayo’ world tour, sparking concern among fans and insiders alike.
The cancelled shows include major venues such as:

June 5 – State Farm Arena, Atlanta

June 7 – Madison Square Garden, New York

June 11 – Scotiabank Arena, Ontario, Canada

June 15 – CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore

While his team has yet to release an official statement explaining the latest development, fans anxiously await clarity and possible new dates.

Despite the setback, sources suggest that the European leg of the Morayo Tour will continue as planned, with no current indications of change.

However, reactions online hint at deeper personal struggles. A close associate, Godson, stirred concern on social media when he responded to a fan’s inquiry about the cancellations by asking for prayers for Wizkid.

“Add him to your prayer. I think he’s still grieving, and nobody is helping him achieve this. Sad,” Godson posted.

Fans have since flooded social media with messages of support, urging the Star Boy to take all the time he needs to heal.

News of Wizkid’s North American tour cancellations has sparked a social media frenzy, with fans and critics flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with mixed reactions, ranging from deep concern to outright mockery

Some fans expressed disappointment over the show cancellations, while others pointed fingers at poor planning, low ticket sales, and questionable timing.

Here are some of the most viral reactions:

@abazwhyllzz: “So none of his fans could buy ticket despite the ticket price reduction??? Brooo, this guy is finished.”

@mafia3O: “Cancelled in the midnight thinking people would not notice.”

@bigHotbaby1: “Wizkid scheduled his tour the same day there’s a big game in New York? Who’s advising this guy?”

@Zillionhood: “WizKid should retire this year with little dignity, by 2026 he will be retiring with mucha shame on him.”

@twnty__one: “Shey dem him fans no see money buy ticket ni or why the cancellation? Lol popsy una.”

Fanbase Rivalries Heat Up
The news also reignited the age-old Stan wars between fanbases, with some accusing media platforms of showing bias in their coverage.

@sakpo0007_: “Nah you guys are unreal. No single post on your page about Davido’s ‘5ive’ Spotify streams deduction but yeah it’s Wizkid news, y’all are active now… Fvckers.”

@bisolaa_0: “You updated this faster than Davido deducted streams on Spotify. Smh.”

@1stsonofdavido: “You see Wizkid downfall? I’m always there like Toyota Hilux. If it was Davido, everywhere for don scatter. Like I said, any Wizkid slander, I’m always there.”

Continue Reading

Celebs

Burna Boy gears up for the release of his 8th album with ‘Sweet Love’

Burna Boy

Grammy award-winning global icon Burna Boy ushers in his highly anticipated eighth studio album ‘No Sign of Weakness’ with today’s release of the seductive new single ‘Sweet Love.’

The song is set to be followed by a music video, which will complement its breezy feel.

The song produced by Major Seven is a romantic, reggae-leaning track that showcases Burna Boy’s unmistakable vocal charisma and signature blend of global influences with melodic pop sensibility.

‘Sweet Love’ continues Burna Boy’s standout year, building on the momentum of No Sign of Weakness’s first single, ‘Update’.

Produced by P2J (Beyoncé, Tems) and built around a sample of Soul II Soul’s iconic 8 the track blends Afrobeats with anthemic, club-ready energy.

The official video, which weaves together powerful visual vignettes inspired by the album’s central themes, has already surpassed 5 million views on YouTube.

Burna Boy has previously released the bubbling ‘Bundle By Bundle,’ which has amassed over 24M Spotify streams and 8.5M video views.

Most recently, Burna Boy joined French-Haitian singer Joé Dwèt Filé for the remix of the viral hit ‘4 Kampé,’ fusing Afrobeats and Haitian Kompa into a cross-cultural anthem that continues to chart across platforms globally.

Last month, Burna Boy became the first-ever cover star of Billboard France, coinciding with his historic, sold-out show at the Stade de France, making him the first African artist to headline the iconic venue.

The multi-award-winning global star followed up on his Stade De France concert with another historic concert in Manchester, where he sold out the Co-op Arena, which is the biggest indoor Arena in England.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

‘I have never told anyone ‘I love you’’ – Falz

Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has made some startling revelations about his love life.

While the rapper disclosed that he’s never been heartbroken, he also admitted that he has never really given his heart out to anyone.

Falz made these revelations while speaking during his appearance on the inaugural live edition of ‘WithChude’ podcast.

During their session, host Chude Jideonwo asked the ‘Soft Work’ singer, “Did someone break your heart so badly?”.

In response, Falz said, “I have never been heartbroken,” before explaining that “If you don’t put your legs inside water, can you drown? I haven’t presented my heart that much to be broken. I have been giving small of it ooo.”

He added that, “But in a romantic way, I have never told somebody ‘I love you’. It is not a sad thing, I’m not devoid of emotion, don’t get it twisted. I have said, oh I really really like you. I just haven’t said ‘I’m in love with you.”

Speaking further during the interview, Falz reflected on the emotional toll and deep purpose behind his activism.

He said, “People warn me all the time. Friends say: ‘You better stay out of these things oh.’

“But I’m the kind of artist who draws inspiration from my environment.

“I can’t help it. I feel these things so deeply that it becomes impossible not to talk about them.”

Falz also recounted his experience with the #EndSARS protest and how it impacted his life personally.

That period was one of the craziest and toughest times of my life,” Falz said, adding: “But I don’t regret it at all.

“I was taught never to regret doing what I believe is right.

“And the protest, the struggle, the connection we all felt — it was monumental. I’m grateful I participated.”

He noted that while many try to dissuade him, some say: “The same people you’re fighting for will fight you.”

Falz clarified that his involvement in activism has never been about applause or validation.

He said: “I’m not doing it for anybody specifically. It’s about what I feel strongly about. It’s about compassion. It’s about humanity.”

Continue Reading

Trending