MOVIES

3 Nigerian Books Successfully Adapted Into Films Available On Netflix

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2024

Nigerian Books Adapted And Available On Netflix | Fab.ng

Have you ever wondered how classic Nigerian books come to life on the big screen? Movie adaptations take hidden gems from novels and plays and turn them into exciting films everyone can enjoy.

In Nigeria, talented writers like Kola Akinlade (Owo Eje), Akinwunmi Ishola (Saworoide), Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Half of a Yellow Sun), and Ibiere Addey (Crystals in the Mud) have seen their works transformed into captivating movies.

Want to experience this magic yourself? Here are three amazing Nigerian novels and plays that have been adapted into films and are currently streaming on Netflix:

1. Swallow

“Swallow,” written by Nigerian-American author Sefi Atta in 2012, is a gripping story about a young woman named Tolani. Set in the bustling city of Lagos and known for its challenges and opportunities, Tolani navigates life as a middle-class woman grappling with survival in a corrupt environment. Desperate to make ends meet, she gets entangled in the dangerous world of drug smuggling.

Fast forward to 2021, and award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan brought this tale to life on Netflix. The film boasts a talented cast featuring Niyola, Deyemi Okanlawon, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, and Ijeoma Grace Agu, each bringing their own depth and energy to the characters.

Watch the trailer below:

2. God’s Waiting Room

Author Yewande Zaccheus poured her personal journey with infertility into a powerful four-part novel. This story then blossomed onto the screen in 2021 as the movie “The Wait,” directed by the talented duo Fiyin Gambo and Yemi Morafa.

The film follows two couples desperately longing for a baby and a dedicated doctor who strives to help them achieve their dream. It’s an emotional journey exploring themes of faith, family, and perseverance.

Get ready to be touched by the performances of Nse Ikpe-Etim, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ini Dima-Okojie, Kate Henshaw, Joke Silva, Chimezie Imo, Jimmy Odukoya, and Meg Otanwa, who bring these characters to life with depth.

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Since January 2023, you can catch “The Wait” on Netflix and lose yourself in this beautiful story that resonates with many hearts.

Watch the teaser below:

3. Death and the King’s Horseman

Playwright Wole Soyinka crafted a powerful story based on a real event from history. In “Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman,” we meet Elesin, a loyal horseman tasked with a sacred duty following the King’s death. Tradition calls for him to perform ritual suicide, joining his ruler in the afterlife. However, things take a dramatic turn when British colonial authorities intervene, preventing Elesin from fulfilling his sacred vow.

Fast forward to 2020, and this captivating tale was brought to life on screen as a movie collaboration between EbonyLife and Netflix. The film, titled “Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman,” was directed by the late, talented Biyi Bandele.

Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, Jide Kosoko, Kevin Ushi, and Brymo each bring their unique talent to the characters, making this film a must-watch.

The movie has themes of tradition, cultural clash, and the complexities of duty in this thought-provoking film adaptation. “Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman” is sure to leave you pondering long after the credits roll.

Watch the trailer below:

I’m sure you would like to catch up with these movies, especially because it’s the weekend! Grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be transported to new worlds and thrilling stories thanks to these fantastic Nigerian film adaptations!

For more movie updates, check here.

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MOVIES

Nollywood Director, Kemi Adetiba Teases King Of Boys 3

Published

3 months ago

January 9, 2025

Reporter

Nollywood director Kemi Adetiba teases King of Boys 3 | fab.ng

Nollywood director Kemi Adetiba has revealed that another instalment of King of Boys will be released on December 25, 2025. She made this announcement on her birthday through an Instagram post.

“KOB Army…. ARISE!!! It’s time…. We MOOOOOOOVE. Signed: Your General. #KOB3 #TheBeginningOfTheEnd #DettyDecember25 #KAV25,” she said.

Earlier in 2023, director Kemi Adetiba commenced pre-production for the next instalment of King of Boys.

Alongside this, she hinted at the upcoming releases of “To Kill A Monkey” and “Welcome to the Fourth.” This new King of Boys instalment, subtitled “The Beginning of the End,” will feature a blend of familiar faces and exciting new characters.

The feature-length film will make its debut in cinemas on December 25, 2025. This groundbreaking series centres around Alhaja Eniola Salami, a powerful businesswoman and philanthropist embroiled in a high-stakes power struggle.

The first film, released in 2018, captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and exceptional performances. Its sequel, “King of Boys: The Return of the King,” premiered on Netflix in 2021.

The original film boasted an ensemble cast, including the formidable Sola Sobowale as Eniola Salami, alongside Nse Ikpe-Etim, Jide Kosoko, Adesua Etomi, and Richard Mofe-Damijo.

Kemi Adetiba’s career began as a radio presenter at Rhythm 93.7 FM, where she hosted the popular shows “Soul’d Out” and “Sunday at the Seaside.”

During this time, she anonymously shared her remixes on platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud under the pseudonym “Hule.”

Transitioning to television, Adetiba became a prominent figure on Mnet, producing and hosting popular shows such as “Studio 53” and “Temptation Nigeria” alongside Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa.

She also hosted the Maltina Dance All reality show for three consecutive seasons.

After achieving on-screen success, Adetiba pursued her passion for filmmaking. She enrolled at the New York Film Academy to hone her filmmaking skills.

This decision led to international recognition for her work. Her short film, “Across a Bloodied Ocean,” was showcased at the 2009 Pan African Film Festival and the National Black Arts Festival.

Her directorial debut, “The Wedding Party,” a romantic comedy, premiered on September 8, 2016, as the opening film of the City-to-City Spotlight at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

MOVIES

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” Becomes Nollywood’s Highest-Grossing Film Of All Time

Published

3 months ago

January 8, 2025

Reporter

Everybody Loves Jenifa Nollywood’s highest-grossing film | fab.ng

Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele has achieved a historic milestone with her latest film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa.”

The film has officially broken box office records, surpassing the ₦1 billion mark to become the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.

This groundbreaking achievement was announced by FilmOne, the film’s distributor, on their official Instagram page.

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” has officially hit a historic ₦1.466 billion and counting at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of all time! A massive THANK YOU to our incredible audiences in Nigeria and Ghana for making this dream a reality. Your support is everything. On to even greater heights! Still showing in cinemas near you—experience the magic on the big screen,” the statement read.

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A post shared by FilmOne Entertainment (@filmoneng)

Akindele continues her reign as a dominant force in Nollywood with this latest triumph.

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” achieved this remarkable feat in less than two weeks, further solidifying her legacy of box office successes.

Last year, her film “A Tribe Called Judah” made history by becoming the first Nollywood film to surpass the ₦1 billion mark, firmly establishing her as the queen of Nigerian cinema.

In 2023, Akindele’s “Battle on Buka Street” also achieved record-breaking success, surpassing the previous record set by her own blockbuster, “Omo Ghetto: The Saga.”

The “Jenifa” franchise has transcended the realm of a mere movie series, evolving into a cultural phenomenon.

Akindele first introduced the iconic character “Jenifa” to audiences in the 2008 Yoruba-language film “Jenifa,” captivating viewers with her wit and charm.

The character’s popularity skyrocketed with the 2015 launch of “Jenifa’s Diary.” Interestingly, the series is a beloved television series that seamlessly blended humour with valuable life lessons.

With “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” Akindele elevates the character to new heights. She delivers a heartwarming and comedic story that resonates deeply with fans.

The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, featuring Funke Akindele as Jenifa, Folarin “Falz” Falana as Sege.

Also, Jackie Appiah, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Chimezie Imo, and Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi) brought life to the movie.

Check out more movie updates here.

MOVIES

FG To Premiere TV Series, “Hidden Riches” On Mining Sector On January 25

Published

3 months ago

January 8, 2025

Reporter

Hidden Riches: FG to premiere TV series on mining sector | fab.ng

Nigeria’s Federal Government will launch an ambitious television drama series focused on the nation’s mining sector, premiering “Hidden Riches” on January 25, 2025.

The Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dele Alake, unveiled the project Tuesday. He describes it as a creative exploration of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and their transformative potential.

Take 7 Media has produced this groundbreaking series under the directorial vision of Bem Pever and Nwamaka Chikezie.

The drama will occupy a prime-time slot on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) network, airing every Saturday from 8:05 pm to 8:30 pm, reaching viewers across the nation.

“Hidden Riches” weaves together multiple storylines, following a diverse cast of characters including miners, political figures, environmental activists, and ordinary citizens.

These characters navigate the complex landscape of Nigeria’s mineral wealth. Also, it confronts challenges and seizes opportunities as they interact with the nation’s underground treasures.

The series delves deep into the intricate web of politics, power dynamics, and personal ambition surrounding Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Through its dramatic narrative, the show illuminates the mining sector’s potential as a crucial driver of economic diversification and sustainable development. It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil.

A talented ensemble cast brings these stories to life. It features acclaimed performers Sydney Diala, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Iveren Antiev, and Alex Jibrin.

Their performances help spotlight the human elements within Nigeria’s resource management challenges and opportunities.

Minister Alake emphasises that beyond entertainment, “Hidden Riches” serves a vital educational purpose.

I am pleased to announce the debut of a TV drama series, “Hidden Riches,” which aims to uniquely tell the story of the complexities and potential of Nigeria’s mining sector.

Featuring a stellar cast that includes Sydney Diala, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Iveren Antiev, Alex Jibrin, among… pic.twitter.com/OZaQObzjUs

— Dele Alake (@AlakeDele) January 7, 2025

The series aims to inspire Nigerian citizens to engage actively with the mining sector. Further, it fosters an understanding of its role in building a sustainable economic future.

Through compelling storytelling, the show highlights how solid minerals could serve as a pivotal alternative revenue stream for Nigeria’s economy.

Check out more movie updates here.