Meet the writers behind – Meet the writers behind…

Meet the writers behind – We’re pulling back the…

We’re pulling back the curtain to shine a light on some of the incredible writers behind your favourite Nollywood shows on Netflix. 

Have you ever binged a Nollywood series on Netflix and found yourself glued to the screen, unable to look away? Whether it’s the jaw-dropping plot twists, the relatable characters, or those moments that make you yell at your TV, there’s one group of unsung heroes responsible for all the magic: the screenwriters.

Yes, those are the brilliant minds who create the worlds we get lost in, the dialogue we meme, and the plots that keep us coming back for more. While the actors and directors often get the spotlight, the screenwriters are the secret sauce of every great series. They’re the architects of the stories, the masterminds behind the drama, and the ones who pour their hearts into making these Nollywood series unmissable.

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Dami Elebe (Head Writer) – Far From Home

Dami Elebe is behind web series like Skinny Girl In Transit, Rumour Has It. Elebe has a career spanning about a decade. She has worked as an on-air personality (OAP) at Classic FM, Beat FM and Naija FM in the space of 7 years. She also wrote the movie, Up North. The Netflix series Far From Home of which she was the head writer follows a troubled teenager who finds himself in the world of luxury after winning a prestigious scholarship to an exclusive school. As he attempts to navigate this new world, the teenager continues to aim for the top. The film features an impressive cast including Mike Afolarin, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Adesua Etomi, Deyemi Okalanwon and Chioma Chukwu Akpotha.

Craig Freimond, Yinka Ogun, Heidi Uys – Oloture: The Journey

Craig is a writer and director of theatre, film and television. For more than twelve years, Craig was at the acclaimed daily drama RHYTHM CITY where he wrote hundreds of episodes and stories, and also worked as a script and story editor. His works include Jozi and Material. Yinka Ogun is a seasoned writer and filmmaker with several works to his credit including Òlòtūré, Your Excellency, Abeni, Maroko, and A Little White Lie. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Drama, Heidi is the Head of Programming and Creative Producer at Ebonylife Media. Heidi Uys is known for Helen on Her Own (2005), The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017) and A Sunday Affair (2023).

Zelipa Zulu,  Craig Freimond, Temidayo Makunjuola – Blood Sisters 

This trio are behind one of the biggest  Netflix series to come out of Nigeria. Zelipa Zulu is a UK-based screenwriter, script editor, story liner, story editor, head writer and concept creator with fifteen years of Film and TV experience. Craig is a writer and director of theatre, film and television. For more than twelve years, Craig was at the acclaimed daily drama RHYTHM CITY where he wrote hundreds of episodes, and stories, and also worked as a script and story editor. His works include Jozi and Material. Makunjuola is a producer known for The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Oloture and A Night in 2005 which she wrote and directed. 

Xavier Ighorodje – Shanty Town

Xavier Ighorodje is an award-winning screenwriter and producer. He is the creator and head writer of the Netflix blockbuster hit TV series Shanty Town, which was the second most watched Netflix African Original TV series on the continent as of July 2023, the most watched Netflix African Original TV series in Nigeria the same year (with more than 20 million views) as well as the most nominated TV series at the 9th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award same year.  Shanty Town is a Nigerian crime thriller TV series that follows the story of a gang leader who handles a lot of dirty business. His encounter with some hustlers gets him trapped in a situation with his rivals. Released on Netflix on 20 January 2023, the series stars Chidi Mokeme, Ini Edo, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Sola Sobowale, Nancy Isime, Shaffy Bello, and Ali Nuhu.

Bolu Essien – Becoming Abi 

Bolu is an actress, writer, director and producer. Becoming Abi is a 6-part dramedy series inspired and loosely based on her experiences while working in one of Nigeria’s digital advertising agencies. The series explores themes such as love, betrayal, office politicking, career growth, and everything in between the business of building and scaling in the ever-demanding advertising industry. Though this is her first long-form content, Bolu’s creativity cannot be denied and with Becoming Abi being licensed exclusively to Netflix for a worldwide release, we can only imagine where the journey goes from here. The series stars Bolu Essien playing the titular character Abi, and industry veterans like Idowu Philips (aka Iya Rainbow), Biodun Stephen, Stan Nze, Akah Nnani, Seun Ajayi, Juliana Olayode, Ifeanyi Kalu, Opeyemi Akintunde, and Benita A Okojie.

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What type of greed – What type of greed…

What type of greed – Nigerian skitmaker and activist…

Nigerian skitmaker and activist Mr Macaroni has once again taken to social media to voice his frustrations over the state of governance in Nigeria, calling out politicians for their greed and lack of accountability.

Taking to X on December 3, 2024, the activist lamented the persistent looting of public funds and the detrimental effects it has on the country’s development.

He wrote, “Nigerian Politicians have stolen and are still stealing billions and trillions from the Nation’s purse. Unfortunate enough as it is that there are Zero Consequences for these actions, it is torturous that the people whose treasury are being looted continue to defend Politicians who absolutely do not care about their existence.”

Nigerian Politicians have stolen and are still stealing billions and trillions from the Nation’s purse.
Unfortunate enough as it is that there are Zero Consequences for these actions, it is torturous that the people whose treasury are being looted continue to defend Politicians…

— Mr Macaroni (@mrmacaronii) December 3, 2024

Mr Macaroni expressed his sheer disbelief at the scale of corruption among Nigerian politicians, highlighting how the stolen funds could have been used to change the lives of Nigerians.

“How can you comfortably loot public funds enough to change the standard of living of millions of the people you ought to serve selflessly? What type of greed and wickedness is this?” he asked.

In another post, he wrote, “How exactly is the Country supposed to get better when our Politicians just want to steal!!! No integrity!!! No sense of purpose!! No accountability!!! Zero shame!!! Just hardened criminals in office!!! How did the people become so hopeless?”

How can you comfortably loot public funds enough to change the standard of living of millions of the people you ought to serve selflessly?
What type of greed and wickedness is this?
How exactly is the Country supposed to get better when our Politicians just want to steal!!!…

— Mr Macaroni (@mrmacaronii) December 3, 2024

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This is not the first or second time Mr Macaroni has voiced out against Nigerian politicians and their treatment of the people. Recently, on October 29, 2024, Mr Macaroni reacted to the viral video of Former Rivers State govenor NyesomWike addressing citizens and expressed his anger concerning the way public officials treat their citizens.

Outraged, he wrote, “Nigerian politicians lack regard for Nigerians, and this is because they have never been accountable to the people. The other day the FCT Minister was addressing some Nigerians and he said; “are you stupid, is it because I came down to talk to you” You are a civil servant!!! What do you mean by “is it because I came down to talk to you” You are talking to the people that pay your salary!!!”

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Songs from Rema and – Songs from Rema and…

Songs from Rema and – Nigerian international sensation Tems…

Nigerian international sensation Tems and Rema continue to shine on the global stage.

On November 2, 2024, RollingStone released a list of their top 100 song pick for 2024 with Afrobeats making an appearance.

Tems‘ ‘Love Me Jeje’ was ranked NO. 20 on the list. The song which is one of the lead singles off her Grammy-nominated debut album ‘Born In The Wild’ samples the classic record of the same name by Seyi Sodimu & Shaffy Bello.

RollingStone describes the song as a yearning to be playful and unburdened by any sensibilities.

“On the sun-kissed ‘Love Me JeJe,’ Tems’ voice reminds us that yearning should be playful and unburdened by any insecurities or apprehensions. Interpolating

Seyi Sodimu’s ’90s Nigerian pop hit of the same name, Tems “Love Me Jeje” builds on the recent trend of artists collapsing elements of R&B and Afrobeat. Producers GuiltyBeatz and Spax sound more focused on rhythm than melody, using even the guitars as conduits for Tems to lightly slip and slide between pockets. That candid moment near the end, where Tems giggles with a friend, encapsulates the song’s essence. Her demands for love are lighthearted and unbothered.”

Rema’s ‘Ozeba’ off his Grammy-nominated sophomore album ‘HEIS’ is ranked at NO. 63. The song which is one of the most popular from the album echoes Rema’s uptempo rage music with which he aims to reclaim Afrobeats’ dancefloor.

RollingStone tags the song that packs goads and taunts over pulsating drumroll.

“After making his name with the lush and lovey-dovey sensibilities of Afrobeats, Rema is far more sinister, menacing, and intense across his sophomore effort, HEIS. Gone are the flowery epics about pursuing a tryst; instead, prepare for some good ol’ fashioned shit-talking, especially on ‘Ozeba.’ On the album’s centerpiece, Rema unloads a barrage of goads and taunts over a pulsating roll of drums that will raise your heart rate faster than a merciless round of HIIT. Time to cause some trouble.”

Tems and Rema‘s inclusion on the list is a reflection of their international superstar status where they have taken up leading roles in the global exportation of Nigerian music.

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