Entertainment
Meet the cinematographers behind some of the best Nollywood movies

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Meet the cinematographers behind – Meet the cinematographers behind…
Meet the cinematographers behind – Ever wondered how your…
Ever wondered how your favourite Nollywood films go from just “okay” to “visually stunning”? Or how certain scenes make you feel all the feels with just the right lighting, angle, or slow pan? It’s all thanks to the geniuses behind the camera, the DOPs.
While actors bring characters to life and directors orchestrate the story, it’s the DOP who creates the look and feel of the film. They’re the ones who decide if that sunset kiss will give you goosebumps or if that car chase will make your heart race, or (better yet) if that emotional breakdown will leave you teary-eyed. Without them, Nollywood’s biggest hits would lose half their magic.
So today, we’re shining the spotlight on the visionaries who’ve brought iconic Nollywood scenes to life. From the gritty streets of Gangs of Lagos to the lush, cinematic landscapes of King of Thieves (Agesinkole) and the dramatic intensity of Brotherhood, these DOPs are redefining what Nollywood looks like literally.
While we celebrate actors and directors (as we should), DOPs rarely get their flowers. So, let’s change that, shall we? If you’ve ever been blown away by a Nollywood film’s cinematography, chances are, one of these names was behind it.
Yinka Edward – Lionheart
Yinka Edward is an award-winning cinematographer. His credits include Crime and Justice Lagos, winner of the Best TV Series at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2023; and A Love Story, winner of the 2017 BAFTA Award for Best Short Animation.
He has worked with directors such as Kunle Afolayan, Mak Kusare, Izu Ojukwu, Genevive Nnaji and Ethosheia Hylton. He was also the Executive Producer of Crime and Justice Lagos. His credits also include ’76, October 1 and The Milkmaid as well as the Tom Tykwer-produced Kenyan/German feature film, Something Necessary.
Lionheart is the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria. Lionheart premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. It was selected as the Nigerian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards making it the first time that Nigeria had submitted a film to the Oscars. The Academy, however, disqualified the film as the majority of the dialogue is in English.
READ ALSO: Funke Akindele’s ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ shatters box-office records with ₦206 million in its opening weekend

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John Demps – Living in Bondage: Breaking Free
John Demps is a seasoned cinematographer whose career spans decades and bridges the worlds of Hollywood and Nollywood. Renowned for his masterful eye and technical prowess, Demps has significantly influenced the visual storytelling of some of Nollywood’s most iconic films.
His impressive portfolio includes acclaimed projects such as Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, the groundbreaking sequel to the Nigerian classic that redefined modern Nollywood. He also lent his expertise to The Trade, a gritty and compelling drama, as well as Funke Akindele’s record-breaking blockbuster Omo Ghetto: The Saga. Adding to his roster of successes, Demps is also the cinematographer behind Akindele’s highly anticipated release, Everybody Loves Jenifa.
Barnabas Emordi – A Tribe Called Judah
Barnabas “Barny” Emordi is a talented filmmaker and cinematographer whose expertise has earned him a notable place in Nollywood. An AMVCA nominee, Barny has built an impressive career as the creative force behind the cinematography of some of Nollywood’s biggest box office hits.
In 2021, his remarkable contributions culminated in his being recognized as Nollywood’s highest-grossing Director of Photography. Barny’s extensive filmography boasts a lineup of blockbuster films, including Prophetess, Superstar, The Ghost and the Tout Too, and DOD.
He also worked on the multi-award-winning Elevator Baby, the advocacy-driven short film Her, and an array of commercials and documentaries that span local and international productions. In 2022, Barny made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Wheels, a poignant story about a boy living with a disability in Nigeria. This project reflects his belief in the power of film as a tool for advocacy and social impact.
Ola Cardoso – Breath of Life
Ola Cardoso is a cinematographer, creative director, and music video director celebrated for his exceptional work on films like The Blood Covenant, Banana Island Ghost, and Breath of Life; the latter winning the AMVCA 2024 award for Best Movie.
He is also the founder of Film Bank Production, a prominent film production company in Nigeria. In 2023, Cardoso played a significant role in the success of Breath of Life, a film that garnered an impressive 11 nominations across various categories at the 10th edition of the AMVCA. His expertise continues to shine as he shapes the visual storytelling of Nollywood’s biggest hits.
Kagho Idhebor – King of Boys: The Return of the King
Kagho Idhebor’s journey into the world of film began at the National Film Institute, Jos, where he earned a degree in film production. His passion for cinematography stemmed from his love for photography during his time in film school, where he developed a deep fascination with how light interacts with subjects and creates contrast.
In 2012, Kagho further honed his craft by obtaining a certificate in Advanced Cinematography from One Fine Day Films, a renowned German-funded institute in Nairobi, Kenya. His collaborations with directors and producers have resulted in numerous award-winning films, solidifying his reputation in the industry.
His filmography includes The Weekend, Up North, Broken Mask, Kasanova, We Don’t and Live Here Anymore.
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Nigerian singer, actor, and politician Banky W has added another impressive feat to his résumé: a Master’s degree in policy management from Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared to Instagram on May 20, 2025, Banky W reflected on the journey, describing the past few years as a “stretching season” for him and his family. He credited his achievement to faith, family, and resilience.
Faith gives you the courage, resilience and power to redefine endings. What many may see as the finish line of a journey can become the starting point of the next chapter of your story. The past few years have been a stretching season for my family and I.
Banky W expressed his pride and gratitude for earning his masters degree from the prestigious institution. He also highlighted the joy in welcoming his second son with wife Adesua while pursuing his degree.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Banky Wellington (@bankywellington)
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Entertainment
Mr Macaroni slams Police over student killed by stray bullet in Ibadan

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May 20, 2025By
Julie
Nigerian activist and comedian, Mr Macaroni, has expressed outrage following the tragic death of a schoolboy allegedly killed by a police stray bullet in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to eyewitness reports, the incident occurred near Gbagi Market, where police officers were reportedly in pursuit of a vehicle. During the chase, an officer allegedly opened fire, and a stray bullet struck a secondary school student who was sitting in his father’s car.
The student, who was on his way to sit for the ongoing WAEC examination alongside his twin brother, was rushed to Welfare Hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. Protesters were reported to have taken the corpse to the Oyo State Secretariat to inform Governor Seyi Makinde.
Devastated by the news, Mr Macaroni took to social media to condemn the Nigerian Police Force.
Wicked, Evil, Callous, irresponsible and shamelessly Corrupt @PoliceNG just killed an innocent boy in broad daylight!!! MURDERERS!!!
Wicked, Evil, Callous, irresponsible and shamelessly Corrupt @PoliceNG just killed an innocent boy in broad daylight!!!
MURDERERS!!! https://t.co/Rm8pj0SMKc— Mr Macaroni (@mrmacaronii) May 20, 2025
The sad news enraged many Nigerians, who in turn took to social media to call out the behaviour of the police and clamour for police reform.
Reactions
Its a very big shame to Nigeria police,when are we ever going to get it right in this country.
Who is that Messiah that will save this country 😭
What kinda country is Nigeria? How do you chase fraudsters and at the same time shooting at them. Are they cursed
This is heartbreaking 💔. They will soon feel the wrath of the citizenry. Another Endsars Loading
ALSO READ: Mr Macaroni calls out Nigerian police over viral video of officers assaulting civilian
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Entertainment
There's a vacuum in the female arm of Nigerian pop music: Who will step up?

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May 20, 2025By
JulieWhen Tiwa Savage broke into the Nigerian mainstream, she brought along the captivating vocals and sensuality of a talent forged by R&B music of the 90s and early 2000s.
This allure won her the admiration of listeners who appreciated the depth of her artistry and courage to become a sex symbol in a highly conservative society.
However, what won Tiwa Savage mainstream success and the respect of the mass market was her ability to deliver songs that move the street.
This willingness to operate at the lowest level of mass consumption, especially through guest appearances that had her running circles around street-dominating male stars, not only helped Tiwa Savage connect with the street but also gave the female arm of the industry a much-needed representation.
In 2018, a year she won the MTV EMA for Best African Act, Tiwa Savage jumped on DJ Enimoney’s street anthem ‘Diet’ featuring iconic rapper Reminisce and era-defining hitmaker Slimcase, whose Shaku Shaku sound was dominating the scene.
If her stardom, mesmerising R&B abilities, and sensuality are considered, a street pop record like ‘Diet’ that embraces part of what many consider an undesirable reality of life in the city will be maybe unbefitting of her status.
This is the elitist mindset that could have spurred her to create a wedge between herself her that side of the industry.
However, Tiwa Savage extended herself, embraced this section of the industry, and delivered an all-time verse.
She embraced the status of a reliable contributor whose verse can turn a good song into a much better one. It’s the reason Kizz Daniel called on her when he wanted to remix his breakout single ‘Woju’, and Spyro would do the same for ‘Who Is Your Guy’ remix 7 years later.

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Whether it was next to street-dominating rapper Olamide, Dancehall maestro Patoranking, or legendary highlife fussing hitmaker Duncan Mighty, Tiwa Savage held her own.
Even when she was not at the peak of her powers, she boldly ventured into the sonic territory of a red-hot Asake on their collaboration ‘Loaded’.
Amidst the current wave of Afrobeats global patronage, this representation that Tiwa Savage boldly and selflessly offered is now evidently missing.
While male stars are continuously jumping on sounds and sonic trends that capture the Turo247newz.com of the inner city listeners through new strains of street pop and popular slang, their female counterparts have elected to keep it posh.
A Missing Female Voice at the Level of Mass Consumption
Tiwa Savage is Afrobeats royalty; however, the baton of giving the female arm of the industry a representation at the mass level of local consumption has been handed down to a new generation of stars who, for some reason, just don’t seem quite keen on discharging their duties as selflessly as she did.
In the past three years, there have been several songs that were big moments that needed a female representation as well as strategic collaborations, which no female stars appear keen on reaching the other side of the aisle to facilitate.
Take, for example, Boypee, Hyce, and Brown Joel’s ‘Ogechi’ remix featuring Davido, and more recently, Shoday, Poco Lee, and Raman Jago’s ‘Hey Jago,’ 5 years ago, these are songs that Tiwa Savage can be reliably predicted to appear on.
When we consider why the new set of female stars are shying away from extending themselves as Tiwa Savage did, some possible reasons come to mind.
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