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Top Influential Women Shaping the Future of Nollywood’s Film Industry

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Top Influential Women Shaping the Future of Nollywood’s Film Industry, As one of the largest film industries in the world, Nollywood has evolved significantly since its inception. Central to this evolution are the remarkable contributions of female filmmakers, who have redefined storytelling and the representation of women in African cinema.

The impact of these filmmakers extends beyond their individual works. They have paved the way for future generations of women in Nollywood, demonstrating that creative, administrative, and managerial roles are not bound by gender.

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So, if you’re interested in exploring Nollywood, watching films by some of these notable female filmmakers will be an exciting ride.

1. Funke Akindele

Fondly called Jenifa, Funke Akindele is the queen of blockbusters, an actress, producer, and director. With numerous films exceeding box office expectations, she has honed her filmmaking skills, whether it’s acting on screen, producing, directing, she is a force. Her unique marketing style, often featuring effective social media and influencer marketing strategies, keep her audience eagerly anticipating her next release.


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Although her introduction to the film industry was through her role as Bisi in the popular sitcom, I Need to Know, she returned years later with her own sitcom Jenifa, which earned her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009. Some of her notable works include Tribe Called Judah, highest-grossing movie of the year; 2023, Omo Ghetto the Saga, She Must Obey, Jenifa’s Diary.

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2. Bolanle Austen Peters

A pioneering figure in Nigerian theatre, Bolanle Austen-Peters is a multi-award-winning movie director, producer, theatre director, and cultural entrepreneur. She is the founder and artistic director of BAP Productions and the arts and culture center, Terra Kulture in Lagos. Her contribution to the arts and the Nollywood space are immeasurable. Her biopic on Funmilayo Ransome Kuti became the highest grossing biopic in West Africa.

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Her recent movie, House of Ga’a, made it to the top 10 Netflix Global Chart for Non-English Films in the first week of its release. Austen-Peters is also the founder of Terra Academy for the Arts, an initiative in partnership with Mastercard Foundation aimed at empowering young people with skills to kickstart their careers in filmmaking. Some of her notable works include, Bling Lagosians, Man Of God, and Collision Course.

3. Biodun Stephen

Biodun Stephen is a screenwriter, producer, and director widely recognized for incorporating family-oriented elements in her storytelling. Using natural settings and relatable middle-class characters, she has mastered the art of telling powerful stories that resonate with audiences. Her films often bear unique titles reflective of the protagonist, such as Tiwa’s Baggage, Ovy’s Voice, Ehi’s Bitters and Sobi’s Mystic, Sista are notable examples. She runs her production company, Shutterspeed Projects. In 2022, she won the AMVCA Award for Best Writer for her sitcom Introducing the Kujus. That same year, her film Breaded Life was nominated for Best Movie, West Africa, at the AMVCA. West Africa. Some of her other works include, Looking for Baami, All Shades of Wrong, Seven and a Half Dates.

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4. Mo Abudu

A media entrepreneur, producer, and CEO of Ebonylife Group, Mo Abudu has made a significant impact on Nollywood since founding her company in 2014. Ebonylife Group includes EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, and EbonyLife Creative Academy, a film school dedicated to teaching filmmaking skills. She also manages Ebonylife Place, a luxury entertainment resort in Lagos. Her first film as an executive producer was Fifty, and she later co-produced The Wedding Party (2016), which became a commercial success. Other films she has also executive-produced or co-produced include The Wedding Party 2, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency and Òlòtūré. Her series, Blood Sisters made Netflix’s global Top 10 within days of its release, while Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. In March 2018, EbonyLife Media and Sony Pictures Television co-produced The Dahomey Warriors. In January 2020, AMC Networks announced its partnership with EbonyLife to produce Nigeria 2099, an afrofuturistic crime-drama created by EbonyLife. Mo Abudu’s partnerships with international studios such as Netflix, Starz and Lionsgate, BBC, Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Will Packer Productions have further solidified her influence in the global film industry.

5. Kemi Adetiba

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Kemi Adetiba is widely recognized for her acclaimed political thriller, King of Boys, and its sequel, King of Boys: The Return of the King. Before her success in filmmaking, Kemi Adetiba had a prolific career in Music video directing. Some of her notable works in the music industry include Olamide’s Anifowose, Last Bus-Stop by Niyola, My Darlin by Tiwa Savage, My Place by Lynxx, Love to Love You by Niyola ft Banky W. Her short film Across a Bloodied Ocean was screened at the 2009 Pan Afric

an Film Festival and National Black Arts Festival. On September 8, 2016, her first feature film The Wedding Party (a Nigerian Rom-com film) premiered opening night at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), as the opening film of the City-to-City Spotlight. Earlier in 2024, she announced that her new feature, To Kill A Monkey had completed principal photography and would be premiering soon. She has solidified her place as one of Africa’s most successful directors, having worked not only with some of the continent’s biggest stars but also directing commercials for several international brands. Adetiba owns her production company Kemi Adetiba Visuals. (KAV)

4. Jade Osiberu

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Jadesola Osiberu is a screenwriter, director, producer and the founder of Greoh Studios.

Although Jade is known for her knack for crime thrillers, as demonstrated in Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos, she has also produced romantic comedies like Isoken, and Sugar Rush. Her film, Gangs of Lagos, became the first Nigerian original film to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. In September 2022, Osiberu’s Greoh Studios signed a three-year deal with Amazon to develop and produce original scripted TV series and feature films. This partnership led to Gangs of Lagos winning Best Movie West Africa at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. In August 2024, Osebiru announced the release of her upcoming movie, Christmas in Lagos, which is set to debut on Prime Video this December. Other films to her credit include Ayinla, Rumour Has it, Gidi Up.

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Buy a N50m house for your father – Asake’s family lists demands in video message

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The family of Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has reeled out a list of demands they would like him to meet after his sick father, Fatai Odunsi, called him out for abandonment.

Recall that a video surfaced online earlier this week where Mr. Odunsi, accompanied by a man identified as Sonibare, his brother, accused Asake of abandoning him since he fell ill in 2022.

The singer has since responded to the allegation, taking to social media on Friday with a cryptic message delivered in a Yoruba freestyle.

Asake leveled his own allegation against his father, suggesting that despite his generosity, he was attempting to manipulate him.

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ALSO READ: He wants to cajole me – Asake reacts to reports of abandoning sick father

However, in the latest update in the Asake family saga, the singer’s family released a video in which they made several demands of him.

In the video, a lady who spoke on behalf of Asake’s family demanded that the singer buy an N50m house in Isale Eko that would generate rental income to support his father.

Additionally, the representative demanded a DNA test for Zeenat, Asake’s alleged 11-year-old daughter, whom they claim he also abandoned. The singer was also asked to support Zeenat’s mother, Asake’s alleged baby mama.

The family said, “Asake come and buy N50Million House for your father so that he can be collecting rent to feed. Always remember that your father will always be your father, come and take care of your father.


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“Even if the whole of Nigeria donate N1 billion to Asake’s father, the N1Million Asake will donate will make Papa Asake feel more better. Also come and take care of Your 11years old daughter and your Babymama. if you are in doubt about Zeenat, the mother has agreed to a DNA test.”

ALSO READ: Asake used to accept ₦700 rice, bottle of drink as performance fee – Yemi Elesho


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Rumours of association with Illuminati making me lose fans – Rema cries out

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Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has spoken about the effects of some rumours that have been spreading about him online.

The Mavin Records singer addressed the rumours during an interview with Rolling Stone.

Speaking about the rumours, which are about him joining Illuminati, worshipping the devil, and even drinking blood, Rema described them as baseless.

He explained further that these unfounded claims had affected his fanbase, as some of his fans believe the rumours to be true.

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Rema expressed frustration at the depletion of his fanbase due to the “random stories” fabricated about him, which some fans blindly believed after only seeing them online.

ALSO READ: Rema will perform in Japan as part of his landmark 2025 world tour

He said, “Random stories have been made up about me being Illuminati, worshipping the devil, and drinking blood. I definitely lose some fans who just believe anything they see.”

Going personal, Rema spoke about the sentimental value he places on the pendants he wears.

He disclosed that the accessories serve as a tribute to his late father and brother, reminding him of his humble beginnings and helping him stay grounded amidst the chaos of fame.


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“It was just a dark moment that changed my life, so I always wear this chain—mostly because I never want to forget. While any craziness or any fantastic shit is happening, I always remind myself, ‘Know the struggles you came from,’ because, for real, people be forgetting,” he said.

Rema further addressed the challenges facing Nigeria, expressing his concern that many Nigerians are already giving up on the country.

He, therefore, declared his resolve to remain optimistic and contribute his quota to the country’s development.

ALSO READ: Tyla joins Rema as the second African artist on Spotify’s 1 billion Song Club

He said: “A lot of people are giving up in Nigeria. A lot of people are angry at Nigeria. But I keep hope. There’s not a lot of people who would carry Afrobeats like this so much, carry culture.

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“It makes me look like a blabber. It makes me look like I talk too much, or care too much, or I’m trying to be a f**ing messiah. I don’t want to do much. I just want to do what I need to do.”


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Sex-for-Lambo: Chloe Bailey hints at separation from Burna Boy, 'You're not even worth it'

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American singer Chloe Bailey has hinted that she is no longer in a relationship with Nigerian singer Burna Boy as a result of the sex-for-lambo incident involving the ‘Last Last’ singer and Nigerian socialite Sophia Egbueje.

Recall that Burna and Chloe sparked dating rumours last December when the duo was captured getting cozy in a private section of a club in Nigeria.

Appearing to confirm their affair in February, Burna surprised Chloe with a matching Rolex wristwatch during a romantic dinner date in Lagos.

Now, it appears all but certain that things are not well between the singers. Earlier this month, Chloe unfollowed Burna on Instagram in the heat of the sex-for-lambo saga.

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ALSO READ: I no buy Lambo, is that why you’re shouting? – Burna Boy claps back at Sophia Egbueje

As if unfollowing Burna in the middle of the saga was not enough to hint at an end to their relationship, Chloe has gone a step further in her recent music cover, singing lyrics that appear to target shades at the Nigerian singer.

Chloe sang, “Don’t know about the other girls you used to deal with, but I do not need to buy a man to give me love to lay with, no.

“You are not even worth it, got me out here looking crazy. I should not have ignored all the signs. You wasted all my time, I know you are gonna miss all of the times we had shared. There is only one Chloe in the world and no other woman can compare”.

Recall that Burna was dragged into the sex-for-Lambo saga after audio surfaced online where Sophia Egbueje narrated how the Afrobeats singer slept with her and didn’t fulfill his promise of buying her a Lamborghini.


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