Over the past eight years, Netflix has invested over $23 million in Nigerian films, helping elevate Nollywood to international recognition.

As part of its strategy to expand African content, Netflix’s support has included not just acquisitions but also exclusive commissions, aiding in the production of groundbreaking films that have captivated global audiences.

Despite recent reports of Netflix scaling back its commissioning efforts, focusing now on acquiring films that meet its production standards, the platform has still played a pivotal role in shaping Nollywood’s global presence.

From 2016 to 2022, Netflix’s contribution extended beyond financial investments, including support for film schools and other initiatives aimed at growing the African film industry.

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In light of these changes, Nairametrics is spotlighting top Nigerian producers who have successfully partnered with Netflix over the years, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Nollywood.

These producers have not only helped create films that have achieved global acclaim but have also contributed to the growth of a sustainable film industry that continues to push boundaries.

As Netflix redefines its strategy in the African market, the legacy of these partnerships remains a significant part of the narrative for Nigerian cinema’s international success.

Kemi Adetiba 

Kemi Adetiba, a Lagos-born lawyer turned filmmaker, has carved a distinctive niche in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. She studied law at the University of Lagos but pivoted to the media, beginning as a radio host on Rhythm 93.7 FM before transitioning to television, where she worked on programs like Studio 53 and Maltina Dance All.

A New York Film Academy alumna, Adetiba directed acclaimed music videos for artists like TY Bello and Omawumi. Her short film, Across a Bloodied Ocean, earned international acclaim, foreshadowing her landmark directorial debut, The Wedding Party (2016), which premiered at TIFF. Known for her storytelling finesse and groundbreaking work, including King of Boys (2018).

  • King of Boys 

Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys (2018) swept Nollywood off its feet with its gripping exploration of power, ambition, and betrayal. Centered on Alhaja Eniola Salami, played by Sola Sobowale, the crime-political thriller showcased Adetiba’s bold storytelling and visual sophistication.

The cast featured Nollywood veterans and newcomers, including Toni Tones, Illbliss, Reminisce, and Osas Ighodaro.

  • The return of the King 

In 2021, Adetiba elevated the story with King of Boys: The Return of the King, Netflix’s first Nigerian original series. The sequel chronicled Salami’s bid to reclaim political power, blending intense drama with a stellar cast featuring Sobowale, Toni Tones, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Richard Mofe-Damijo.

Adetiba’s work has not only set new benchmarks for Nollywood but also amplified African narratives on the global stage.

Chinny Onwugbenu 

Chinny Onwugbenu is a prominent Nigerian film producer recognized for her significant contributions to Nollywood. She is best known for her work as the co-producer of Road to Yesterday (2015) and as the producer of Lionheart (2018), the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix.

Chinny Onwugbenu graduated with a degree in Economics from Pennsylvania State University in 2006.

In 2010, she earned her MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, which helped shape her business acumen in the entertainment industry. In 2015: Chinny co-produced Road to Yesterday, a drama film that was well-received for its portrayal of love, loss, and reconciliation. The film won Best Movie (West Africa) at the 2016 AMVCA (Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards).

Lionheart 

  • In 2018 she produced Lionheart, a milestone in Nollywood history. Directed by Genevieve Nnaji and co-produced by Chinny, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was quickly acquired by Netflix.
  • It marked Netflix’s first original Nigerian film, receiving global recognition and acclaim.
  • The film, set in Nigeria’s transportation industry, follows Adaeze Obiagu (played by Nnaji), a woman who steps into leadership after her father’s illness, navigating family and societal challenges in a male-dominated world.
  • Lionheart was a cultural milestone in Nollywood, celebrated for its heartwarming story of resilience, teamwork, and family. It also made history as Nigeria’s first-ever submission for the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.

Editi Effiong 

Editi Effiong is the CEO of Anakle, a leading digital agency in Lagos, Nigeria, known for creating successful digital products and applications.

He also explores themes of technology, design, education, and business leadership through his writings.

Effiong has ventured into filmmaking, producing films like Up North and Day of Destiny, and made his directorial debut with The Black Book.

His involvement in the post-#ENDSARS judicial hearings in 2020, where he documented proceedings on Twitter, earned him widespread respect and a loyal following.

In 2019, Anakle Films’ Up North and The Setup were acquired by Netflix. Effiong’s short film Fishbone (2020), written and directed by him, exposed the dangers of counterfeit drugs and their impact on society.

  • The Black Book 
  • Editi Effiong’s directorial debut, The Black Book, shattered expectations, placing Nollywood firmly on the global stage. Released on Netflix as an acquired original on September 22, 2023, the crime thriller quickly became a sensation, ranking No. 3 on Netflix’s worldwide film charts—a great feat for a Nigerian film.
  • In its first 48 hours, The Black Book amassed 5.6 million views and 11.6 million watch hours globally, marking a turning point for Nollywood. The Black Book entered the global complete ten list in 38 countries less than a week after its release.
  • With a $1 million budget, The Black Book tells the gripping story of Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo), a retired military officer and deacon, whose life is upended when his son is falsely accused of kidnapping and killed.

Femi Adebayo 

Femi Adebayo Salami is a Nigerian film director, actor, producer, and lawyer, who has garnered recognition for his work, winning four awards as Best Yoruba Actor at the 17th African Film Awards (Afro Hollywood Awards) in London.

He also won the same award at the Best of Nollywood Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria Awards in 2012.

  • Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) 

Jagun Jagun (The Warrior), co-written by Femi Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani, set a new standard for Yoruba epics. Released on August 10, 2023, the film tells the gripping story of a young man who joins an elite army to become a warrior, exploring themes of ambition, loyalty, and power.

Directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami, this period piece features an ensemble cast including Adedimeji Lateef, Bimbo Ademoye, and Faithia Balogun.

Shot in southwest Nigeria, Jagun Jagun has been celebrated for its rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and meticulous attention to cultural authenticity, winning Best Indigenous Language Movie (West Africa) and Best Costume Design at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

A Netflix sensation, the film garnered 2.1 million viewing hours within 48 hours of release and trended in the top 10 movies across 18 countries, underscoring Femi Adebayo’s pivotal role in advancing Nollywood’s global appeal.

Mo Abudu 

Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, is a leading figure in Africa’s entertainment industry. Widely referred to as “Africa’s most successful woman” by Forbes, she is a talk show host, TV producer, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philanthropist.

Abudu is the founder and CEO of EbonyLife, Africa’s first global black entertainment network, which launched in 2013 on Multichoice DSTV Channel 165.

Abudu has played a pivotal role in transforming Africa’s media landscape, producing films and TV shows that showcase African talent and stories to a global audience. Some of her remarkable works include:

  • Oloture 1 & 2: A gritty, eye-opening film about a young journalist who goes undercover to expose human trafficking, featuring powerful performances by Sharon Ooja and Beverly Osu. The first instalment had a 1.300 million hours of view while the second part had 1.5 million views.
  • Blood Sisters: A hit Netflix movie that ranked #9 on the top 10 most-watched movies for the week of May 2-8, 2022. It garnered over 11 million hours of viewing and is produced by EbonyLife TV Studios.
  • Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman: An adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, exploring tradition and culture in colonial Nigeria, directed by Biyi Bandele with a star-studded cast including Odunlade Adekola and Shaffy Bello.
  • Wedding Party 2: A continuation of the popular wedding-themed comedy, following the lives of its beloved characters.

Kunle Afolayan  

Kunle Afolayan (born 30 September 1975) is a Nigerian actor, producer, and director renowned for elevating the quality of Nollywood films through larger budgets, shooting on 35mm, cinematic releases, and enhancing conventional storylines.

He began his career as an actor in the 1999 political drama Saworoide before making his directorial debut in 2006 with Irapada, a Nigerian supernatural thriller that won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Film in an African Language.

His directorial portfolio includes critically acclaimed films such as The Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1, and Citation.

Some of Afolayan’s Netflix acquired movies: 

  • Aníkúlápó: A 2022 epic fantasy film starring Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Taiwo Hassan. Shot in Oyo State, the film, described by Afolayan as “Game of Thrones recreated in Nigeria with better cultural representation,” is distributed by Netflix.
  • Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre (2024): A sequel to Aníkúlápó, this Yoruba-language Netflix drama series follows the story of Saro returning to the Oyo Kingdom to complete a dangerous mission.
  • Swallow (2021): A Netflix film based on Sefi Atta’s novel, starring Niyola and Deyemi Okanlawon. The film tells the story of a young woman caught in the turmoil of Nigeria’s social issues.
  • Citation (2020): A film that follows a Nigerian postgraduate student’s battle with an influential professor after experiencing sexual harassment.
  • Ijogbon (2023): A coming-of-age adventure film that is part of Afolayan’s three-movie deal with Netflix.

Chinenye Nworah 

Chinenye Nworah, also known as Chichi Nworah, is a Nigerian media entrepreneur and film producer renowned for her work in the entertainment industry.

She is the founder of Giant Creative Media and is best known as the executive producer and producer of the Netflix original series Shanty Town (2023), which was one of the most-watched TV series in Nigeria and the second most-watched in Africa in 2023. She also produced Slum King, which won the AMVCA 2024 Best MNET Original Series award.

  • Shanty Town 
  • Follows the story of three Lagos State hustlers (Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Nancy Isime) who unite to wage war against the biggest and most ruthless crime ring in the state.
  • From January to June 2023, the series accumulated 27.3 million viewing hours, placing it second only to South Africa’s Unseen, which recorded 60 million hours.
  • The film depicted the tumultuous and shadowy existence of the Lagos underground, highlighting the increasing demand for authentic African narratives told by African voices.
  • The movie features a star-studded cast including Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Mercy Eke, Nancy Isime, Zubby Michael, Uche Jombo, RMD, and Peter Okoye (Psquare).

Naz Onuzo 

Chinaza Onuzo is a Nigerian entrepreneur and film producer known for his impactful work in the Nigerian film and television industry.

As a key figure in several prominent production companies, Onuzo has significantly influenced the development and growth of Nigerian cinema.

Chinaza Onuzo is the director of Inkblot Productions Limited, an independent Nigerian production company that has produced numerous hit films and TV series.

He has been with the company since 2011, overseeing the production of popular works such as:

Far from Home

  • A TV series that received positive reviews and ranked 10th with 9,800,000 hours of viewing.
  • The show stars Mike Afolarin, Elma Mbadiwe, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Femi Branch, Genoveva Umeh, Olumide Oworu, Bucci Franklin, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and other notable A-list actors.
  • Executive producers: Chinaza Onuzo, Erika Klopper, Zulumoke Oyibo, and Damola Ademola.
  • Directed by Catherine Stewart, Kayode Kasum, and Kenneth Gyang.
  • Writers: Nk’iru Njoku, Chiemeka Osuagwu, Jola Ayeye, Abosi Ogba, with Dami Elebe as head of the writers’ room.

In addition to his leadership role at Inkblot Productions, Onuzo serves as a non-executive director at FilmOne Entertainment and Filmhouse Cinemas, both major players in the Nigerian film industry, where he has been involved since 2014.

Adebimpe Oyebade

Adebimpe Oyebade is an actress and model renowned for her versatility in acting. She has made a mark in Nollywood with her captivating performances across various films and is also a producer.

The Uprising is a 2024 Nigerian historical drama film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, and produced by Adebimpe Oyebade and Victoria Akujobi.

Lisabi: The Uprising (2024) 

  • Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, Lisabi: The Uprising is a historical drama that delves into the 18th-century Lisabi Rebellion in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
  • The film tells the story of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, a farmer seeking vengeance after witnessing the brutal killing of his friend by the Alaafin of Oyo and his ally, Songodeyi.
  • The movie features an ensemble cast including Ibrahim Chatta, Jide Awobona, Eniola Ajao, and Adebowale Adedayo.

The plot is loosely based on the historic 18th-century Lisabi Rebellion of Abeokuta, a pivotal moment in Nigerian history.

Kene Egbue  

Kene Egbue is a seasoned professional with years of experience in Strategy and Planning. He is a First Class graduate in Development Planning and an alumnus of the Lagos Business School. Kene is passionate about business incubation and long-term strategy, with a sharp focus on identifying new opportunities for growth.

Co-Executive Producer of the Netflix hit Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, a groundbreaking film that highlights the Igbo Apprenticeship System (Nwa Boi). The film quickly rose to the top of the Netflix rankings, holding the number one spot for three consecutive weeks.

Ranked among the Top 10 Nollywood Producers in 2023, Mr. Egbue’s impact on the Nigerian film industry has been immense, particularly in championing the depiction of African cultural systems on global platforms like Netflix.

Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story (2023) 

  • Directed by Kayode Kasum, Afamefuna is the first-ever feature-length film that delves into the Igbo Apprenticeship System, also known as Nwa Boi.
  • The film follows Afamefuna, played by Stan Nze, as he embarks on a transformative journey under the mentorship of Odogwu, portrayed by Kanayo O. Kanayo. The story explores themes of sacrifice, comradeship, and betrayal within the apprenticeship system.
  • The film also stars Atlanta Bridget Johnson as Amaka, Alex Ekubo as Paul, and Stan Nze, delivering stellar performances that bring the narrative’s emotional and cultural complexities to life.

Afamefuna was produced by Omobayowa Alabi, with Olawumi Fajemirokun and Kene Egbue as executive producers.

Charles Okpaleke

Charles of Play

Charles Okpaleke aka Charles of Play is a dynamic film producer and the CEO of Play Network Africa. With a career spanning over a decade, Okpaleke has established himself as a leader in storytelling and a key player in  Nollywood’s rich industrial heritage.

In 2015, Okpaleke made a major move by acquiring the rights to Living in Bondage, a classic that laid the foundation for modern Nigerian cinema. What started as a bold remake project transformed into a celebrated sequel, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. The film not only paid homage to its predecessor but also elevated the original narrative with a fresh and compelling storyline that resonated with contemporary audiences.

The sequel’s success was monumental. Released to critical acclaim, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free garnered numerous accolades, including an impressive seven awards at the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2020. This achievement solidified Okpaleke’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker capable of blending nostalgia with modern cinematic techniques.

Beyond his filmmaking endeavors, Okpaleke is also the CEO of PLAY Network Africa, a business and lifestyle platform connecting professionals and entrepreneurs across the continent.

Blood Vessels(2023)

  • Released exclusively on Netflix on December 8, 2023, Blood Vessel quickly soared to the top spot on the platform. It became the most-watched film in the Non-English Film category, a rare achievement for a Nollywood production.
  • Between December 11 and 17, the film garnered 4.4 million views and an impressive 8.8 million viewing hours, demonstrating its widespread appeal.
  • Blood Vessel secured a spot in Netflix’s coveted top 10 list of films across various countries, maintaining its position for two consecutive weeks.
  • Produced by Charles Okpaleke, Arafat Bello-Osagie, Roxanne Adekunle-Wright, and Agozie Ugwu, “Blood Vessel” unfolds its gripping narrative against the backdrop of Southern Nigeria during a period of political unrest.

Hijack ’93 (2024) 

  • Produced by Charles Okpaleke and Rogers Ofime, Hijack ’93 is a disaster thriller that recounts the infamous hijacking of a Nigerian Airways flight on October 25, 1993.
  • Directed by Robert O. Peters and written by Musa Jeffery David, the film chronicles the hijacking orchestrated by four teenagers demanding the resignation of Nigeria’s then Defense Minister General Ibrahim Babangida and the exposure of government corruption.
  • The ensemble cast includes Sam Dede, Bob Manuel, John Dumelo, Idia Aisien, Nancy Isime, Efa Iwara, and Sharon Ooja.
  • Hijack ’93 premiered on Netflix on October 25, 2024, the anniversary of the hijacking, and quickly gained attention, amassing 3.2 million views in its first week, earning a spot in Netflix Nigeria’s top 10