Here's a short list of some of the best of African cinema to watch over the holidays.
Easter celebrations are here and the weekend is most definitely going to be filled with all sorts of festivities. Many would be outside, hopping from one event to another. But for some, this time is the time to rest, crank open a bottle and catch up on some of their favourite shows. For those who fall in this category (and aren’t sure what to watch), here’s a short list of some of the best of African cinema to watch over the holidays.
Enjoy.
The Man of God
Premiering globally on Netflix this Saturday, 16th of April, The Man of God is Netflix's newest Nigerian original feature film produced by Bolanle Austen Peters of BAP production. Starring Akah Nnani in the lead role, the film follows the story of a young man torn between accepting his torturous religious background and living his own life.
The Man of God sees the lead character's whirlwind life oscillate between music to ministry before it eventually reaches its climax and all comes crashing.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
Ageshinkole (King of Thieves)
Currently one of the top films in the country, King of Thieves is an epic tale of Agesinkole, an all-powerful Bandit and his reign of terror in the prosperous Kingdom of Ajeromi. He is described as the King of thieves because of his power to instil terror in the people of his community as he takes away what they have from them.
Predominantly set in the Yoruba kingdom, the storyline of King of Thieves offers such an intriguing perspective on the life of a dastardly criminal, that showcases life from the perspective of a criminal who is set to cause tremor into the land. The character Ageshinkole is portrayed by popular Nigerian actor Femi Adebayo whose character interpretation is riveting to say the least.
WHERE TO WATCH: CINEMAS NATIONWIDE
Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters
Finally, a Nigerian Animation film is available to stream on Netflix.
Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters also simply known as LBMM is a 2020 Nigerian animated fantasy film directed by Adebisi Adetayo. The animation stars Bimbo Akintola, Patrick Doyle, Bola Edwards and Kalu Ikeagwu in the lead roles. The film is also the first Nigerian Cinematic feature-length animated film.. If you are looking for content to keep the children busy this Easter weekend, then you should watch this film.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
4th Republic
4th Republic is a political drama film that dives into the Nigerian tribunal process and a chaotic mesh of corruption and deceit. It unveils a determined and incorruptible female politician played by Kate Henshaw. She is resolved to make changes in the political arena despite obstacles. Will she succeed? The film is quite enjoyable and will definitely help set an agenda for discussion amongst family and friends when viewed as a group.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
God Calling
2018 Nollywood film God Calling, is a drama that explores the aftermath of life after death. A young couple loses their only child and spirals into sadness in the way common to many: the husband Late (Karibi Fubara) seeks solace in the arms of a female colleague; the wife, Sade, begins to battle depression. To complicate matters, Sade is a recovering drug addict unable to bear another child.
God calling is very much mitted in religion and it discusses the concept of faith in a rather unique way, the more reason why it's a fitting watch for you this weekend.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
Happiness Ever After
Looking for some Rom-Com laced with drama? The South African film Happiness ever After is a must watch. The film tells the tale of three female friends who face challenges in their personal lives. Zaza (Khanyi Mbau) struggles to keep her kids and wealth after the death of her tycoon husband. Princess (Renate Stuurman), also well-to-do, prepares to marry the perfect man until he isn't. The third, Zim (Nambitha Ben-Mazwi), does remarkably well financially as a yogi but is looking for love in all the wrong places. Zim is the earnest, honest one who narrates this story of her "struggles" and those of her "big sisters”. The enthralling film merges the lives of women from different walks of life to take a story that the average woman can relate to.
WHERE TO WATCH: NETFLIX
The Real Housewives of Lagos
If you have caught the bug of the latest influx of African reality series which seems to have to come to stay, you can binge-watch Africa's new reality series, The Real Housewives of Lagos (abbreviated RHOLagos).
The Nigerian reality television series premiered on the 8 April 2022, on Showmax, and it stars some of Nollywood's actresses and socialites: Carolyna Hutchings, Laura Ikeji, Chioma Ikokwu, Toyin Lawani-Adebayo, Iyabo Ojo, and Mariam Timmer. The show focuses on the luxury lives of the Lagos socialites, from shopping sprees, parties, travelling, and competition within their social circles.
WHERE TO WATCH: SHOWMAX
