Imagine the ultimate Nollywood spectacle: a grand stage, perfectly choreographed, showcasing the most anticipated titles of 2025/2026, with A-list cast reveals that leave fans gagging.
And to top it off, a halftime show, just like the Super Bowl happening this week, featuring a music superstar. Alas, this remains a fantasy… for now.
The reality is that Nollywood’s biggest night out is the AMVCA, which, according to insiders, comes with a whopping price tag of over ₦1 billion. Yep, you read that right!
Welcome to the super-late fifth edition of Nollywood Watch Weekly. Better late than never, right?
Top Story: Timini Egbuson v Captain America
The February 2025 box office face-off between “Reel Love” starring Timini Egbuson and “Captain America: Brave New World” is expected to be intense and has me excited.
Timini Egbuson has established himself as a powerful male box office draw over the past three years, consistently delivering hits that resonate with his massive following. His on-screen persona, which effortlessly switches between the “bad boy” and the “next-door boyfriend,” has endeared him to a broad audience, particularly among young women.
In Nigeria, Timini’s fan base cuts across the important demographic of 25-40-year-old working-class females who are internet-savvy and active on social media. This demographic is influential in shaping box office outcomes, as they are likely to drive ticket sales through word-of-mouth recommendations and online engagement.
With his strong online presence and relatable on-screen characters, Timini has built a loyal fan base that will likely turn out in large numbers to support “Reel Love.” While “Captain America: Brave New World” is expected to perform well globally, Timini’s star power and local appeal might just give “Reel Love” an edge in the Nigerian market.
The shock team will be tracking numbers week-on-week analysis, be sure to be on the lookout for analysis.
5 Major Business Headlines To Know
These are major news and business headlines for the week.
Ada Omo Daddy is the First Netflix 2025 Release Licensed Title
Mercy Aigbe’s Ada Omo Daddy, which hit theatres in December 2023, has been licensed by Netflix, marking the streaming giant’s first Nigerian title debut of 2025. Notably, this is a slower start compared to previous years, indicating a shift in Netflix’s licensing strategy. The platform has seemingly slowed down its licensing deals, making Ada Omo Daddy’s selection as the first Naija debut of 2025 a significant indicator of this trend.
The delayed start to Netflix’s Nigerian licensing deals in 2025 has sparked uncertainty among industry observers. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix’s approach to licensing Nigerian content may be adapting to changing market conditions. Cinemax distributes Ada Omo Daddy and will start streaming locally on Netflix from February 21st and for audiences outside Nigeria on circuit TV.
From Big Brother Naija To Bendel Girl: Gbenga Kayode Goes Scripted
Gbenga Kayode, the masterful director behind Big Brother Naija, is shaking up the Nigerian entertainment industry with his debut scripted series, “Bendel Girl”. This bold move marks Kayode’s entry into the world of scripted content, where he’ll leverage his expertise in crafting gripping narratives and directing high-pressure productions.
“Bendel Girl” boasts an impressive cast, including Saskay Jonah, Tope Tedela, Timi Agbaje, and Amanda Iriekpen. With Kayode at the helm as writer and director, alongside producers Bukola Oloyede and Kayode, expectations are sky-high. Although a release date remains under wraps, the first-look teaser has generated significant buzz, hinting at a unique viewing experience.
The distribution strategy for “Bendel Girl” remains a topic of interest. Will Kayode opt for a traditional broadcast route via Africa Magic, or explore digital platforms like YouTube or Netflix? The choice will not only impact the show’s reach but also reflect the shifting dynamics of Nigeria’s high-end television market.
Canal+ Edgy Plans To Restructure Multichoice and Beat Regulations
To navigate South Africa’s broadcast and ownership regulations, Canal+ has proposed a “post-transaction structure” for MultiChoice. The plan involves carving out MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting license, overseen by Icasa, and its DStv subscribers into a new entity called Licence Co.
What this means is that MultiChoice Group will no longer be a broadcaster, but rather a supplier of video content. Licence Co. will exist to benefit MultiChoice Group, even though it’s technically an independent company. This new company will hold the broadcasting license for DStv and manage DStv subscribers in South Africa. LicenceCo will be majority-owned by historically disadvantaged persons, including Phuthuma Nathi, Identity Partners Itai Consortium, Afrifund Consortium, and a Workers’ Trust. MultiChoice Group will retain a 49% economic interest and 20% voting rights in LicenceCo.
MultiChoice Group, owned by French investors, will now be responsible for paying for and controlling South African TV news channels like SABC News, eNCA, and Newzroom Africa on DStv. This means a French private company has significant influence over South African TV news, as well as news in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Kunle Afolayan To Premiere “The CEO” on Youtube
After seven years, Kunle Afolayan’s 2016 film, “The CEO”, is now available on YouTube. The film, which explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption, has had a long distribution journey. Following its initial cinematic release in 2016, “The CEO” travelled to African film festivals, and later became available on DVD. It was then licensed by Netflix for streaming, In 2024, the rights expired and Now, Kunle plans to debut the feature on YouTube for its final shelf life monetization, making it accessible to a wider audience.
“The CEO” features a cast including Kemi Lala Akindoju, Hilda Dokubo, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Wale Ojo, Peter Edochie, and Angelique Kidjo.
Nativeworks’ First Features Slate: 8 Films Released, ‘Lost Days’ Up Next”
Nativeworks’ ambitious slate of first feature films has been rolling out on Prime Video, with eight films already released. This initiative aims to support emerging filmmakers and bring fresh perspectives to the screen.
“Lost Days”, is now in production, marking the near end of this exciting initiative by Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri. With its focus on nurturing new talent, Nativeworks’ First Features Slate has been a significant undertaking, and audiences are eagerly awaiting the final film.
“Lost Days” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Ifeoma Fafunwa making her acting debut as Chisom. A celebrated Nigerian theatre director, Fafunwa is best known for her groundbreaking stage play HEAR WORD!, which has gained international acclaim for advocating gender equality. Veteran actor Bimbo Manuel joins her, playing Babakola, while Baaj Adebule, Cynthia Clarke, and Durotimi Adebule round out the cast. Notably, “The Lost Days” marks the directorial debut of Wingonia Ikpi.
By The Numbers:
Beyond the Box Office: Nollywood’s Valentine’s Day YouTube Takeover.
As the film industry focuses on the big-screen premieres of February 2025, a quieter revolution is taking place on YouTube, where Nollywood creators are unleashing a flurry of Valentine’s Day-themed content.
With over a dozen releases already counted and more on the way, it’s clear that Nollywood’s digital footprint is growing exponentially – and begging for a dedicated spotlight.
Marketing ad of the Week:
Nollywood star Toyin Abraham recently took to Instagram to share exciting news about her 2023 box office hit “Malaika”. The film, which grossed an impressive over ₦300 million at the box office, is headed to Circuits TV, the latest streaming platform in Nollywood.
The announcement, which you watch here, made in a unique and engaging style, has generated buzz among fans. Mark your calendars, as “Malaika” is set to arrive on Circuits TV on February 21st.
Under the Radar:
Showmax has launched the trailer for its new original “Between Worlds” – A 10 part Yoruba fantasy epic.
Between Worlds is created and executive produced by Emmanuel Uduma, who executive produced two Nigerian seasons of MTV Shuga, and was at the helm of Showmax’s first Nigerian Original movie School Run.
Directed by Edward Uka, Tyrone Terrence and Sola Roberts, with Terrence also serving as head writer, Between Worlds stars Soibifaa Dokubo, Ropo Ewenla, Ifu Ennada, Olujide Sunday, Emmanuel Degiri, Laolu Loto, Taiwo Ola and Oreofe Oguntola.
What I am watching: Roses and Ivy
Africa in Focus:
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, will launch the Nigeria screening at the Cannes Film Festival through Nigeria’s cultural and tourism promotion brand, Nigeria Everywhere.
Screen Nigeria will launch at Marche du Film/Cannes International Film Festival, Cannes, the platform is being proposed to have a presence at – Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, African International Film Festival, Lagos, Zuma International Film Festival, Abuja and the Red Sea Film Festival, Jeddah
Business Trade Press:
Brazil’s Booming True Crime Market: Diosual and Medialand Partner to Capitalize on Demand
Medialand Production has secured a strategic partnership with Diosual Entertainment to co-produce multiple true crime documentary series and feature films. This collaboration will enable Medialand to expand the reach of its investigative documentary series, which have gained significant traction in Brazil’s booming true crime market.
The partnership will also see Diosual Distribution shopping Medialand’s content on national and international markets. With Medialand’s existing digital footprint, including 1.79 million subscribers across its Operação Policial and Investigação Criminal YouTube channels, this collaboration is poised to amplify the impact of Medialand’s content on audiences worldwide.
Next Week Anticipation:
Nile Entertainment to unveil a slate of 2025 Nollywood titles.
Thanks for reading
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