The Story⚡
At a time when global streaming giants are pulling back on Nollywood originals, a bold new platform is stepping up to give Nigerian stories the spotlight they deserve.
Tell Me More
In a landmark move for African entertainment, Nollywood heavyweights Inkblot Studios and Filmhouse Group have joined forces to launch KAVA, the dedicated global streaming platform exclusively for Nollywood and African content. Set to launch in August 2025, KAVA promises to redefine how African stories are told, shared, and celebrated across the globe.
Nollywood, the second-largest film industry in the world by volume, has long been underrepresented on major streaming platforms despite an increasing demand for authentic African narratives, especially among diaspora audiences. KAVA is here to change that narrative.
“KAVA is where cutting-edge technology meets cultural storytelling,” said Chinaza Onuzo, co-CEO of KAVA and head of Inkblot Studios. “We’ve built a world-class digital platform tailored to showcase the richness of Nollywood. For creators, it’s a new economy. One that truly champions and reflects who we are – as Africans, as artists, and as a people with stories that matter.”
KAVA will launch with over 30 premium Nollywood titles, featuring creators across Nigeria and the African diaspora. Titles will include Alakada Bad and Boujee, Owambe Thieves starring Zubby Michael, Odunlade Adekola, and Sola Sobowale; What About Us featuring Kunle Remi and Uzor Arukwe; and House Job starring Erica Nlewedim. The platform will add new content weekly, ensuring a consistent stream of fresh, cinema-quality entertainment for viewers globally.
KAVA is powered by two of the industry’s strongest forces. Inkblot Studios, one of Nigeria’s leading studios, was the first to secure landmark streaming deals with Amazon Prime and Netflix in Africa. Filmhouse Group operates West Africa’s largest cinema chain (Filmhouse Cinemas), alongside its distribution arm (FilmOne Entertainment) and production powerhouse (FilmOne Studios). Together, their combined expertise in production, distribution, and cinema exhibition creates a strong foundation for KAVA’s ambitious vision.
“This is more than a platform. It’s an ecosystem for African content, focusing on underserved global demand,” said Kene Okwuosa, co-CEO of KAVA and Filmhouse Group chief. “KAVA exists to serve audiences and also represents both a cultural leap and a commercial opportunity. We’re not just streaming films – we’re building the digital infrastructure for the future of African cinema. We want our audiences to feel the joy of seeing their language, their humour, their struggles, and their triumphs on screen. To feel seen, and like they’re part of something bigger.”
KAVA will be available via subscription globally on mobile devices, tablets, and Smart TVs. Beyond films, the platform plans to expand into AVOD (advertising-based video on demand), exclusive original content, and series after its launch, creating a holistic streaming hub for African entertainment.
The KAVA team is led by an experienced administration that includes Chinaza Onuzo (CEO), Kene Okwuosa (CEO), Zulumoke Oyibo (Head of Content and Development), Mojisola Oladapo (Head of PR), Damola Ademola (Head of Product), and Ladun Awobokun (Head of Content Acquisition).
“KAVA will be the ultimate platform for nurturing and elevating the next generation of Nollywood talent,” Onuzo added. “We’re creating a legitimate space where emerging and established filmmakers, actors, and creators can showcase their work, thrive on a fair and transparent platform, and gain the global recognition they deserve.”
The launch of KAVA marks a significant milestone in the journey of Nollywood’s global expansion. It provides a dedicated, authentic space where African stories can be preserved, celebrated, and monetised effectively, bridging the long-standing gap between African creators and international audiences.
As the world anticipates KAVA’s arrival this August, one thing is certain: the future of Nollywood storytelling has found a new home, and it is ready to take its rightful place on the global stage.
Key Background
Founded in 2012, Filmhouse Group has redefined the African entertainment landscape over the past decade. Its exhibition arm, Filmhouse Cinemas, is West Africa’s largest cinema chain, introducing premium viewing technologies such as IMAX, MX4D, and D-Box across key cities in Nigeria. This has elevated the cinema-going experience for millions of Nigerians, setting new standards for film exhibition in the region.
Through its distribution arm, FilmOne Entertainment, the Group holds exclusive theatrical distribution rights with major Hollywood studios and global streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon, and Showmax. It is also the official West African distributor for top-tier studios such as Disney, Sony, Warner Bros., Empire, and Angel Studios.
With a commanding 73% share of the theatrical market in Anglophone West Africa, FilmOne Entertainment is the largest distributor of Nigerian films, playing a pivotal role in bringing Nollywood stories to both local and international screens.
The Group’s production arm, FilmOne Studios, is behind some of the region’s most successful box office titles, continuously pushing boundaries in storytelling, production quality, and cross-market appeal, solidifying its place at the forefront of African cinema.
Similarly, founded in 2010 in Lagos, Nigeria, Inkblot Productions has become a pivotal force within the Nigerian film industry. Known for its high-quality and commercially successful films and television shows, Inkblot consistently delivers content that resonates deeply with both Nigerian and global audiences.
Beyond its impressive box office achievements, Inkblot has significantly elevated Nollywood’s production standards and storytelling quality. Its influence extends internationally, with strategic partnerships including a landmark deal with a major global streaming platform, positioning Inkblot as a key player in showcasing African entertainment to the world.
Together, Filmhouse Group and Inkblot Productions bring unmatched expertise in exhibition, distribution, and production to KAVA, creating a platform that is set to transform the future of Nollywood storytelling and expand its global reach.
In Summary
The launch of KAVA could not have come at a better time. As the global streaming platform dedicated solely to Nollywood, KAVA is set to spotlight authentic African stories and provide a much-needed home for Nigerian content, ensuring that Nollywood continues to thrive, reach new audiences, and tell its stories on its own terms.
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