The Story⚡
After three decades, the Nigerian gospel series Agbara Nla, known for its portrayal of spiritual warfare and divine authority, is returning to screens through a collaboration between its original creators’ family and modern production partners.
Tell Me More
The original Agbara Nla series, translated as “Ultimate Power,” was written and directed by Evangelist Mike Bamiloye and released in 1993. Produced under Mount Zion Film Productions, which Bamiloye founded in 1985 with his wife Gloria, it focused on themes of spiritual warfare, demonic influences, and the supremacy of God’s power in the Yoruba language. The series featured dramatic depictions of evil forces being confronted by faith, drawing from biblical principles to illustrate victories over darkness. It aired as TV serials and was distributed on VHS, becoming a staple in Nigerian households and churches during an era when secular films dominated the market.
Its impact extended beyond entertainment. Bamiloye has shared that the production transformed his own life, shifting his focus toward full-time ministry. Viewers reported personal conversions, with some crediting the series for their decision to follow Christianity—even from non-Christian backgrounds. Despite financial struggles for the creators, who sometimes went hungry, marketers competed fiercely to distribute copies, highlighting their commercial and cultural reach in Nigeria’s film industry. The series revolutionized gospel filmmaking by emphasizing moral and spiritual messages, influencing subsequent Christian media in Africa.
Now, Agbara Nla: The Return picks up this legacy, co-created by Bamiloye’s sons, Damilola and Joshua Mike-Bamiloye. Damilola announced the project on social media, sharing a teaser that intercuts clips from the original with new footage of a young man encountering shadowy, supernatural elements while watching old broadcasts. Joshua echoed the announcement shortly after, building anticipation among fans. The revival maintains the core narrative of faith triumphing over evil but incorporates contemporary production values, aiming to resonate with today’s audiences facing modern spiritual challenges.
The project involves collaboration between Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films, and Circuits. Sozo Films, a Nigerian company established as a hub for TV and film production, handles aspects like documentaries, series, and feature films, bringing technical expertise to the table. Circuits, launched in December 2024 as Africa’s leading virtual cinema and transactional video-on-demand platform, will host the series for global streaming via web, mobile apps, and smart TVs. This partnership combines Mount Zion’s established spiritual storytelling with Sozo’s production capabilities and Circuits’ digital distribution, potentially expanding the series’ reach beyond Nigeria to international viewers.
In Summary
No specific release date has been set, but the series will stream exclusively on Circuits, making it accessible worldwide. Fan reactions include nostalgia from those who grew up with the original, with some requesting uploads of past episodes to YouTube for younger generations. The revival could introduce the story to new audiences, continuing its role in faith-based education and evangelism.
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