The Story⚡
Thanks to the first-ever Netflix engagement data, 2023 Nollywood titles released on Netflix from January through June can be ranked based on their hours watched.
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Global streaming service Netflix is going to start publishing titles data report twice a year that details the most popular shows and movies in its library
The first report, published December 12, details the most-watched content from January to June 2023, and it’s perhaps the first in-depth look yet at how many subscribers are actually watching Netflix’s enormous library of titles including local titles
Having scrubbed through the data, here are some insights that apply to the Nigerian content business and a look at how each 2023 title performed.
Top 10: Passport
A set of men from vastly different backgrounds recruit a street-smart sidekick to help recover a stolen passport in time to catch an important flight.
Passport was directed by Dimeji Ajibola and produced by Vincent Okonkwo, with a captivating cast such as Zubby Michael, Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke, Emeka Nwagbaraoch, Lina Idoko, Jide Kosoko, Caroline Igben, Lateef Adedimeji, Emem Ufot and Stephen Damian.
Passport made a total streaming hours of 1.8 million in 2023.
Top 9: Strangers
Strangers is a Nollywood drama film, directed by Biodun Stephen and produced by Banji Adesanmi.
The feature is a story of a boy who developed a mysterious disease in a remote village with no one to help until a source of help came to change his life.
The cast includes Adedimeji Lateef, Bolaji Ogunmola, Debby Felix, Bimbo Oshin, Femi Adebayo, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Akintola, Peter Fatomiloba, Bose Akinola, Taiwo Ibikunle and Ndamo Damarise.
Strangers made a total of 1.8 million hours streamed so far.
Top 8: Ijakumo
Ijakumo is a suspense thriller film, produced by Toyin Abraham and directed by the Nollywood duo Adebayo Tijani and Steve Sodiya.
Ijakumo is an all-star ensemble, starring Toyin Abraham, Lolade Okusanye, Kunle Remi, Olumide Oworu, Debbie Shokoya, Bimbo Akintola and Lilian Afegbai amongst others.
A wealthy and flamboyant pastor discovers that his new favorite stripper is his church’s worship leader, he begins an affair with her which will lead to an insurmountable crisis later.
Ijakumo was first released to the box office in December 2022 and then released on Netflix on 23rd June 2023.
Top 7: The Wildflower
The Wildflower tells the story of three women who live in the same compound and experience different kinds of assault from men around them. Only of these three women, 24-year-old Rolake Dabiri is courageous enough to speak up and revolt against these men.
The Wildflower is directed by Biodun Stephen and produced by Vincent Okonkwo with the incredible cast which includes Toyin Abraham, Zubby Michael, Damilare Kuku, Angel Unigwe, Nosa Rex, Etinosa Idemudia, Sandra Okunzuwa, Deyemi Okanlawon, Jide Kosoko, Eso Dike and Kachi Nnochiri.
The Wildflower made a total of 2.1 million streaming hours in 2023.
Top 6: A Simple Lie
Directed by Biodun Stephen, A Simple Lie is a story of a woman whose lie to her ex got out of control, exposing secrets within a group of untruthful friends who are cheating with each other’s spouses.
Starring Bolaji Ogunmola, Bukunmi Adeaga, Bisola Aiyeola, Kanchi Nnochiri, Blessing Obasi, Emmanuel Ikubese and Daniel Abua.
Produced in 2021 but released on Netflix on 25th March 2022, A Simple Lie has a total of 2.1 million streaming hours
Top 5: The Plan
The Plan is a Nollywood television series with a total of five episodes, all released on Netflix on 3rd February 2023.
The Plan Starring Ali Nuhu, Rosaline Meurer, Rahama Sadau, Yakubu Muhammed, Mofe Duncan, Paul Sambo, Dimbo Atiya, Victor Decker and Jide Attah.
A young widow asked her two best friends to hide her late husband’s stolen cache of gold from the authorities. The drama continues as the truth unfolds.
The Plan has a total watch time of 2.2 million hours.
Top 4: Before Valentine
Before Valentine directed by Michelle Bello is a story of four hairdressers in a Lagos salon who face wild relationships and family dramas while preparing for the most romantic day of the year, Valentine.
Starring Uche Nwaefuna, Venita Akpofure, Bolaji Ogunmola, Shaffy Bello, Ben Touitou, Yvonne Jegede, Inem King, Bolanle Ninalowo, Elozonam, Shawn Faqua and Clinton Chekwube,
Before Valentine was released to Netflix on 11th February 2022 with a total of 3.2 million streaming hours so far.
Top 3: Here Love Lies
Here Love Lies is the story of a single parent and travel blogger, Amanda on her journey in search of love. Amanda travels to New York City to be with her social media suitor, where she almost lost her life.
Directed by Tope Oshin, Here Love Lies stars amazing actors like Daniel Etim Effiong. Moyo Lawal, Tim Shelburne, Sam Dede, Tope Oshin, Angel Unigwe and Tina Mba.
Here Love Lies has a total watch time of 3,6 million hours.
Top 2: A Sunday Affair
An EbonyLife romantic film, A Sunday Affair, takes over as the second most performing title on Netflix in 2023 with a total watch time of 9.5 million hours.
Two Best friends, Uche and Toyin, find themselves in a complicated situation as they fall in love with the same man. Drama sets in as truth begins to unravel. Then they face the test of friendship loyalty.
Dakore Akande stars in the film alongside Nse Ikpe-Etim, Oris Erhuero, Eku Edewor, Alexx Ekubo, Hilda Dokubo, Pamilerin Ayodeji and Uzor Osimkpa.
A Sunday Affair was directed by Walter Banga and released to Netflix on 14th Feb 2023.
Top 1: Shanty Town
Directed by Dimeji Ajibola, Shanty Town is a Nigerian crime thriller TV series which tells the story of a group of courtesans who attempt to escape the grasp of the notorious Kingpin, Scar, who’s an affiliate of political corruption and blood ties.
Shanty Town was written by Xavier Ighorodje and produced by Chinenye Chichi Nworah with Nollywood faves such as Chid Mokeme, Nancy Isine, Alihu Nuhu, Richard Mofe Damijo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Ini Edo, Mr P and Mercy Eke.
Shanty Town was released on Netflix on 20th January with a total of 27.3 million hours views so far.
In Summary
More insights and comparisons are expected to be unlocked upon the publishing of the second data report coming sometime in January 2024 but for now, general performance is extremely below average
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