The Story ⚡
Shola Thompson is set to spice up the Nollywood scene with his latest project, as he officially unveils the title of his second feature debut on the big screen “Peppersoup”
Tell Me More
Currently, in an advanced pre-production stage, this title is teased to be a romantic comedy that follows a young man who grapples with the emotional weight of his mother’s passing while navigating the challenges of revitalizing a family business in a tough economic climate.
On inheriting his late mother’s restaurant and, to honour her memory, he reimagines it as a five-star, one-of-a-kind pepper soup haven. What unfolds is a tale of love, resilience, and the spice of neo-African identity.
At its core, Pepper Soup is about more than just a culinary glow-up. Thompson, who developed the story in a year and a half, sees this film as a timely celebration of industriousness and integrity—values he believes are fading in today’s world.
Think missed connections over steaming bowls of goat meat pepper soup, witty banter amid kitchen chaos, and a romance that mirrors the push-and-pull of building something meaningful against all odds. But Thompson insists the social commentary—touching on neo-Africanism, human nature, and social consciousness—won’t overpower the laughs. “It’s subtle, not preachy,” he says. “The humor and heart carry the message.”
With pre-production well underway, Thompson and his team are fine-tuning the script and scouting locations to bring this peppery vision to life. The February 2026 release aligns with Valentine’s season, a nod to the film’s romantic core, while also tapping into the growing global appetite for African stories that blend entertainment with cultural resonance.
Peppersoup is produced under Cineflix and executive-produced by Lanre Awolokun
Tangent
Before turning to filmmaking, Shola Thompson made his mark in Nigeria’s media landscape as a broadcaster and film enthusiast. From 2007 to 2010, he served as Talent Manager for MTV Base Africa, critiquing music videos for broadcast, and later became a staple on Smooth 98.1FM, reviewing Nollywood hits like Living in Bondage and The Set Up. He’s also a regular on Silverbird Television’s Spoiler Alert segment and hosts the YouTube series Beardface Film Show, offering sharp takes on cinema. It was this critical eye that fueled his transition into filmmaking, culminating in his 2024 debut, Last Call.
Released in February 2024, Last Call marked Thompson’s entry into Nollywood’s directorial landscape. The psychological thriller, starring Zainab Balogun as a tormented radio presenter unravelling her dark past live on air, likely drew from Thompson’s own experiences or imagination as a radio host.
The film’s release—bolstered by a strong cast, including Obi Maduegbuna—reflected Thompson’s reputation as a filmmaker with a knack for blending personal narratives with universal appeal. Now, with Pepper Soup, he’s trading suspense for spice, proving his versatility across genres.
In Summary
PepperSoup is getting ready to hit theatres in February 2026, bringing Shola Thompson’s romantic comedy to life. The lead role remains uncast, but anticipation is building for this heartfelt tale of legacy and love.
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