The Nigerian music industry remains largely male-dominated, with men occupying most of the leading positions. On the other hand, women continue to face limiting roles despite their growing presence in the space. Evi reflects this reality with intention, while also imagining what could happen if women were given more room to lead.
Directed by Uyoyou Adia, the Afrobeats musical drama positions itself as an advocacy-driven film that calls for greater representation of women in both leadership and creative spaces within the music industry. Evi is not just interested in showcasing vocal performances. Instead, it attempts, in a rare musical form for Nollywood, to highlight the often overlooked talent of women in music, alongside the challenges they face.
The film follows Evi, a talented but abrasive music artiste played by Osas Okonyon. While there are underlying reasons for her difficult personality, her attitude gradually unravels her career. Things take a turn when her label, RCK Records, drops her over poor returns.
Forced to confront life outside stardom, Evi embarks on a difficult journey of self-discovery. Her path intersects with Kola Adeloye (Uzor Arukwe), a talent manager dealing with a gambling addiction, and Onome (Omowunmi Dada), her best friend. Despite her strained relationships and missed opportunities, her talent remains undeniable. However, to rebuild her career, she must confront her behaviour or risk losing everything, including her closest relationships.
As a music drama, Evi delivers something still uncommon in Nollywood. The music feels intentional and lived-in. It does not come across as performative but as an extension of the story itself. At the centre of this is Okonyon, who anchors the film with a performance that blends acting and music seamlessly.
Her portrayal of Evi is both convincing and grounded. With no widely recognised blockbuster roles prior, she holds the film together with a natural ease that suggests strong potential. Her performance also raises a broader point about the need for Nollywood to take more chances on emerging talent.
Arukwe’s portrayal of Kola adds another layer to the story. As a manager struggling with addiction, his character reflects the personal battles that can derail professional success. His performance balances vulnerability and frustration, making the character feel believable.
Ibrahim Suleiman, as Dayo, brings moments of relief to the film. His delivery, particularly his recurring “my muse” line, adds a lightness that contrasts with the film’s heavier themes. It is a restrained but effective performance.
Waje’s role as Maro, the CEO of Fine Tune Records, is brief but notable. In an industry where female executives are rare, her character presents a possibility, even if it is not fully explored.
However, not all characters are given equal depth. Onome, played by Dada, serves as Evi’s emotional anchor, but her character feels underdeveloped. While she is portrayed as a waitress, her lifestyle appears inconsistent with her job, which raises questions the film does not address.
Visually, Evi is polished. The production design captures the glamour and pressures of the music industry, from studio sessions to public-facing moments. The film pays attention to detail in creating a believable environment.
One of the film’s more effective scenes occurs when Evi faces a dismissive receptionist at a record label office, mirroring the behaviour she once displayed. It is a direct but effective way of illustrating consequence.
Another key moment is her emotional turning point following Onome’s outburst. This confrontation forces Evi to acknowledge her own role in her downfall. The scene works because it comes from the one person who consistently supported her, reinforcing the value of honest relationships.
At its core, Evi explores the pressures women face in a male-dominated industry. It touches on issues such as harassment, underestimation, and the expectation for women to reshape their identities to fit industry standards. The film suggests that this pressure can lead to defensive behaviours, as seen in Evi’s character.
There are many women who, like Evi, feel compelled to adopt a hardened persona to survive. In doing so, they risk losing their sense of self.
What the film does well is avoid overstating its message. Rather than overexplaining these issues, it allows them to unfold through Evi’s journey. In doing so, it points to a version of the industry where women are given space to exist and succeed without compromise.
Release Date: March 27
Runtime: 1 hour, 50 minutes.
Streaming Services: None, theatrical release
Director (s): Uyoyou Adia
Cast (s): Osas Okonyon, Uzor Arukwe, Omowunmi Dada, Waje Iruobe, Femi Branch, Emeka Golden, Ibrahim Suleiman and Tomiwa Tegbe.