Twelve Nollywood Titles to Watch This January

From romantic dramas to family comedies, thrillers to culture-rich stories, the new year brings a new slate of highly anticipated Nollywood films set to captivate audiences throughout the month of January.

Last year, 2023, ended on a high note with December hits like “A Tribe Called Judah,” “Ogeere,” Ada Omo Daddy “, “Blood Vessel ” and “Malika,” sparking lofty expectations for Nollywood in the months ahead. If the January roster is anything to go by, 2024 is undoubtedly off to an electrifying start.

With television streaming services stockpiling releases and theaters hosting premiers across Nigeria, January carries an air of excitement. Among the most anticipated titles are “The Theory of Breakfast,” “Checkout,” “Unscripted: The Reunion,” and “Hook, Line and Sinkah,” each bringing their vibrant identity to the screen.

The Theory of Breakfast

This African Magic romantic drama series premiered on Jan. 1, 2024, and it interweaves multiple complex love stories focused on two best friends secretly in love on the verge of marriage. Unusual events preceding one friend’s wedding cause long-concealed feelings between the pair to unexpectedly bloom amidst a heart wrenching sequence of betrayals and newly surfaced relationships.

Xavier Igorodje, known for the thrilling “Shanty Town,” takes the lead as the head writer of the series, as it stars talents like Osarehia Oronsaye, Evaezi Nimyel, Riyo David, Yewande Noel-Osamein, Uzoamaka Onuoha, David Okpo Eyo, and Moet Abebe.

The African Magic series will continue airing on Africa Magic Showcase on Monday and Tuesday at 9 pm.

Showing on DStv Ch. 151

Checkout

This comedic drama series also debuted on the first day of 2024, and it airs every weekday at 8 pm on Africa Magic Urban. “Checkout” focuses on the happenings inside a large busy superstore called “Treatz” run by Margaret but operated day-to-day by her divorced sister. Each episode promises laughs by shedding light on quirky scenarios that arise around the customers, from shoplifters getting caught stealing odd items to patrons with insufficient funds at checkout. Guiding the humorous storylines is lead writer Fatimah Binta Gimsay, while talented stars like Ebere Nwizu, Mariam Kayode, Obi Maduegbena round out the exceptional cast.

Showing on DStv Ch. 151

Unscripted: The Reunion

This series landed on screens three days into 2024, and it promises drama by reuniting the stars of a scandalous reality television show to reveal hitherto unknown truths about secrets and behind-the-scenes controversies. Created by producer Debbie Odutayo and starring former housemates including fan-favorites like Debby Felix, Obehi Aburime, Boby Ekpe, Charles Lenny, and more, the juicy reunion special will unpack untold stories that unfolded outside the public eye during filming.

Showing on DStv Ch. 151

Hook, Line and Sinkah

This comedy series launched on Jan. 3, and it dramatizes the lives of three misogynistic half-brothers – Ugo, Sodiq and Kenny Jacobson – who, despite their father’s notorious womanizing reputation, find themselves obliged to live and work together in one of his properties to help make them more “manly” in his eyes. Their awkward cohabitation is characterized by male superiority complexes, chauvinism and, slowly, they realize those qualities equate more with fake masculinity and “toxic masculinity” instead of genuine manliness. Created for Africa Magic Showcase and starring Charles Ugochukwu Born as Ugo, Somadiya Anyama as Sodiq and Floy Digbo as Kenny Sinkah, it shows on Africa Magic Showcase every Wednesday at 8:30 pm.

Showing on DStv Ch. 151

A Weekend To Forget

This premiered on Prime Video on Jan. 5, and this movie introduces a group of seven close-knit friends anticipating a weekend getaway vacation together, only to have the trip devolve into a murder mystery when relationships unravel and betrayal brews between them. Penned by renowned screenwriter Joy Isi Bewaji and directed by Damola Ademola, this thriller stars top talents like Daniel Etim-Effiong, Ini Dima-Okojie, Stan Nze, Erica Nlewedim, Uche Montana, Neo Akpofure and Akin Lewis.

Man Friend

This chaotic drama series, which started on Jan. 5, 2024, introduces viewers to the unraveling King family as they attempt to plan the perfect 50th birthday celebration for the family matriarch. Dependent daughter Doosuur King takes point on organizing the big event, although her other sisters seem too preoccupied with their own troubles to assist. The series airs at 8:30 pm every Friday on Africa Magic Showcase.

Showing on DStv Ch. 151

Adire

Making its streaming debut on Netflix Jan. 13, this intense drama follows a young woman (Kehinde Bankole) as she attempts to rebuild her life after escaping a traumatic past which returns to disrupt her newfound stability. Directed by Adeoluwa Owu and co-starring gifted performers like Femi Branch, Ibrahim Chatta, Yemi Blaq and more, this film created by Jack’Kenneth Opukeme promises to explore timeless cultural themes against the backdrop of Nollywood excellence.

Merry Men 3: Nemesis

This threequel in the popular Merry Men franchise lands on Netflix Jan. 18, depicting dashing heroes AY, Ramsey Nouah, and partners as they confront an ominous villain from their past named Dafe who returns seeking revenge after being double-crossed years prior. With director Moses Inwang returning to helm this action-packed blockbuster, fans can expect drama and set pieces to match previous Merry Men outings. Nollywood icons like Nadia Buari, Segun Arinze, Jide Kosoko are co-starring in this movie.

Mr. Patrick Wahala in America

Slated for theatrical release on Jan. 19, this comedy film stars popular real-life comedian Mr. Patrick of Instagram fame as he depicts comical misadventures and fish-out-of-water scenarios after traveling to the United States. Co-starring veteran talents like Uche Jombo and Ayo Makun, the movie promises laughter as Patrick’s wit collides with American culture and customs.

Dinner

Arriving on Netflix Jan. 24, this drama zooms in on two longtime friends, portrayed by Deyemi Okanlawon and Mike Okafor, who reunite along with their romantic partners for a weekend together. However, secrets, betrayals, and other relationship turmoil that come to the surface punctuate the jolliness of the weekend. Directed by Jay Franklyn Jituboh and co-starring Kehinde Bankole, Richard Mofe Damijo, and Ireti Doyle, the 2016 film provides a voyeuristic glimpse into romantic conflict and bonds of friendship strained by layered tensions.

Meeting Funmi’s Parents

The romantic drama stars Omowunmi Dada as a woman who returns to Nigeria with her American fiancé, only to meet disapproval from her traditional parents. Charming ex-boyfriend Timini Egbuson swoops in amidst escalating family tensions. Written and directed by Kevin Apaa, the film also features Tina Mba and Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett. It will be released on Jan. 26, 2024.

Kesari

The 2023 Yoruba action film will start streaming on Netflix on Jan. 28, 2024, after an initial 11-week theatrical run at the cinemas last year. Produced and directed by Ibrahim “Itele” Yekini, it follows a charmed robber who meets his match against a determined police officer. Stars like Mr. Macaroni, Femi Adebayo Salami and Odunlade Adekola lead the film that debuted on the big screen on Aug. 25, 2023.