“Princess on a Hill”, the latest Showmax Original series, is now streaming, bringing Nigerian corporate drama into sharp focus with suspenseful storytelling and layered characters.
The series follows the rise of Zara (Onyinye Odokoro), a young executive who finds herself unexpectedly thrown into the boardroom of one of Nigeria’s most influential conglomerates. There, she must navigate the challenges of a high-powered world where ambition and ethics often collide.
Directed by Abiola Sobo and Tolu Ajayi, “Princess on a Hill” is part of a growing movement in Nollywood to explore diverse genres.
In an exclusive interview, Ajayi described the peculiarities involved in bringing corporate suspense to life. “We had a dedicated and resilient team, but building Moyosore’s business empire was a huge undertaking,” he shared.
“Creating this fictional yet realistic world required extensive set design and location sourcing. Balancing it all within our shooting schedule and budget was no small feat, but we pushed through with the team’s commitment to the project.”
The character of Moyosore Lawson, played by Bimbo Manuel, stands out as a central figure in Zara’s journey, embodying the contradictions of corporate leadership in Nigeria. Describing Lawson’s role, Ajayi explained, “Moyosore is an interesting mix of familiar African archetypes—part feudal chief, part sophisticated businessman, and part benevolent dictator. He’s both powerful and vulnerable, and we worked closely with Bimbo to capture those nuances.”
For Sobo, “Princess on a Hill” taps into a rarely explored theme in Nigerian cinema—corporate drama, blending it with the unique realities of Nigerian culture and ethics.
“Corporate drama isn’t a common theme in Nollywood, so I have to commend Showmax for greenlighting this project,” Sobo said. “Zara’s journey from an unknown figure to a major player resonates with anyone who has ever imagined breaking into high-powered spaces, only to face complex and often difficult choices.”
The series’ exploration of ethics, power, and ambition goes beyond simple suspense, aiming to provoke thoughtful discussion. “We wanted to show the challenges that come with climbing the corporate ladder—the ethical dilemmas, the personal sacrifices,” Ajayi noted. “We hope the series sparks conversations about what success truly means and what people are willing to sacrifice for it.”
As viewers watch Zara grapple with her new role and navigate relationships with powerful figures like Lawson, they’re offered a perspective on the high-stakes reality of corporate life that resonates in Nigeria and beyond.
From the intense power dynamics to the everyday moral choices, “Princess on a Hill” brings the complex world of Nigerian business to the forefront.
“Princess on a Hill” is streaming exclusively on Showmax, with new episodes arriving every Thursday.
