Producers often serve as the steady foundation behind a film’s vision, guiding the creative and logistical decisions that shape the final work.
Among those who have built a strong reputation in Nollywood is Judith Audu an actress-turned-producer known for her collaborative work ethic and a growing filmography that includes Shanty Town, Blood Sisters, Queen Lateefah, Elesin Oba, The Party and L.I.F.E.
Her latest project, EVI, is an Afrobeats musical film produced in collaboration with Judith Audu Productions, Switch Visual Productions, and writer-director Uyoyou Adia. Audu describes the partnership as a natural blend of shared values and a mutual respect for storytelling.
“Working with Switch Visual Productions and Damilola Osikoya, alongside our writer-director Uyoyou Adia, has felt natural because we share the same values; authenticity, discipline, and a deep respect for storytelling. Everyone brings their strength to the table, and that synergy is what makes this project powerful,” she said.
Audu emphasises that representation remains central to her work, particularly stories led by women.
“Telling women-led stories like EVI is deeply important to me because representation is not just about visibility; it’s about truth. Women are achieving, leading, struggling, rebuilding, and rising every day, yet our stories are often simplified or underrepresented,” she noted.
She explains that EVI explores fame, loss, and redemption through a layered female protagonist whose experiences reflect the realities many women navigate but rarely see on screen.
Despite industry challenges, Audu describes the year as both productive and fulfilling. She facilitated producing classes at the Kunle Afolayan Productions Academy, where she and other instructors trained more than 160 students, many of whom completed their first short films. She also produced Netflix’s The Party, as well as EVI, which she considers her most demanding yet rewarding task of the year.
“It’s been a challenging year but also a fulfilling one. I love sharing knowledge. Anytime I have the opportunity to teach, I take it. Grooming the next generation of filmmakers is important,” she said.
“Producing EVI has been one of my most rewarding challenges. It was our highlight of the year, a smooth shoot with the best cast and crew.”
Audu’s shift from acting to producing stemmed from a desire to take more ownership of the storytelling process.
“Acting taught me to feel the story, but producing taught me to build the story, brick by brick. Stepping behind the camera showed me that I don’t have to wait for doors to open; I can create the doors myself,” she said.
She believes producing has made her more intentional and given her the freedom to craft the working environment she always wanted.
EVI follows a singer navigating the vibrant but demanding Afrobeats industry — a world Audu describes as emotionally and culturally rich.
“Afrobeats carries our energy, resilience, and ambition. Incorporating it into the film felt natural because the story itself is about rhyth, the rhythm of fame, loss, and finding yourself,” she explained.
Casting, she said, was among the most important phases of production.
“This story demands truth. We needed someone who not only acts but also understands hustle, ambition, vulnerability — and can sing. Authenticity was everything.”
According to Audu, actors were chosen not only for their talent but for their lived experiences and connection to music. She noted that the Afrobeats space is competitive and unpredictable, and the cast needed to ground that reality through their performances.
Music, a core part of any musical film, was treated with equal intention.
“We’re choosing songs that reflect Evi’s emotional journey, her highs, chaos, vulnerability, and her fight to rise again. The music isn’t just background; it’s part of the storytelling.”
Audu also highlights the challenges women face in creative industries, where their work is often scrutinised more harshly than their male counterparts.
“People see the glamour but not the pressure, the vulnerabilities, or the struggle to be taken seriously. Women in Afrobeats work twice as hard for half the recognition,” she said.
She adds that EVI gives audiences an honest look at the realities behind the performances and the resilience required to build a career in the industry.
One memorable moment during production, she recalls, came during the filming of the first concert sequence.
“It felt like a real concert. By the end of the day, everyone knew the lyrics and choreography. It felt like we had our first audience.”
Looking ahead, Audu hopes EVI connects with audiences beyond its musical appeal.
“EVI shows the real journeys artists go through. I want people to leave inspired, more empathetic, and with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices behind the music.”
With its blend of performance, drama, and behind-the-scenes realities, EVI aims to deliver a full Afrobeats experience.
Written and directed by Uyoyou Adia and produced by Judith Audu and Damilola Osikoya, the film has concluded principal photography and is set for a nationwide cinema release in 2026.