In 2022, Nollywood is making several strides that are placing it firmly in the global conversations about movies and TV shows. These strides have drawn the attention and interests of many global media giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime and others who have recently set up nests in Nigeria. The increase of streaming giants in Nigeria has resulted in more movies and shows being commissioned and has further resulted in 2022 having us blessed with an abundance of Nollywood releases already. From Netflix originals to critically acclaimed independent and smaller releases, there has been no shortage of Nollywood movies to get into this year. However, these are the five Nollywood movies and shows released this year you need to get into.
Glamour Girls
Glamour Girls 2022 is a reboot of the 1994 movie of the same name which took millennials and boomers by storm when it was released. The 19994 movie was written and produced by Nigerian filmmaker Kenneth Nnebue and directed by Chika Onukwufor. It explored the relationship between the sexes and the power of money touching on topics surrounding sexuality and prostitution. Backed by a star-studded cast, which includes Nollywood veterans such as Liz Benson, Ernest Obi, Ngozi Ezeonu, Gloria Anozie, and Pat Attah, the 1994 blockbuster was an instant classic and the 2022 version is set to follow suit.
The 2022 Glamour Girls is produced by Abimbola Craig and directed by Bunmi Adesoye featuring a star-studded cast with the likes of Nse Ikpe Etim, Sharon Ooja, Joselyn Dumas and Toke Makinwa who take us into the world of high-end escorts which is rocked by a high-profile murder and theft.
Man of God
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, Man Of God is a nearly two hours long exploration of the life of Samuel played by Akah Nani who is the first child of a pastor but over the years, deviates from the faith and eventually becomes a fake pastor. The movie explores the conflict he experiences in his heart over his disdain for the faith and his love for money which makes him go into fake ministry while posing as a man of God. Based on the prodigal son story from the Bible, Man of God promises to be an exciting if not perfect watch.
Man of God is directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters and produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters, James Amuta and Joseph Umoibom and stars Akah Nnani, Jude Chukwuka, Dorcas Shola-Fapson, Osas Ighodaro
Blood Sisters
Much like Glamour Girls, Blood Sisters is a Netflix original (considered by many to be the first Nigerian Netflix Original series) that remakes an old Nollywood classic, the 2003 Blood Sister. The 2022 version takes liberty with the story as rather than have the two named sisters be blood-related and battling over a man as it was in the original, this version has them be two best friends who murder a wealthy man on the day of his engagement and all hell breaks loose. The movie explores the events that led up to it as well as the aftermath which leaves their lives forever changed.
Directed by Biyi Bandele and Kenneth Gyang, and produced by Mo Abudu, the cast includes Ini Dima-Okojie and Nancy Isime in the lead, with Ramsey Noah, Kate Henshaw, Wale Ojo, Kehinde Bankole and Deyemi Okanlawon.
Brotherhood
Brotherhood is a crime-killer produced by Jade Osiberu. It was released to instant acclaim with special praise for Tobi Bakre’s acting performance.
Brotherhood follows twin brothers, Wale and Akin are orphaned when their parents are killed on New Year’s day on their way home from crossover church service. After years of fighting to survive on the streets of Lagos, the brothers fall on opposite sides of the law with Wale joining the police force and Akin joining a notorious gang of robbers.
Ile Owo
With stars like Efa Iwara, Immaculata Oko-Kassim, Sophie Alakija, Femi Lewis and Tina Mba, Ile Owo takes us back to the origins of the Nollywood industry; classic horror.
Helmed by Dare Olatian, Ile Owo follows the story of a man who has everything but also wants to live forever. The price however for this is steep. If you are on the lookout for a good voodoo film that takes you back to classic 90s voodoo horror, then Ile Owo is the one for you.
