It’s six months into 2024 and some of the biggest movie offerings have already come from Yoruba Nollywood. If you’ve not been paying attention, we’ve taken the trouble of compiling some of the best Yoruba movies of 2024 that should be on the top of your binge list.
Let’s go.
“Crossroads”
If you love romantic tropes, this film produced by actress Aisha Lawal deserves your time. Released in May 2024, the movie follows Eniola, a university student in the 1990s who gets entangled with a cultist, Oyekan. Eniola eventually falls in love with Oyekan and chooses him over a responsible graduate who loves her.
Aisha Lawal, Lateef Adedimeji, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bimbo Manuel, and Femi Adebayo feature in this movie. Stream it on Prime Video.
“Lakatabu”
Actor Odunlade Adekola returns to the big screen with this Nollywood movie, Lakatabu. If you loved the actor’s 2023 film Orisa, you should definitely give this some screen time.
Lakataabu explores themes of power, corruption, and enmity. The film follows the story of a powerful human who transforms into a fearless warrior, causing panic and chaos in communities. The movie stars Lateef Adedimeji, Ninolowo Bolanle, Femi Adebayo, Adunni Ade, and Bro Shaggi, among others. It’s currently showing in cinemas.
“Funmilayo Ransome Kuti”
This widely anticipated biopic, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, follows the life of Nigerian educator and political activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. The film, which features a mix of Yoruba and English, highlights Funmilayo’s role in the lesser-known women’s revolt of 1947.
As leader of the Abeokuta Women’s Union, Funmilayo led the Ẹ̀gbá women to protest high taxes and gender marginalisation, eventually leading to the abdication of the Aláké of Ẹ̀gbá Land. Kehinde Bankole stars as Funmilayo, with support from veterans Joke Silva, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, and Adebayo Salami. Stream it on Prime Video.
“Akiyesi”
For some YouTube action, Akiyesi is a must-watch. Released in May 2024, this movie follows a greedy woman who steals a spiritual chain from her friend’s only child. This act of betrayal results in the child’s death, and the woman soon faces devastating consequences. Akiyesi stars Mide Martins, Ronke Odusanya, among others. Stream it on YouTube.
“Ajoshe”
Released in May 2024, Ajoshe tells the story of a woman who reconnects with an old friend and meets a priest who helps her overcome her financial woes. Her success is mysteriously linked to her cousin, with a warning that the cousin must never leave her side. Things get complicated when she discovers an affair between her husband and cousin.
Ajoshe stars Adebayo Salami, Femi Adebayo, Dayo Amusa, and Muyiwa Ademola. It’s available to stream on YouTube.
“Desire”
AMVCA-nominated actor Adeboye Karamot takes the producer’s chair for Desire, released in July 2024. The movie follows a passionate corps member who mentors an academically gifted student for a scholarship against his mother’s wishes. The corps member then discovers that the student’s mother is her fiancé’s mum, forcing her to choose between family loyalties and her commitment to education.
Co-directed by Adebayo Tijani, Desire stars Fausat Balogun, Jide Awobona, and Damilola Oni. Stream it on YouTube.
“Ajakaju” (Beast of Two Worlds)
Actress Eniola Ajao makes her cinema debut in this Yoruba epic you’ll love if you enjoyed Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun and Odunlade Adekola’s Orisa.
Ajakaju follows the story of a king whose reign is threatened due to his three queens’ struggle to give him an heir. When all three wives fall pregnant again, they all bore girls. In his desperation, King Towobola marries a woman from a strange village who grants his desire, but not without consequences.
Eniola Ajao takes on the titular character and stars alongside Odunlade Adekola, Fathia Williams, and Mercy Aigbe, among others. It was released in March 2024 and is available to stream on Prime Video.
“Alagbede”
Veteran Nollywood actress, Jaiye Kuti, also makes her first big screen debut in this movie which has been likened to Mainframe’s Oleku for its cinematography and costumes.
Alagbede is the story of a poor blacksmith who falls in love with a woman from a humble background. His soon-to-be mother-in-law makes it clear she’d only support their union if he levels up, leading the blacksmith to resort to money rituals. Unfortunately, his newfound wealth comes with several complications.
Released in April 2024, the movie features Femi Adebayo, Bimbo Oshin, Jaiye Kuti, and Gabriel Afolayan, among others.
It’s currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria.
“Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre” (Series)
Director Kunle Afolayan kicked off 2024 with the four-part series of his hugely successful 2022 Netflix Original film, Anikulapo.
In Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre, Saro is given a second chance at life but he’s confronted with a daunting debt owed to the afterlife. He’s tasked to return to Earth and undo the resurrection of the 20 souls he had once brought back to life.
Meanwhile, the Oyo kingdom suffers a series of calamities due to the Akala’s curse, with the oracle prescribing Arolake’s return as the only solution.
The series debuted on Netflix in March 2024. Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Sola Sobowale are joined by new cast members like Owobo Ogunde, Layi Wasabi, and Lateef Adedimeji, among others. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“Ajosepo”
After an amazing Netflix run with Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, ace director Kayode Kasum makes his first cinema run of the year with this mixed-language family comedy.
The film features a stellar ensemble and follows the lives of Dapo and Tani, a young couple preparing for their wedding with their families in a luxurious hotel. However, the festivities soon lead to a series of chaotic events.
Released in April 2024, Ajosepo stars Yemi Solade, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Bisola Aiyeola, and Timini Egbuson, among others. It’s currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria.
“Agba Cooker”
If you’re in the mood for some Yoruba hardcore action, you should look into this Afeez Owo-directed movie.
In Agba Picker, a notorious gang of criminals wreak chaos on an entire city with the help of a fortified fraudster. The group soon encounters some rivalry and has to battle for their place in the criminal underworld.
The movie stars Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Malaika, and Dayo Amusa, among others.
It was released in April 2024 and is currently available to stream on YouTube.
“Ajaku Akata”
Jagun Jagun director, Adebayo Tijani, once again returns to the director’s chair in this action-packed movie.
A woman is forced to struggle for survival after a greedy relative wiped out her family members in a day. She seemingly finds comfort in the hands of another relative until she realises that things aren’t as they seem.
Ajaku Akata stars Bimbo Oshin, Ronke Odusanya, Wunmi Toriola, among others. It was released in March 2024 and is available to stream on YouTube.
“Igi Owo”
If you’re a sucker for Yoruba drama, Igi Owo should be on your radar.
A husband and wife and their child enjoy their modest lives until things go awry and they’re pushed to seek financial freedom. When help finally comes their way, it changes the dynamics of the family, with the husband doing all he can to win back his loved ones.
Released in April 2024, Igi Owo stars Odunlade Adekola, Antar Laniyan, and Rotimi Salami, among others.
It’s available to stream on YouTube.
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