West Africa

In “My Mother Is A Witch,” Nigerian Actress Efe Irele Bares It All
Film + TV

In “My Mother Is A Witch,” Nigerian Actress Efe Irele Bares It All

Set in Edo State, Nigeria, this film examines a tense mother-daughter relationship and what happens when love looks like control.

A Star-Studded Ensemble Will Play the Live Score at the Premiere of Akinola Davies Jr.’s New Film
Music

A Star-Studded Ensemble Will Play the Live Score at the Premiere of Akinola Davies Jr.’s New Film

Mercury prize winner Sampha and inventive jazz drummer Moses Boyd are in the lineup when ‘rituals: union black’ premieres at London’s Somerset House.

Seni Saraki on Co-Producing New Documentary on Wizkid
Film + TV

Seni Saraki on Co-Producing New Documentary on Wizkid

OkayAfrica speaks to the co-founder of Native Magazine and Native Records, who describes 'Wizkid: Long Live Lagos' as a celebration of the Afrobeats star and a moment to reflect on how far Nigerian music has come.

Akinola Davies Jr.’s ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Receives Special Mention at Cannes
Film + TV

Akinola Davies Jr.’s ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Receives Special Mention at Cannes

The first Nigerian film to be officially selected by the Cannes Film Festival has earned praise for its emotional depth, technical brilliance, and the acting of its main trio.

Mati Diop smiles as she lifts her Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Featured

The Mati Diop Cannes Win That Amplified African Cinema's Rich Legacy

The French Senegalese filmmaker’s historic Grand Prix win in 2019 marked a milestone in African cinema and inspired a new generation of filmmakers.

‘Iyanu’ Has Been Renewed for a Second Season
Film + TV

‘Iyanu’ Has Been Renewed for a Second Season

The show, based on a graphic novel created by Roye Okupe’s Youneek Studios, will return with ten new episodes and two feature films expanding the series’ universe.

How Inua Ellams Brought African Folklore and Poetry into the ‘Doctor Who’ Universe
Film + TV

How Inua Ellams Brought African Folklore and Poetry into the ‘Doctor Who’ Universe

A long-time fan of the time-travelling hero, the acclaimed poet and playwright brought the character to Africa with emotional depth and moxie.

With 'My Father's Shadow,' a Pair of Nigerian Brothers Is Making Cannes History
Film + TV

With 'My Father's Shadow,' a Pair of Nigerian Brothers Is Making Cannes History

Filmmakers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies will premiere their feature at the prestigious film festival this weekend, hoping to drive conversations around fatherhood and nationalism.

Join OkayAfrica at a Q&A Session with Abderrahmane Sissako
Film + TV

Join OkayAfrica at a Q&A Session with Abderrahmane Sissako

The acclaimed director's ‘Black Tea’ will be screening at this year’s New York African Film Festival in May.

How "Iyanu" Bridges Hollywood and Nollywood
Film + TV

How "Iyanu" Bridges Hollywood and Nollywood

Nigerian actors Adesua Etomi and Stella Damasus, who voice some of the characters in Iyanu, say the series is important for authentic representation.

What to Watch in West Africa This April
News

What to Watch in West Africa This April

From thrilling comedies to powerful documentaries, West African filmmakers deliver compelling narratives of courage, friendship, and redemption this month.

​Signage at the opening night of the new play "Nollywood Dreams" at The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater, New York.
Film + TV

Op-Ed: More Nigerian Filmmakers Should Make YouTube Their Main Distribution Channel

Top industry names like Kunle Afolayan and Omoni Oboli show how YouTube can give Nigerian films new life and unprecedented viewership.

A man in a black and white photo looking away from the camera.
Film + TV

The Singular Eye of Nigerian Cinematographer KC Obiajulu

Known for visual compositions that stay on the mind long after they've finished playing, Obiajulu wants to leave viewers feeling something.

A man in a suit stares into the camera from over his shoulder.
Film + TV

For Nigerian Romcoms, Timini Egbuson is Ready to Take the Reins

The actor has led several contemporary Nigerian romance classics, earning the reputation of a generational heart-throb. Now, he is ready to take the wheels.

Director/writer Souleymane Cisse speaks onstage at the Tribeca Talks Directors Series: Souleymane Cisse With Martin Scorsese during the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theater on April 29, 2011 in New York City.
News

Tributes Roll in for Pioneer of African Cinema, Souleymane Cissé

Cissé was the first African filmmaker to win the Cannes Grand Jury Prize, for his 1987 seminal masterpiece, ‘Yeleen.’

The poster for Showmax’s new romantic comedy, ‘Not My Type.’
Film + TV

10 Romantic African Films To Watch This Valentine's Weekend

Our selection includes three newly-released films, a classic Romeo-and-Juliet retelling, as well as several popular and well-received films in recent years.

A still of Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ummi Baba Ahmed in Lolo Eremie’s ‘Tarella’.
Film + TV

Lolo Eremie Traces Cinderella's African Roots in Her Directorial Debut 'Tarella’

Nigerian filmmaker Lolo Eremie explores the Egyptian origin of a beloved fairytale in her award-winning feature film now showing at cinemas nationwide.

A man in a blue jacket is seen staring directly into the camera.
Film + TV

In 'No Chains, No Masters,' A Beninese Filmmaker Centers Rebellion In Colonial Mauritius

Inspired by his own journey of rage and healing, Simon Moutaïrou honors the resistance and bravery of enslaved people under French colonial rule.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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