Prominent media personality Chude Jideonwo has sparked a conversation by claiming that Yoruba filmmakers dominate Nigeria’s movie industry, particularly on global streaming platforms. In a reflective Instagram post, Jideonwo highlighted how Yoruba filmmakers have significantly shaped the country’s cinematic narrative, achieving widespread success.
He noted that notable figures such as Toyin Abraham, Kemi Adetiba, Funke Akindele, Mo Abudu, Kunle Afolayan, and Femi Adebayo are among the top Yoruba filmmakers whose works have made an impact, particularly on international platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Jideonwo pointed out that while Yoruba filmmakers have reached global audiences, films in Hausa or Igbo languages have struggled to achieve the same level of recognition.
Jideonwo emphasized that Yoruba filmmakers like Jade Osiberu, Kayode Kasum, Mercy Aigbe, and Bolanle Austin-Peters have become major forces behind mainstream Nigerian films on streaming platforms, leaving their mark on the international stage. While Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart was an exception, he argues that it remains the only Igbo-language film to break through, while Yoruba filmmakers continue to produce cultural hits.
“The biggest filmmakers in Nigeria now are all Yoruba filmmakers,” Jideonwo explained. He added that the Yoruba filming culture has blended seamlessly into Nigeria’s leading film industry, making Yoruba filmmakers the driving force behind both cinema and streaming hits.
He concluded by questioning whether there are any Hausa or Igbo-language films on platforms like Netflix or Amazon, apart from the brief success of Lionheart, further cementing the dominance of Yoruba filmmakers in representing Nigerian cinema to the world.
Tags: Yoruba filmmakers, Nigerian cinema, Nollywood on Netflix, Yoruba movies, Nigerian filmmakers, Amazon Prime Nigeria, Chude Jideonwo, global streaming
Judith Iyoh writes fashion, lifestyle and real estate investment.
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