As the holiday season approaches, the excitement only intensifies, with a fresh crop of exciting movies set to hit cinemas and streaming platforms.
By Joseph Jonathan
2024 has been a mixed bag for African cinema. While most releases have been underwhelming, there have been titles like The Battle for Laikipia, Dahomey, Everybody Loves Touda, Freedom Way, With Difficulty Comes Ease, and The Weekend that have earned critical acclaim from around the world.
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement only intensifies, with a fresh crop of exciting movies set to hit cinemas and streaming platforms. From hilarious comedies to heart-pounding thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this year’s holiday lineup promises something for everyone.
Here are some African films you won’t want to miss this holiday season.
Everybody Loves Jenifa
Funke Akindele returns in the latest instalment of the much-loved Jenifa series! This new chapter follows Jenifa as she navigates the highs and lows of fame, love, and self-discovery.
Directed by the dynamic duo of Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, and produced by Funke Akindele herself, the film features an impressive cast, including Funke Akindele, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Falz, and more.
Everybody Loves Jenifa is set to premiere in cinemas on 13 December.
Seven Doors
Femi Adebayo, a seasoned figure in the Nigerian film industry and producer of the acclaimed Netflix film, Jagun Jagun (2023), makes his directorial debut with Seven Doors. This Netflix limited series, set in pre-colonial Yorubaland, delves into themes of culture, love, and betrayal.
The story centres on a Yoruba king and his Igbo queen, whose harmonious union is upended when a Hausa investor introduces a scheme that jeopardises the kingdom’s traditions and stability.
Featuring an all-star cast that includes Adebayo, Chioma Akpotha, Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Muyiwa Ademola, Gabriel Afolayan, Ronke Oshodi, and Aisha Lawal, Seven Doors is set to premiere on Netflix on 13 December 2024.
Disaster Holiday
No holiday movie list is complete without a holiday-themed comedy, and this year’s must-watch is no exception! What better way to bring the laughs than with a South African comedy?
Directed by Rethabile Ramaphakela, Disaster Holiday follows the story of a workaholic dad who, in an attempt to win over his kids, heads to Durban for a big work meeting under the guise of a family road trip.
Disaster Holiday premieres on Netflix on 13 December.
Thin Line
Following the success of Ada Omo Daddy (2023), Mercy Aigbe returns to the big screen with Thin Line, a gripping drama that explores betrayal, love, and the delicate boundary between forgiveness and resentment.
Akay Mason, who co-directed Ada Omo Daddy, returns as director for this film, which features a stellar cast including Mercy Aigbe, Uzor Arukwe, Iyabo Ojo, Daniella Peters, and others.
Thin Line is set to premiere in cinemas on 13 December.
The Waiter
AY (Ayo Makun) returns with the beloved Akpos comedy franchise in The Waiter. Directed by Toka McBaror, this action-comedy follows Akpos (AY), a waiter who unexpectedly finds himself caught in the middle of a hotel invasion, leading to a chaotic and thrilling adventure.
As with many titles on this list, the movie features a star-studded cast, including Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlawon, Regina Daniels, Rahama Sadau, Williams Uchemba, and Toke Makinwa.
The Waiter will premiere in Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia on 20 December.
Christmas in Lagos
Acclaimed filmmaker, Jade Osiberu, brings the magic of the holiday season to life with her latest project, Christmas in Lagos. The film follows the lives of four friends as they navigate love, relationships, and self-discovery amid the vibrant Detty December celebrations in Lagos.
As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, hearts are broken, and unexpected romance blooms. Featuring an impressive cast that includes Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Shaffy Bello, Wale Ojo, Angel Anosike, and artistes such as Adekunle Gold, Waje, Ladipoe, and Ayra Starr, this film is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on 20 December.
Alakada! Bad and Boujee
The third franchise entry on this list, Alakada! Bad and Boujee, is the latest sequel in the popular Alakada comedy series. Produced and directed by Toyin Abraham, the film continues the hilarious antics of Yetunde (played by Toyin Abraham), a woman who masks her insecurities by concocting extravagant stories about her social status.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Odunlade Adekola, Broda Shaggi, Bimbo Ademoye, Bimbo Akintola, and more.
Alakada! Bad and Boujee is set to hit cinemas on 20 December.
Mo-Faya
Netflix is set to captivate audiences with Mo-Faya, a gripping Kenyan drama series created and directed by Reuben Odanga.
Premiering on 20 December 2024, this seven-part series follows Zawadie, who, after uncovering shocking truths about her family, embarks on a journey to build a new life with her boyfriend, Brian—unaware that his dangerous double life will draw her into a world of secrets and crime.
Ọkụkọ Christmas
If you’ve ever wondered what a Nigerian-themed Christmas horror story would look like, look no further than Udechukwu “The 12” Uchenna’s directorial debut, Ọkụkọ Christmas. The film tells the story of a group of students who, eager to partake in Christmas festivities, find themselves trapped in the worst nightmares of their lives.
Produced by Ebuka Njoku (Yahoo+, ỤNỌ: The F in Family), the entire movie was shot on the Samsung Galaxy S23 and will premiere on 21 December on the AgunzeTV YouTube channel.
One Night Guests
Nigeria and Ghana are no strangers—whether it’s the rivalry over who makes the best jollof or football banter. However, it has been a while since the two countries collaborated on a film, dating back to the early 2000s when Ghanaian actors like Van Vicker, Majid Michel, Yvonne Nelson, Nadia Buari, and others became household names in Nigeria.
Ghanaian director Peter Sedufia brings the two countries together in his latest film, One Night Guests, a suspenseful drama that delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the unexpected twists of fate that can change lives in an instant.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Yvonne Okoro, Majid Michel, Warri Pikin, Roselyn Ngissah, Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, James Gardiner, Lasisi Elenu, and Akah Nani. One Night Guests will be released in cinemas on 25 December.
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @JosieJp3.