The film, inspired by Njoku’s experiences, explores the themes of love, friendship, desperation and the Nigerian spirit for survival.
By Helena Olori
Yahoo+, the first feature-length film by Nigerian filmmaker, Ebuka Njoku, is set to make its digital debut on Netflix starting July 21.
The highly anticipated crime thriller gained attention following its festival runs, including screenings at the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival, where it won awards for the Best Narrative Feature, and the Best Actress in 2021; Coal City Film Festival, and a Lagos premiere at The Annual Film Mischief in 2022.
Its success at these festivals helped secure a distribution deal with FilmOne Entertainment, leading to a nationwide theatrical release. During its four-week screening, it grossed a total of ₦8,473,408, making it the 30th highest-grossing Nollywood movie in 2022.
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Written and directed by Ebuka Njoku, Yahoo+ is set in Enugu, and tells the story of two childhood friends, Ose and Abacha. Frustrated by their failed attempts to break into the Nollywood industry, they turn to Internet fraud, commonly known in Nigeria as “Yahoo,” as a side hustle. However, their new scheme falls short of expectations, leading them into the dangerous world of Yahoo+, a combination of blood rituals and fraud. As love and unforeseen circumstances come into play, their friendship is tested, struggling for survival.
Yahoo+ features a talented cast, including Somadina Adinma as Abacha, Echelon Mbadiwe as Kamsi, Ifeoma Obinwa as Pino Pino, Keezyto as Ose, Ken Erics as Ikolo, and Lorenzo Mekanaya, who doubles as the film’s producer, in the role of Mansa.
With its minimalist production style, Yahoo+ focuses on its storytelling and compelling performances from the actors, enriched by a linguistic blend of Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin English conversations.
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The film, inspired by Njoku’s experiences, explores the themes of love, friendship, desperation and the Nigerian spirit for survival.
Ebuka Njoku is an indie-filmmaker who “believes in changing the world one story at a time.” He is also a writer, and has worked with ace screenwriters in the industry. His works include Ordinary Fellows. Prior to Yahoo+, Njoku had worked on several short films. In 2013, his screenplay, Bola’s Dirge, won the Homevida National Short Script competition. Yahoo+ marks his first feature as a director and producer.
Yahoo+ will begin streaming on Netflix from July 21, 2023. Watch the official trailer here.