The ladies are fully in charge of the big screen this December. Three of the big budget films that have been scheduled to grace the cinema screens nationwide starting December 15 are executive-produced by not just ladies, but three of moviedom’s leading screen queens — Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe and Toyin Abraham. Akindele, still smarting from the box office success of her hit, Battle on Buka Streets, produced and shared directing credit on her new effort, A Tribe Called Judah, while Mercy Aigbe and Toyin Abraham are credited as producers of Ada Omo Daddy and Malaika respectively. There is excitement all around moviedom. Informed observers say the decision by the leading ladies to ‘seize’ the cinema space this December should be seen beyond an attempt to offer a cinematic extravaganza. They think that what is perhaps a collective attempt to make cinematic statements and to reshape the narrative of movie production in the Nigerian film and digital media space should be applauded. Here is a preview of the much-anticipated movies
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Ada Omo Daddy, By Mercy Aigbe
THE stability of her family is threatened when Ireti receives an unexpected call from Ifeanyi, her long-lost ex-husband on her daughter’s introduction day. As the family counts down to the wedding, Ifeanyi mounts pressure on Ireti. He wants to meet his daughter and he wants to walk his daughter down the aisle. That’s the synopsis of Ada Omo Daddy, the anticipated movie by Mercy Aigbe. Leading the star-studded movie is Omowunmi Dada, who plays the character title, Ada, who gets engaged to her lover. But the cross-cultural love gets hit with several obstructions arising from both ends. Directed by Akay Mason Ilozobhie and Adebayo Tijani, the movie stars notable actress such as, Sola Sobowale and Mercy Aigbe in lead roles. The other cast members include Tomi Ojo, Charles Okafor, Chiwetalu Agu, Dele Odule, Taiwo Adeyemi, Fred Amata, Carol King, Mariam Peters, Phyna, Adeniyi Johnson, Nkechi Blessing, Wunmitoriola, Chief Kanran, Adediwura Gold, Fausat Balogun and Jumoke Odutola. There is a special appearance by Fuji artiste, Chief Wale Ayuba. Distributed by Genexis Cinema, the film is executively produced by Aigbe, her husband Kazim Adeoti, and Ope Ajayi, Ada Omo Daddy will hit cinemas nationwide as from December 15. Mercy’s filmography includes Satanic, Afefe Ife, Okanjua, Atunida Leyi, Igberaga, Ihamo, Ìpèsè, Victims, The Screenplay, Little Drops of Happy, 200 million, Second Acts

A Tribe Called Judah,
By Funke Akindele
BOX Office queen, Funke Akindele, signs her latest effort, A Tribe Called Judah, as co-director and executive producer. The actress of Jenifa and Battle on Buka Street fame offers a narrative, which follows the story of a family of boys “who decide to rob a small mall with the help of their mother. However, on getting there, they are faced with armed robbers.” The film is also set for December 15, 2023 premiere, and will feature a star-studded cast that includes, Funke Akindele as Jedidah Judah, Jide Kene Achufusi as Emeka Judah, Timini Egbuson as Pere Judah, Uzee Usman as Adamu Judah, Tobi Makinde as Shina Judah and Olumide Oworu as Ejiro Judah. Also joining them are Ebele Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Nse Ikpe Etim, Genoveva Umeh, Faithia Williams, Nosa Rex, Greg Ojefua, Ibrahim Yekini, Boma Akpore, Paschaline Alex, Etinosa Idemudia, Juliana Olayode and Yvonne Jegede. A Tribe Called Judah was directed by Adeoluwa Owu, popularly known as Captain Degzy, and Funke Akindele and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment. Akindele’s filmography include Omo Ghetto, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Omo Pupa, Oreke Mulero, Osuwon Eda, The Return of Jenifa, Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke, Your Excellency, Who’s the Boss

Malaika, By Toyin Abraham
MALAIKA is the title of the upcoming movie of the award-winning actress and producer Toyin Abraham. The film, set to debut in cinemas on December 22, 2023, is directed by Steve Olufemi Sodiya. Malaika, which is coming almost a year after Abraham’s last movie, Ijakumo: The born again stripper, focuses on Toyin’s character who is struggling to cope with her infertility and anger issues. Although surrounded by a supportive group of friends and family, the character that the actress of vast credits played ultimately must embark on a spiritual journey to find healing. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Ugandan entertainer and comedian Anne Kansiime and notable Nollywood actors Emeka Ike and Odunlade Adekola. The other members of the cast include Adebayo Ridwan Abidemi (Isbae U), Uzor Arukwe, Oderhohwo Joseph ‘Carter’ Efe, Ibrahim Chatta, Pelumi Olawuni (Abike Shugaa) and veteran actress Taiwo Ajai-Lycett. Notable Nollywood actor Emeka Ike makes his return to Nollywood in Malaika after so many years off the radar. Ike pairs with Abraham as a married couple faced with issues that turn them against each other. After several years of trying, the wife voices out the frustration of being childless and desires answers to the situation at hand. Fans eagerly await the release of Malaika as directed by Steve Sodiya. Toyin Abraham’s filmography include Alani Baba labake, Ebi mi ni, Alakada, Okafor’s Law, What Makes you Tick, Esohe, Alakada Reloaded, Hakkunde, Tatu. London Fever and Wives on strike.
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