Yusuf, One House Lighting Crew and spectacle of Christmas in Lagos

Nollywood filmmakers have always captured the essence of Lagos—whether in crime thrillers showing its murky underside, comedies portraying it as a city of chaos and errors, or romance stories where you can be swept up by passion and desire in the city that never sleeps. This, Jade Osiberu has done in Christmas in Lagos after her poignant tale in Gangs of Lagos.Her work in Christmas in Lagos captures what the city feels like at Christmas time.

Premiered on December 20, 2024, on Prime Video, the film is an extension of Detty December (“detty” is a playful corruption of “dirty”), a magical celebration of culture, music and good vibes that has evolved in recent years during the traditional holidays influx of diaspora returnees.

As a Christmas movie, it is an ensemble of light music and dance. The music supports the Christmas narrative. Cobhams Asuquo as music composer and Waje’s incredible vocals provide the magical feeling that is illuminated by Matthew Yusuf and the highly skilled One House Lighting Crew!

The film tells the story off amily,love,and resilience,all setagainst the vibrant backdrop of Lagos during the most wonderful time of the year.From the iconic landmarks to the bustling markets and festive celebrations, the city itself becomes a character in the story,thanks in large part to the work of the lighting crew.

The importance of lighting in the film cannot be overstated. From the bustling streets decorated with Christmas lights to the intimate family moments that define the season, the lighting design in this film tells its own story.
Yusuf’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every frame resonates with the emotions of the characters and the vibrancy of Lagos during the holidays.

The film’s success is not only a reflection of Yusuf’s talent but also the dedication and expertise of the lighting crew.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been part of such a monumental project,” said Yusuf, whose vision and unmatched expertise have earned him a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after lighting designers. “This wasn’t just about lighting a set; it was about painting a story with light, immersing audiences in the festive charm and soul of Lagos.”

Every scene in the film glows with authenticity, a testament to the hours of planning and creative collaboration between the film’s director, producer, and lighting crew.

“The crew was exceptional,” Yusuf said.“Each member brought some thing unique to the table,whether it was their deep technical knowledge, creative problem-solving skills,or sheer passion for the craft. We truly operated as a family,and I’m so proud of what we accomplished together.”
From the soft, golden hues of early morning markets to the dazzling array of lights illuminating Lagos nightlife, Yusuf and his team worked tirelessly to ensure that the city itself became a character in the story.

The film’s producer commended the lighting team, noting that their work elevated the film to a new level.
“Lighting is one of those elements that can make or break a film, and Matthew Yusuf’s team delivered beyond our expectations. Their work added layers of depth to the story, making every scene feel alive and emotionally resonant,” she said.

The One House Lighting Crew’s ability to adapt to the challenges of shooting in Lagos—a city known for its vibrant energy but also its unpredictable environment—was crucial to the film’s success.

Whether dealing with sudden changes in weather, managing complex lighting setups, or working long hours to meet tight deadlines, the team remained focused and determined to deliver excellence.

Yusuf, a visionary lighting designer, whose passion for storytelling shines through in his work, brings a unique perspective and innovative techniques to the film.

Being a tested hand in the industry, his ability to blend technical expertise with artistic intuition has made him a sought-after collaborator for directors and producers across the industry.

From romantic dramas to high-energy action films, he has consistently demonstrated his versatility and commitment to excellence. His journey into lighting design began with a love for visual storytelling. “I’ve always been fascinated by the way light can transform a space or evoke an emotion,” he said. “In filmmaking, light is everything. It sets the tone, guides the audience’s focus, and creates an atmosphere that makes the story come alive.”

Yusuf said: “Each member brought some thing unique to the table,whether it was their deep technical knowledge,creative problem solving skills,or sheer passion for the craft. We truly operated as a family, and I’m so proud of what we accomplished together.”

Yusuf and the One House Lighting Crew are already looking ahead to their next projects. With a reputation for excellence and a proven track record of success, the team is poised to take on even bigger challenges in the future.

For him, the journey is far from over. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work on such an incredible film, and I’m excited to see where this path takes us. The future is bright, and we’re ready to keep shining.”

Now streaming on Amazon Prime, Christmas in Lagos is the holiday movie you can’t afford to miss this season. As audiences cozy up to enjoy the magic of Lagos through their screens, the brilliance of One House Lighting Crew will undoubtedly leave an impression.