Female producers are playing an important part in modernizing Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry. Nollywood, known as the world’s second-largest film maker, has made a substantial contribution to the country’s economy, with a projected value of $6.4 billion by 2021<<<READ FULL ARTICLE>>>
It produces approximately 2,000 productions each year, including smart relationships with worldwide streaming platforms like as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Showmax. These collaborations have allowed Nollywood to promote its rich culture and values on a worldwide scale.
In this article, HowNG showcases the achievements of Nigeria’s outstanding female producers. They are not just catalysts for inclusion, but also drivers of expansion in the thriving Nollywood sector. Here is a list of the top female producers making waves in Nollywood:
1. Mo Abudu
Mo Abudu, named by Forbes as one of the most prominent women in world media, has made substantial contributions to Nollywood. As CEO of EbonyLife TV, she has been instrumental in forming alliances with industry titans such as Sony Pictures Television, AMC Networks, and Netflix. Under her leadership, EbonyLife TV has expanded its reach to over 49 countries, establishing itself as a prominent force in the media scene. The unprecedented contract with Netflix was the first time an African media company signed a multi-title film and TV deal with the streaming giant.
2. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele, commonly known as Jenifa, is a well-known character in Nollywood. She received praise for her performances in the sitcom “I Need to Know” and the film “Jenifa.” Her series “Jenifa’s Diary” has won her numerous honors. Funke became the first Nigerian female director to earn more than a billion naira at the Nigerian box office with “A Tribe Called Judah.” Her flicks “Omo Ghetto the Saga” and “Battle on Buka Street” were also top-grossing hits in Nigeria.
3. Emem Isong
Emem Isong is a Nollywood veteran who has spent nearly 25 years advocating for women’s rights via effective storytelling. Her film “Bursting Out” played to a packed house at London’s Odion Cinemas. Emem has worked on films for organizations such as Action Health Incorporated (AHI) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), which empower vulnerable adolescent girls in Lagos. She has won various honors, including the African Film Leadership Award from The African Film Festival (TAFF) in Dallas.
4. Biodun Stephen
Biodun Stephen is well-known for her romantic drama and comedy films, which are generally inspired by the names of the major characters. She began her movie career with “The Visit,” which got nominations for the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award. Biodun co-produced “Breaded Life” and directed “Sista,” demonstrating her storytelling abilities.
5. Kemi Adetiba
Kemi Adetiba, dubbed the “Bruce Lee of visuals,” has established herself as a film, television, and music video director. Her film “The Wedding Party” opened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and grossed more over N3.5 billion, breaking box office records. Kemi’s web documentary series “King Women” mentors and motivates young women. Her political thriller “King of Boys” and upcoming Netflix series “To Kill A Monkey” highlight her storytelling abilities.
6. Mary Njoku
Mary Njoku has been a well-known personality in Nollywood for about 20 years. She established ROK, a digital media company with four TV stations, and ROK Studios, which creates material for IrokoTV. Mary’s journey from on-screen roles to behind-the-scenes executive has helped shape African content for the streaming era.
7. Toyin Abraham
Toyin Abraham has been a fixture in Nollywood for more than two decades. Her films, “Ijakumo – The Born Again Stripper” and “Malaika,” have been box office successes. Toyin’s successes in “Fate of Alakada,” “Alakada Reloaded,” “Seven and a Half Dates,” and “The Ghost and the Tout” demonstrate her versatility as a producer and director.
8. Ruth Kadiri
Ruth Kadiri, often known as the Queen of YouTube Nollywood, has made substantial contributions as a screenwriter and producer. Her flicks, “Mad Wife,” “Married,” and “Diary of a Pregnant Wife,” highlight her storytelling abilities. Ruth’s talent to write intriguing scripts has garnered her great reputation in the industry.
9. Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli, a seasoned actress and educated digital filmmaker, has written screenplays for ‘Fatal Imagination,’ ‘Being Mrs Elliott,’ ‘The First Lady,’ and ‘Wives on Strike.’ Her accolades include Best Actress at the Los Angeles Movie Awards and the Harlem International Film Festival. Omoni’s success with “Moms at War” and her YouTube channel, Omoni Oboli TV, demonstrate her influence in Nollywood.
10. Jade Osiberu
Jadesola Osiberu, the creator of Greoh Studios, switched from software development to writing, directing, and producing films. Her films, “Isoken,” “Sugar Rush,” and “Brotherhood,” have received critical acclaim. Jade’s three-year partnership with Amazon to create original written television shows and feature films establishes her as a prominent participant in global storytelling.
11. Bolanle Austen-Peters
Bolanle Austen-Peters, a lawyer, renowned film and theater director/producer, and cultural entrepreneur, has been named by CNN as the “woman pioneering theatre in Nigeria.” She founded BAP Productions and Terra Kulture, an arts and culture center in Lagos. Forbes Afrique recognized Bolanle’s contributions to the arts, and she co-founded Terra Academy for the Arts with the Mastercard Foundation.
12. Tope Oshin
Tope Oshin, named one of OkayAfrica’s Okay100 Women, has produced films like as “Up North” and directed a number of popular drama series. Her directing credits include “New Money,” “Journey to Self,” and “UpNorth.” Tope’s role as ShowRunner, Producer, and Lead Director of MTV Shuga Naija 4 cemented her reputation as a highly distinguished filmmaker<<<READ FULL ARTICLE>>>
