After much anticipation, Netflix has announced its presence in Nigeria.
The streaming giant, which had been procuring Nigerian content throughout much of last year after acquiring Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ in 2018, announced the arrival of Netflix Naija with a new Twitter account, on February 26.
“N is for Naija. N is for Nollywood, “read the account’s announcement tweet. “N is the 14th alphabet. 14 is also how many great talents you’re looking at. N is for Netflix. But most importantly…hello, Nigeria!”
The tweet was shared along with a photo of some of the Nigerian film industry’s most notable actors and filmmakers, including Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Kunle Folayan, Kemi Adetiba, Omoni Oboli as well as veteran actors Ramsey Nouah and Richard Mofe-Damijo and several others.
According to Business Insider, Netflix is currently developing two unnamed original series from Nigeria as well. Details about one of the series were shared at an event following the launch on Monday, according to Business Insider. One of the shows will be a six-part series “set in modern-day Nigeria and shot in Lagos.”
“This drama tells the story of Kemi, a goddess reincarnated as a human to avenge her sister’s death,” reads the series’ press release.
The show is from Nigerian filmmaker Akin Omotosho and is inspired by her childhood. The cast includes Kate Henshaw and Ade Laoye, Ireti Doyle, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, and Kehinde Bankole.
While details around the shows and the launch of Netflix Naija still remain mostly under wraps, many have responded with excitement about what’s to come. This development will likely mean more local content for Nigerian subscribers.
“Our continent has a wealth of diversity, multiplicity and beauty in stories that have yet to be told,” said Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix’s head of African Originals. “And we want to be top of mind for creators in Nigeria, especially when it comes to stories they haven’t had a chance to tell yet.”
There’s plenty more content from the continent to look forward to. Netflix’s first “African original,” South Africa’s Queen Sono starring, Pearl Thusi, is set to premiere on Netflix on February 28. Netflix has also given the green light to an upcoming Zambian children’s animated Mama K’s Team 4.
