The Nigerian movie industry has recorded massive international recognition in recent times and it’s all thanks to Nollywood for its contribution and improved production budgets.

Today, we look at 5 Nollywood movie producers who have been instrumental in powering several groundbreaking movies, while simultaneously breaking barriers in Nigeria, and beyond. 

Kemi Adetiba

Kemi Adetiba is a Nigerian filmmaker, producer, television director, music video director, founder, and CEO of Kemi Adetiba Visuals (KAV). Adetiba’s short film “Across a Bloodied Ocean” screened at the 2009 Pan African Film Festival and National Black Arts Festival.

Her masterpiece, “King of Boys” had the highest number of awards at the 2019 AMAA. It got nine nominations and bagged three. She earned the award of Best Music Video Director of the Year from the Headies in 2014. Adetiba is also the brains behind the ever-green music video of “Lagos Party”. It’s a glamourous video released in 2010 by Music icon, Banky W.

Mo Abudu

The CEO of Ebony LifeTv has played a pivotal role in the industry over the years by transforming the outlook of African Cinema. In 2016 she produced “The Wedding Party”, which became one of the highest-grossing movies in Nollywood. She is the writer and producer of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Blood Sisters, and Going for Broke.

The Nigerian filmmaker has major partnerships with Sony Pictures Television, AMC Networks, and Netflix.

In 2013, Forbes Africa recognized Mo as the first African woman to own a Pan-Africa TV channel.

Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele is a seasoned movie producer, director, actress, filmmaker, and politician. Her work on the movie, Jenifa’s Diary was later made into a sitcom and earned her breakthrough. It remains one of the most successful Nigerians series.

Akindele won Best Actress (comedy) at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Best Actress in a Comedy Role at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, and Best TV Series at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her work, “Jenifa’s Diary”.

She became the first Nigerian filmmaker to gross over N500 million twice at the local box office with the movies “Battle On Buka Street” and “Omo Ghetto: The Saga”.

Tunde Kelani

The uniqueness of his works comes with making a point on indigenous culture and mythology. He is one of the profound pioneers of the film industry in Nigeria, one who sheds light on indigenous cultural expressions through films.

His most popular works are “O Le Ku”, “Ma’ami”, “Irapada”, “Omo Bini”, “Mokalik” and “Thunderbolt: Magun”.

In an interview with This Day newspaper, TK said; “I think God puts me there in that particular time and space for a reason. He gives you a language, culture, and a blessing. I read a lot and I come across unbelievable stories I can’t tell people all the time, they will be bored. So I chose the medium of cinema to share that experience”

Kunle Afolayan

If you are a lover of Nollywood movies, then you can never go wrong with Kunle Afolayan. He produced the movies, “Irapada” (Redemption), “The Figurine” (Araromire), “PhoneSwap”, “The CEO”, “Omugwo”, “October 1”, “Mokalik”, “Citation, and Swallow”.

The movie, “Figurine”, although fictional, took nine months to the script, 5 years to develop, and 3 months to shoot. 

Billionaire heiress, Temi Otedola made her acting debut in “Citaion”, and shockingly melted into her role, under Kunle’s brilliant tutelage. 

Kunle struck a deal with Netflix in 2021 to make three original films. The first is “Swallow”, which is a screen adaptation of Sefi Atta’s book of the same title. 

In 2023, “Anikulapo” won the Best Indigenous Language – Yoruba and Best Overall Movie from AMVCA.