Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 period film, Anikulapo, garnered mixed reviews but became one of the most-watched Nigerian titles on Netflix that year. Riding on this success, Afolayan presented a six-part sequel series exploring the theme of reincarnation and interconnected souls across lifetimes. The series, written by Shola Dada, premiered on Netflix, featuring returning stars Sola Sowobale, Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Eyiyemi Afolayan, and Taiwo Hassan, along with new cast members.
With similar settings and characters, the new installment delves into the story of Saro and Arolake as they strive to confront their past and carve out a new future for themselves. However, they encounter their own set of challenges. Saro grapples with the task of eliminating all the individuals he resurrected using Akala’s power, while Arolake endeavours to ease her return to Oyo by gaining control over the Alaafin.
In this article, we present you with five other Yoruba-language movies you should consider watching if you enjoyed this franchise.
Jagun Jagun
While both stories differ in terms of plot, they maintain the same cultural approach. Co-directed by Tope Adebayo and the seasoned Yoruba director Adebayo Tijani, Jagun Jagun is a Yoruba title that ignited the internet with its story and delivery. It features Lateef Adedimeji in the lead role, playing a young man on a quest to master the art of war under the guidance of the prominent warlord Ogunjimi. However, he soon discovers that they are mere pawns in the larger game manipulated by Ogunjimi and corrupt political leaders.
Jagun Jagun, like Anikulapo, is a significant project for the Yoruba sector of the industry, where both the storytelling and the storytellers, Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo, excelled in showcasing the cultural intricacies of the Yoruba space. Going beyond language, the film delves into intriguing topics, attracting considerable attention.
The stellar cast, including Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Adebayo, Fathia Balogun, Adebayo Salami, Dele Odule, Bukunmi Oluwasina, Mr Macaroni, and Kunle Afod, contributes to the film’s success, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
King of Thieves (Agẹṣinkólé)
King of Thieves (Agẹṣinkólé) is a gripping 2022 Nigerian Yoruba thriller film. It is a collaborative endeavour spearheaded by seasoned producer Femi Adebayo and skillfully directed by the duo of Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani. The ensemble cast boasts renowned names in the Nigerian entertainment scene, including the talents of Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, Lateef Adedimeji, and Ibrahim Chatta.
This epic Yoruba-language production is the brainchild of Femi Adebayo’s Euphoria360 media, in collaboration with Niyi Akinmolayan’s Anthill studios.
Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds
The epic film is directed by the duo of Adebayo Tijani and Odunlade Adekola, boasting a production span of over three weeks. Set against the backdrop of Oyo State, Beast of Two Worlds features a stellar cast including Bimbo Akintola, Sola Sobowale, Odunlade Adekola, Lateef Adedimeji, Faithia Williams, Mercy Aigbe, Eniola Ajao, Ibraheem Chatta, and more.
The narrative revolves around the formidable figure of Ajalara, a woman with dual nature—part human, part animal—who roams the forest at night, wreaking havoc on hunters and devastating the town’s economy by destroying crops. When King Towobola confronts Ajalara in a dramatic showdown, they strike a deal to marry in the hopes of producing male heirs, a rarity in the king’s lineage dominated by female offspring.
Ajakaju will be released in cinemas on March 29, 2022.
Elesin Oba
Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman is a 2022 Yoruba-language Nigerian historical drama film, helmed by director Biyi Bandele and distributed by Netflix. The film is a cinematic adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s renowned stage play, Death and the King’s Horseman. Drawing from real events in Yorubaland under British Colonial rule, the narrative delves into profound themes of tradition, duty, and colonialism.
At the forefront of the cast is the talented Odunlade Adekola, who portrays the titular character. Supporting roles are brought to life by an ensemble of star actors, including Shaffy Bello, Brymo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, Jide Kosoko, Langley Kirkwood, and Joke Silva, among others.
Ijogbon
Ijogbon is a Nigerian coming-of-age adventure film released in 2023, produced by the acclaimed Kunle Afolayan. As part of Afolayan’s agreement with Netflix, Ijogbon is one of three movies brought to audiences through this collaboration.
The film made its debut on Netflix on October 13th, 2023. Leading the cast include Ruby Akubuze, Ebiesuwa Oluwaseyi, Fawas Aina, Kayode Ojuolape, Gabriel Afolayan, Adunni Ade, former BBNaija star Dorathy Bachor, Sam Dede, Femi Branch, Yemi Sodimu, Bimbo Manuel, Yemi Solade, and a host of other talented actors.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Oyo State, Ijogbon was filmed in the scenic KAP Film Village and Resort
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