Top 5 Nollywood Performances of 2023

In 2023, the Nigerian film industry experienced an exhilarating year with filmmakers from diverse backgrounds crafting an array of cinematic delights. Audiences not only savored these visual feasts but also clamored for more.

One notable film of the year is Tunde Apalowo‘s All The Colours of The World are Between Black and White, which resonated globally, securing accolades at festivals worldwide. Similarly, C.J. Obasi’s visually striking masterpiece, Mami Wata achieved historic milestones, premiering and winning an award at the renowned Sundance Film Festival, and earning eligibility for the 2024 Oscars.

Jade Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos and Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun are also standout titles that captivated audiences throughout the year. These accomplishments were made possible by sublime storytelling and, crucially, impressive performances from the cast.

Numerous performers brought their A-game to embody their characters, significantly contributing to the success of beloved films in 2023. They served as the vessels through which the visual narratives we consumed were powerfully conveyed.

This article will now spotlight the Top 5 standout performances of the year, acknowledging the talent and dedication that enriched the cinematic landscape.

Note: The eligibility period spans from January 1 of this year to November 30 of the current year, and the films must have been released to the general audience in theaters or on streaming platforms like Netflix, Showmax, or Prime Video.

 5. Lateef Adedimeji – Jagun Jagun (The Warrior)

Lateef Adedimeji is renowned for his emotional range, which at times verges on stereotypical and occasionally teeters on the brink of melodrama. However, in this exceptional piece that captivated many, Adedimeji delivers an outstanding performance that strikes a balance between being intense without being overly dramatic or underwhelming.

In Jagun Jagun, a particular scene stands out as Adedimeji’s pinnacle in the film. Upon discovering that Agemo is none other than his lover, he executes a nuanced performance that infuses his grief with profound meaning. In this moment, you don’t merely witness an actor; instead, you observe a man engulfed in excruciating pain.

4.  Chioma Akpotha – Gangs of Lagos

The line, “Isale Eko no go sleep,” lingered with me for a significant part of the year. It’s not the cleverness in Jade Osiberu‘s Gangs of Lagos that resonates; rather, it’s Chioma Akpotha‘s breathtaking delivery that makes you sense the mother’s anguish and instills genuine fear for what awaits Isale Eko. Akpotha consistently delivers remarkable performances, accumulating accolades year after year. However, in this film, she unveils her emotional depth, presenting a tear-jerking performance that deserves every applause.

3. Chidi Mokeme – Shanty Town

Chidi Mokeme made a significant comeback to mainstream Nollywood, showcasing an impeccable performance in Dimeji Abiola‘s Shanty Town. Renowned for his classic roles as Nollywood’s heartthrob, Mokeme takes on a distinct persona as the ruthless kingpin and lord of the zanga.

Transitioning to a different role is one thing, but excelling in that transformation is another, and Mokeme convincingly proves this with his outstanding performance in the show. Shanty Town garnered mixed reviews from both audiences and critics, with opinions ranging from praise to criticism. However, there was unanimous agreement on one aspect – Chidi Mokeme’s performance was stellar, emerging as the standout triumph for the show. In our own review, we expressed, “Ultimately, the only positive takeaway from this miniseries, apart from the technical advancements in Nollywood, is that Chidi Mokeme is back, as though he never left, and eager for more.”

2. Kehinde Bankole  – Sista

In this poignant tale of love, struggle, betrayal, and forgiveness, Kehinde Bankole delivers an emotionally charged performance, marking it as one of the standout acts of the year.

Leading the ensemble cast, she meticulously crafts her role, earning applause from many. Bankole, already beloved for her ability to deliver compelling performances, receives even more acclaim for her portrayal in Sista, evoking a cathartic effect on everyone who witnesses her delivery.

1. Blossom Chukwujekwu – The Trade

Blossom Chukwujekwu takes on the lead role as Eric, aka “the Chairman,” The Trade‘s unsuspecting criminal mastermind. This performance stands out as one of Chukwujekwu finest in a career filled with memorable filmography.

In The Trade, he skillfully embodies the role of the villain, whose alluring demeanor masks a complexity that goes beyond surface impressions. While the film’s writing is commendable, Chukwujekwu’s delivery elevates it further. Despite his unassuming appearance, he breathes life into the dark side of his character not just through violence but also via his facial expressions, speech, and the rhythmic tone in which he delivers his lines, sending chills down the spines of both the other characters and the audience.