Netflix stops support for Nollywood, exits Nigeria

International streaming giant Netflix has officially withdrawn its operations from Nigeria after eight years of supporting Nollywood content.

The exit, which reportedly occurred in November 2024, has been described as a significant setback for the Nigerian film industry, which has relied heavily on financial backing from streaming platforms like Netflix.

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan confirmed the development during the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, stating that Netflix had stopped commissioning new Nigerian originals.

Afolayan noted he was fortunate to secure a third season for his hit series Anikulapo before the decision was made, but many of his colleagues were not as lucky, with numerous projects being cancelled mid-development.

According to industry insiders, Netflix’s exit was quietly communicated to frequent collaborators, with no public announcement or explanation offered by the platform.

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David Karanja, Netflix’s Executive in Charge of Licensing Originals, confirmed the departure in a farewell LinkedIn post, leaving many in the Nollywood community shocked.

While Netflix has not released an official statement, its decision has raised concerns about the future of Nollywood’s growth on the global stage.

However, Afolayan expressed hope that this would serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian film industry to develop more independent funding models and innovative distribution strategies.

David Karanja wrote: “While the world is beginning to recognize the power of African voices and stories told by Africans, I believe we are on the brink of a watershed moment for African cinema and television, similar to the leaps we’ve seen in music.”

Netflix stops support for Nollywood, exits Nigeria

(PoliticsNigeria)

Queen Dami to Portable: I’m only with you for money, will leave if you take new wife  [VIDEO]

Nigerian controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable Zazu, has reunited with his lover Queen Dami, the ex-wife of the Alaafin of Oyo.

The couple, who were at war weeks back, seem to have settled their differences as Portable, in a now-deleted video on his Instagram page, was captured in a lovey-dovey moment with Queen Dami.

The estranged wife of the Late Alaafin told him that she is only with him because of financial gain. Queen Dami added that the day Portable takes a new wife after her and she finds out, she would leave him.

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In his caption, Portable opined that there is only one man for many women, but many women for one man. He admonished his gender to make money before searching for love. He wrote:

“One Man for all women, all women for one man. Make money before you love. He gets why.”

The video has sparked reactions from netizens who were shocked with Dami’s words. See some reactions and video below:

“I love you because of money, Any day you take a new wife after me, i will Japa” – One of Portable's women, Dami declares to him pic.twitter.com/Z7GZVWcgzh

— Dockaysworld.NG (@dockaysworld) December 3, 2024

xtra.fits wrote: So you no want iyawo but you get iyale abi? Na woman dey really do woman e. You no fit accept wetin you dish out… Toh!!!

bee2rule wrote: Dammy alatenuje omo

nzubechili wrote: I wonder how Portable manage to convince all this he’s wife to marry him. Omoo it’s not as though he’s that wealthy oo, only them no what they saw

alaga_iworoad wrote: Real house wives of sango otta former queen chapter

mideblaq_ wrote: His last wife ke? Nah portable tell you that one ?

ugegbe_e: “She swallow jbl speaker?”

_oyiza: “She no get front teeth nii?”

maryhalimat: “Why is she laughing and sounding like an “i pass my neighbor generator” that has plug issues.”

jaylodolls: “Portable and his Sango otta wives.”

kofz_coco: “Dirty love. Stinking relationship.”

official_sojaqueen wrote: Hope no be Portable comot her front teeth

endowedfunso wrote: How the house wife dey feel

_tess011 wrote: Portable’s voice is more tender than hers, wtf.

Queen Dami to Portable: I’m only with you for money, will leave if you take new wife  [VIDEO]

Baba Suwe victim of injustice, Yomi Fabiyi speaks on struggles

Nigerian actor Yomi Fabiyi has shed light on the painful experiences of the late comedy legend Alhaji Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, in a video shared on social media.

Fabiyi recounted the injustice and human rights abuse the late actor endured during his lifetime, reflecting on the lessons he learned from Baba Suwe’s struggles.

Fabiyi captioned the video: “Late Alhaji Babatunde Omidina a.k.a Baba Suwe was a victim of Human Rights Abuse and injustice. I have too many lessons to learn from his life and saga. When you are alive, reigning without problem or sickness, don’t ever assume that your colleagues/friends loved you. Until you are faced with a career or life-threatening problem, don’t count your friends. IT IS OFTEN BETTER TO WALK ALONE.

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In fact, start teaching yourself to perch alone. Keep relationships but often reflect the energy to walk the lonely road. It is not PRIDE, in fact, you get stronger that way. NOBODY IS IMMUNE TO DEATH. Continue to RIP Boss and Father in the industry. We miss you.”

In the emotional video, Fabiyi narrated in Yoruba how Baba Suwe broke into tears while recounting his ordeal during a meeting. According to Fabiyi, the late actor lamented that the allegations against him felt like a deliberate attack, knowing he might lack the means to defend himself.

“When the issue first happened, and I spoke out, I went to meet him as my boss,” Fabiyi said. “As he was talking, he broke into tears. He said he was not really after the money but that what broke him most was the thought that they did it because they believed he wouldn’t know how to defend himself or cry out. Even if someone said sorry to him, it would have been enough to relieve him of his sickness.”

Fabiyi revealed that during their conversation, he called his lawyer in an attempt to secure justice for Baba Suwe.

Baba Suwe, a popular comic actor in Nollywood, died on November 22, 2021.

Baba Suwe victim of injustice, Yomi Fabiyi speaks on struggles