We can’t begin to talk about Nollywood progress without including the Yoruba film industry. Nollywood has come a really long way over the years and the Yoruba film industry hasn’t been left behind. Femi Adebayo’s King of Thieves is a testament to that fact.
This list spans over 20 years of Yoruba filmmaking. The oldest movie is Tunde Kelani’s Saworoide which was released in 1999 and the most recent one, Bolanle Austen-Peters’ House of Ga’a released in 2024. The timeline of this list acknowledges the fact that some movies have created a legacy that will never expire.
The list was curated based on the impact, popularity, and critical acclaim of the movies. On that note, here are the top 6 movies that the Yoruba film industry has produced over the years!
House of Ga’a – 6/10
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, House of Ga’a is a historical biopic that tells the story of Bashorun Ga’a. He is a ruthless kingmaker who rose to power in the 18th Century Oyo Empire through lies and supernatural connections.
It explores the rise and fall of Bashorun Ga’a, whose reign is tragically cut short by a shocking betrayal. The movie is not just about Bashorun Ga’a himself. It explores the themes of power, treachery, and an enduring legacy.
Starring Femi Branch, Funke Akindele, Mike Afolarin, and many others, House of Ga’a premiered on Netflix on July 26, 2024. This movie was met with mixed reviews as some felt it was misleading. Others believed that Austen-Peters’ deserves her flowers as usual.
We think its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, stunning cinematography, and thematic depth, make House of Gaa a triumph of big-screen storytelling.
King of Thieves (Ageshinkole) – 5/10
Following King Adegbite’s coronation, a mysterious group of robbers, led by the enigmatic Agesinkole, begins to terrorize the kingdom of Ajeromi. However, their motives extend far beyond mere theft.
They unleash a battle of mystical forces, with Agesinkole’s powers seemingly rooted in a dark and malevolent energy that surpasses the understanding of the king and his people, leading to a fierce and otherworldly confrontation.
Why was this 2022 Yoruba Nollywood movie by Femi Adebayo so good?
Anyone who has seen King of Thieves can testify to the excellent cinematography, lovely realistic costumes, and its straightforward and engaging storyline. There were very few (barely noticeable) plotholes and the directing and producing were top-notch! Don’t even get us started on the special effects. The CGI team truly outdid themselves.
That’s a big win for the Yoruba film industry.
Jagun Jagun – 6/10
This 2023 movie appears to be about a young warrior named Gbotija who joins a training camp to avenge his father’s death. However, he soon discovers that the camp is led by a ruthless leader named Ogunjimi, who prioritizes his own interests over the well-being of his warriors.
As Gbotija rises through the ranks, he faces various challenges and conflicts, including a deadly fight with a fellow warrior and a confrontation with Ogunjimi himself. The story explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Overall, it follows Gbotija as he ultimately seeking to overthrow Ogunjimi and bring justice to the camp.
We all know that epic war films aren’t the easiest to pull off. But, Femi Adebayo set the bar high with the indigenous Jagun Jagun film. We are excited to see what more he has in store for us.
Saworoide – 7/10
Saworoide is a political thriller that explores the themes of power, corruption, and tyranny. It is directed by one of the best filmmakers in Nigeria, Tunde Kelani.
The story is set in the fictional kingdom of Jogbo, where the king’s successor, Lapite, prioritizes personal gain over serving the people. He consolidates power through violent means, suppressing opposition and criticism.
The village youth, frustrated with his rule, steal his crown, leading to a series of events that ultimately result in Lapite’s downfall and the rise of an even more ruthless leader, Lagata. The story concludes with Lagata’s demise and the installation of the rightful heir, Arese.
Saworoide aptly depicts Nigerian politics and was definitely way ahead of its time. For a Yoruba Nollywood movie produced more than 20 years ago, that’s saying something.
Aya Mi Owon (Madam Dearest) – 7/10
A drama-filled Yoruba movie directed by Tade Ogidan. It was released in 2005 and explores themes of family, relationships, and deception. The story revolves around Bukky, whose husband Biodun is wrongly convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Due to family pressure, she moves on with her life and has a son with one of her husband’s employees, a Ghanaian man.
However, when Biodun is unexpectedly vindicated and released from prison, Bukky is faced with a difficult situation and tells him that he is the father of her son. This sets off a chain of events as she tries to maintain the deception, leading to a web of lies and deceit that threatens to unravel the lives of all involved.
The high points of Aya Mi Owon have to be the plot twists that jerk viewers out of their complacency with the prevailing situations. As the viewer begins to accept a particular turn in events, a new twist is introduced. Also, these twists are never opportunistic and unconvincing as is common in many films around.
We’re giving the movie a 7/10
Anikulapo – 7/10
Anikulapo is a visually stunning Nollywood Yoruba movie that masterfully blends elements of Yoruba mythology with a compelling story of love, betrayal, and redemption. The movie follows the journey of its protagonist, Saro, who encounters mystical forces that alter his fate in unexpected ways.
The cinematography is captivating, with lush landscapes and vibrant costumes that bring the rich culture to life. The performances are strong, particularly by the lead actors, who deliver their roles with depth and authenticity. From the sound design to the casting, from the picturesque scenes to the authenticity of language, it’s a testament to pure originality. The narrative itself is gripping, leaving viewers thoroughly captivated throughout.
Overall, Anikulapo is a thought-provoking and immersive experience that highlights the power of folklore in storytelling.
Jenifa – 8/10
Jenifa (also known as Suliat) is a village girl who leaves her rural home to attend university in Lagos. There, she experiences a vastly different culture and lifestyle. She goes from being a “razz” (unsophisticated) village girl to being exposed to a faster, more urban way of life. Eventually, she learns that the respect she was afforded in her village is not automatically granted in the city.
The 2008 Yoruba Nollywood Movie ‘Jenifa’ starring Funke Akindele received widespread accolades. It got four nominations at the 2009 Africa Movie Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Soundtrack, and Best Nigerian Film.
Funke Akindele‘s outstanding performance as Jenifa also won her the prestigious Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. We’ll be giving the movie an 8.
These top Yoruba Nollywood movies represent some of the best of Yoruba Nollywood cinema. They offer a mix of action, drama, comedy, and historical epic storytelling that has resonated with audiences.
Of course, the Yoruba film industry will continue to improve and we are here for it! We look forward to seeing more movies that can cater to diverse audiences without losing their unique touch of telling stories from a Yoruba perspective!
Share this article with that friend who is an avid lover of Yoruba movies! You should also join the Movie Lovers community on Fusion for more recommendations, reviews, and discussions about your favourite movies.
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