Nollywood has been criticised for recycling plots, underdeveloped characters, and predictable narratives for years. Regardless of enhancements, the notion of inconsistent writing persists.
The rise of platforms like YouTube and streaming providers is reshaping the business, although not with out criticism.
These platforms have influenced the tempo, model, and distribution of Nollywood storytelling. As issues develop concerning the route of Nollywood storytelling, the query arises—may YouTube’s dominance sign a decline in high quality or a possibility for progress?
In 2024, Veteran Nollywood figures supplied differing views. Kanayo O. Kanayo worries YouTube may hurt Nollywood’s future, whereas Bimbo Akintola sees streaming as a complement to cinemas.
Kunle Afolayan, whereas appreciating Netflix, urged a deal with strengthening native distribution channels.
As world audiences demand higher narratives, screenwriters like Xavier Ighorodje show their adaptability to new storytelling requirements formed by these platforms, reassuring us of Nollywood’s resilience and potential for progress.
Mr Ighorodje is a Nigerian screenwriter, director, and producer greatest recognized for creating Shanty City, certainly one of Netflix’s most-watched exhibits in 2023. His portfolio additionally contains Ajoche, Battleground, Jemeji, Unbroken, Enakhe, and Covenant, incomes him recognition in Nollywood.
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On this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, he reveals extra views on Nollywood storytelling requirements.
Streaming platforms vs storytelling
A latest controversy involving Omoni Oboli, who needed to take down a movie after one other producer cited sturdy similarities, raised issues about script originality.
The script had reportedly been bought to a number of producers by the identical author, prompting discussions on how aggressive and fast-paced Nollywood storytelling has turn into.
When requested if the rise of YouTube and streaming providers has led to a decline in storytelling high quality, simply as in that situation, Mr Ighorodje disagreed, arguing that YouTube has truly raised the bar for storytelling high quality, not lowered it.
The screenwriter stated, “I wouldn’t say that in any respect. I don’t like when sure tales are labelled ‘YouTube tales’ or ‘Netflix tales’ as if these classes exist. It’s the platforms that decide the type of the tales they obtain. On YouTube, you’re releasing content material on to viewers who pay with their time, whereas on Netflix, you could be commissioned or obtain acquisition charges. The producers who run YouTube channels are taking vital dangers to make their investments worthwhile.
“I’ve seen superb cinematography, directing, and performances in movies launched free of charge on YouTube—typically even higher than some performances in cinema-released movies. If something, the sheer quantity of initiatives being launched on YouTube creates extra alternatives for creatives throughout varied roles.”
Curbing Unemployment
Mr Ighorodje famous that YouTube’s fast-paced nature drives business progress by addressing unemployment. He additional supplied a comparative perspective on the continued quantity-versus-quality debate.
“On common, at the very least 5 movies are launched by completely different YouTube channels every day. Meaning at the very least 35 new supplies weekly, translating into work for scriptwriters, cinematographers, editors, and crew members. Even in a worst-case situation, YouTube has created employment alternatives throughout the business.
“The problem with YouTube is quantity. If 30% of YouTube movies are dangerous, meaning 30 out of 100. If streaming platforms launch 10 movies and three are dangerous, the share remains to be 30 per cent. It’s simply that YouTube releases extra, so the issues appear extra obvious. Nollywood has advanced and can be evolving to this point.”
Merging tradition and storytelling: ‘Uriri’
‘Uriri’ is an epic fantasy drama that premiered on 30 December 2024. Created by Mr Ighorodje, the collection spans 39 episodes and is about within the Fifteenth-century Niger Delta. It follows Ogaga (Seun Ajayi), a legendary warrior battling inside demons whereas navigating love and future. His relationship with Serome (Osarehia Oronsaye) units off occasions that problem loyalty and traditions.
Incorporating the Urhobo dialect, the collection is distinct for its storytelling, cultural authenticity, and powerful characters. It airs on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 8:30 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday, with episodes on the DStv Stream App.
When discussing the core inspiration behind ‘Uriri,’ the screenwriter highlighted the significance of cultural illustration and the brotherhood theme as a significant driving pressure.
“In addition to highlighting society, my main duty as a storyteller is to inform a incredible story. Being Urhobo, I wished to create one thing that mirrored my tradition. For the longest time, I wished to inform epic dramas infused with fantasy and African spirituality. However most alternatives pushed me in direction of crime dramas and thrillers. When Uriri got here, I noticed it as the proper probability to deliver my imaginative and prescient to life.
“Brotherhood performs an enormous function in Uriri. The relationships between the King and the Okakuru, between Okaka and Ochukwu, and others mirror completely different dimensions of brotherhood. It’s not one thing many Nollywood movies discover deeply, so I wished to alter that.
“Love is a common language. When Ogaga meets Serome, their connection is instant. However the gods form their journey in surprising methods. Because the story unfolds, audiences will see how love and future intertwine.”
Casting, cultural illustration
The filmmaker revealed that casting for Uriri was rigorous, with each efficiency and cultural illustration in thoughts, including {that a} language marketing consultant was introduced in to information the actors.
“We had a strict casting course of. The manufacturing firm reviewed audition tapes, then the commissioning company, and at last, higher administration. Whereas efficiency was the precedence, we additionally ensured cultural authenticity by casting actors fluent in Urhobo.”
“To keep up authenticity, we employed a cultural marketing consultant who doubled as a language coach. Earlier than filming, actors may attain out for pronunciation steerage. On set, the marketing consultant was obtainable to fine-tune dialogue. Some pronunciations weren’t good, however the actors labored laborious to sound as pure as potential.
“For the reason that present aired on Africa Magic, we structured the dialogue predominantly in English, with Urhobo infusions for cultural depth. This allowed native and non-native audio system to observe the story with out subtitles, although subtitles enhanced the expertise for many who used them.”
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Execution challenges
Mr Ighorodje mirrored on the intricate planning behind Uriri and defined a number of the visible motifs.
“For this mission, I utilized classes from my mentors, previous experiences, and former works like Stereo Breakfast. All the pieces was intentional—from the script to the opening montage, music choice, and cinematography. Symbolism performed a substantial function.
“The ‘conquering crocodile’ represents somebody who has mastered the land, air, and sea. The crocodile signifies dominance over water, the elephant represents management over the forest, and the eagle feathers symbolise air mastery. Each factor was chosen intentionally to depict energy, love, and the implications of decisions.”
For the scriptwriter, Uriri is greater than only a collection; it’s a benchmark for his future initiatives. “This mission serves as a reference level. As an alternative of explaining my capabilities, I need my work to talk for itself. Uriri proves what my crew and I can obtain with the correct assets and imaginative and prescient.”
As Nollywood continues evolving, filmmakers like Mr Ighorodje navigate digital platforms’ challenges and alternatives. Whether or not by YouTube, Netflix, or conventional cinema, the core of nice storytelling stays the identical—compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
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