April 2026 brings a steady flow of new Nollywood productions to both cinemas and digital platforms, with stories centered on family, personal challenges, and social dynamics.
BOX OFFICE RELEASES: • Avante (3 Apr) — Directed by Toka McBaror, produced by Afrisquare Entertainment. A dark romantic psychological thriller about a young man who infiltrates the estate of his parents' killer disguised as a farmhand, only to fall in love with the killer's daughter. Stars Chimezie Imo, Kingsley Okafor, Patience Ujah.
• The Return of Arinzo (3 Apr) — Directed by Iyabo Ojo (theatrical directorial debut), produced by Fespris Productions, distributed by FilmOne. Sequel where past conflicts resurface and family loyalties are tested. Pan-African cast: Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Uzor Arukwe, Adjetey Anang (Ghana), Juma Jux (Tanzania). Reviewed positively by The Guardian.
• Trade by Bata (17 Apr) — Directed by Biodun Stephen. A badly behaved Nigerian-American woman travels to her grandmother's village for inheritance, leading to a personality swap with a local girl. Stars Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kie Kie), Debo Adedayo (Mr Macaroni).
• The Other Side of the Bridge (17 Apr) — Directed by Fiyin Gambo. Sports drama about two boxers from contrasting backgrounds in Lagos. Stars Demi Banwo, Tobi Bakre, Ireti Doyle.
STREAMING: • Behind the Scenes (Netflix) — Co-directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye. Holds the record for highest-grossing Nigerian film.
• Multiple EbonyLife+ and Kava platform exclusives.
YOUTUBE: • 20+ titles from established creators including Toyin Abraham TV, with romances, dramas, and thrillers reaching the platform-first audience.
INDUSTRY CONTEXT: MBO Capital has deployed over N9 billion into the Nigerian film industry since 2017, underscoring growing institutional investment in Nollywood as a viable asset class.
Source: shockng.com