Nigerian television series used to be a household delight around the country. From Papa Ajasco to Super Story, to Fuji House of Comotion, there were so many Nigerian family drama to look foward to every evening. That changed after a while due to many reasons we’ll prefer not to dwell on. However, in recent times, a lot of series have sprung up on television as well as on the web and a lot of them are worth checking out. Below is a list of 10 Nigerian series you should definitely watch.
Jenifa’s Diary
Jenifa’s Diary is a hilarious story of a naive rural girl who arrives the big city of Lagos and is trying to get by the hustles and bustles of daily urban life. It is created and played by Jeniffer Akindele and is broadcast on various TV channels on DSTV, including AIT. It has starred numerous big names in the entertainment industry. Some of whom are: Banky W, Beverly osu and Falz.
Skinny Girl in Transit
Skinny Girl in Transit is a web series produced by Ndani TV. It was created by Temilola Akinmuda. As rightly suggested by the title SGIT is a comedy about a young Nigerian woman and her efforts to lose weight in this day and time of body shaming culture. While the series evokes laughter, it is also a tellingly insightful portrayal of body politics and its effects.
Tinsel
This series has existed since August 2008 when it first aired and has is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most successful soap opera in recent times. Having aired over 1000 episodes, Tinsel tells the story of two rival film companies: Reel Studios, founded by Fred Ade-Williams (Victor Olaotan), and Odyssey Pictures, headed by Brenda “Nana” Mensah (Funmilola Aofiyebi-Raimi) and their struggles to stay at the top of their game.
Husbands of Lagos
Husbands of Lagos is as scandalous as its title suggests. It explores the lives of seven men living in Lagos and the women in their lives. The thematic exploration is a mishmash of sex, romance, betrayal, lies and the likes. It is produced by ROK Studios and aira on ROK TV channel on DSTV.
MTV Shuga Naija
The third season of the television drama seriesShuga, popularly called Shuga Naija, was first broadcast on MTV Base from December 2013 to January 2014. The season was written by Kemi Adesoye and directed by Biyi Bandele. Shuga Naija tells the story of different Lagos youths and how they deal with love, sex and relationships. It is part of a number of campaigns geared towards educating youths about rape, HIV, and other issues.
Before 30
Also known as B430, Before 30 is a Nigerian TV drama series directed by Bodunrin ‘BB’ Sasore and starring Damilola Adegbite, OC Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Meg Otanwa and Anee Icha. Its plot centers on the lives of four career women living in Lagos and the family and societal expectations of them getting married befor they turn 30.
The Johnsons
Starring Charles Inojie, Chinedu Ikedieze, and Ada Ameh, The Johnsons humorously captures the everyday lives of an average Nigerian familyand the daily challenges they encounter. It is a series suitable for family viewing. It airs on Africa Magic on DSTV.
Gidi Up
Gidi Up is another web drama series by Ndani TV. Starring OC Ukeje, Deyemi Okanlawon, Somkele Iyamah, and Titilope Sonuga in lead roles, the series was created by Jadesola Osiberu and executively produced by Lola Odedina. While it only ran for two seasons, Gidi Up captures the life of four individuals and their daily struggle to climb the economic ladder in Las Gidi, a popular nickname for Lagos. It is an interesting and inspiring series to watch.
Lekki Wives
Airing on EbonyLife TV, this is as scandalous as you might expect. Lekki Wives revolves around the fascinating yet scandalous lives of the wives of wealthy women who live on the posh Island location in Lagos. Some of its cast include: Adaorah Ukoh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Keira Hewatch, Anthony Monjaro, Chinonso Young, Ayoola, Katherine Obiang, Bayray Mcnwizu, Sylvya Oluchy, Bobby Michaelsand Kachi Nnochiri.
OGA! Pastor
OGA! Pastor is a very new web drama series by Ndani TV. The new series whose pilot episode premiered last week looks very promising. Ndani TV has since become a front-liner in Nigeria’s web series due to the success of their films in the past. It captures the tumultuous life of Pastor Deoye Gesinde (Uzor Arukwe), a man of God who is also the founder of his growing church. It is written by Lani Aisida, the screenwriter behind successful films such as Rumour has It, and Just Not Married.
