Top 10 Must-Watch West African Shows and Movies for December 2024 – WAW Edition

This December, West African cinema has a mix of in-store films that best capture the region’s cultures and stories. Here are ten must-watch movies to be watched this festive season:

1. Everybody Loves Jenifa

Funke Akindele reprises her role of Jenifa in Everybody Loves Jenifa, a fresh take on the beloved character. Jenifa is sweet and feisty, and this new escapade promises to be hilariously funny as it confronts societal issues. The movie boasts an imposing cast, including Bisola Aiyeola, Nancy Isime, Jide Kosoko, Patience Ozokwor, and Akindele. This time around, Jenifa takes a shot at being a humanitarian, but she cannot help finding her way into trouble. Packed with comedy and heart, the movie is set to entertain the fans of the long-running franchise.

Where to watch: Nigerian Cinemas

2. Seven Doors

In Seven Doors, Femi Adebayo makes his directorial debut with a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and tradition. The film tells the story of a couple whose lives get disrupted when the husband is chosen to become king, only for an ancient prophecy to threaten their future. As his reign is tested, secrets unravel, pushing the limits of loyalty and resilience. It stars Adebayo alongside Chioma Akpotha, Adebayo Salami, Gabriel Afolayan, and Ronke Oshodi. With strong storytelling and an ensemble cast, Seven Doors promises to leave the audience in awe.

Where to watch: Netflix

3. Demba 

Demba by Mamadou Dia is a poignant exploration of grief, healing, and familial reconciliation in northern Senegal. The movie informs the story of Demba, a retiring civil servant who is failing to cope with the death of his wife two years afterwards. Sinking deeper into mental turmoil, he finds an unexpected bond with his estranged son, which provokes a journey of reflection and renewal. Starring Awa Djiga Kane and Saikou Lo, the story navigates the intricacies of loss in a society where even the word “depression” is not named. Chosen for Berlinale 2024, Demba gives a heartfelt narrative that echoes deeply.

Where to watch: Senegal Theaters

4. Christmas in Lagos 

Jade Osiberu returns with Christmas in Lagos, an Amazon Original and a heartwarming rom-com that captures the vibrant chaos of Lagos during the holiday season. The film weaves together the stories of Fiyin, who believes her best friend Elo is her soulmate after a devastating heartbreak. Gbemi is torn between her steady boyfriend and a rekindled connection with her high school sweetheart. The film, starring Teniola Aladese, Shaffy Bello, Richard Mofe Damijo, Wale Ojo, and Ayra Starr in her feature film debut, is about love, second chances, and the magic of December in Lagos.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

5. One Night Guests 

One Night Guests is a Nigerian-Ghanaian comedy of unexpected twists and teeming with laughter, ushering in the holiday season. It tells the story of two groups of strangers who arrive at a luxurious mansion for reasons unknown, engaging in a ridiculous battle to outdo each other to prove who deserves to stay in the house. From the director Peter Sedufia, renowned for his works Keteke and Aloe Vera, the film is an excitingly rare collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria. Starring Majid Michel, Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, James Gardiner, and Anita “Real Warri Pikin” Asuoha, One Night Guests promises a fun-filled cinematic experience.

Where to watch: Nigerian Cinemas 

6. A Danfo Christmas 

A Danfo Christmas follows a group of people on their journey home for Christmas to get away from the hustle and bustle of living in Lagos. Years on, avoiding family drama is finally made to face up to the past-snitching cousins, mother-in-law criticism, and unresolved tensions. This year will be different, though. Grandpa is failing health-wise, and the journey home to spend Christmas together is essential. This Sebastian Ukwa-directed family comedy has drama, romance, and surprises in exploring life in Lagos and starring Seun Kentebe, Valerie Odunukwe, Korede Lawal, and Loveth Ogbene.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

7. Gazoua doit mourir

Gazoua doit mourir (Gazoua Must Die) tells the story of a man who drunkenly mistakenly spreads the word about his brother’s passing, and what ensues is a mix of comic and touching events: As the rumor spreads on, he decides not to return the funeral contributions he’s received. He decides to organize a wake for a very much alive person. Directed by Fidèle Koffi, this film offers a sharp commentary on social dynamics, blending comedy and reflection. Starring Fortuné Akakpo, Omèga David, and Tiekoumba Dosso, Gazoua doit mourir delivers both laughs and social insight.

Where to watch: Côte d’Ivoire Theaters

8. The Waiter 

The Waiter is a film by Toka McBaror about Akpos, a downtrodden man who gets a temporary job as a waiter in a high-profile event organised by the Minister of Poverty Alleviation. But when a terrorist, Tonye, takes over the hotel, Akpos resorts to his street wit to navigate the chaos, trying to save his family and thwart the terrorists. At the same time, Tonye turned the situation into some live-streamed drama, and Akpos teamed up with the hotel’s security to outsmart the gunmen and fight back. With action, comedy, and tension, the movie explores Nigeria’s challenges and the resilience of its youth. The Waiter is an action-packed, hilarious ride starring Ayo Makun, Kunle Remi, Shaffy Bello, Bucci Franklin, Sunshine Rosman, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Rahama Sadau.

Where to watch: Nigerian Cinemas

9. Alakada: Bad and Boujee

Alakada: Bad and Boujee is the return of Toyin Abraham’s character Yetunde in the fifth instalment of this rib-cracking comedy franchise. The movie, produced by Abraham herself, stars Bimbo Akintola, Kie-kie, Ronke Odusanya, Ik Ogbonna, and Bimbo Ademoye. The story of Yetunde, an aspiring social media influencer, creates a fake fabulous online life with the help of her friends. Obsessed with fame and acceptance into high societies, she reaps the consequences of her pursuit. As events unfold in the story, Yetunde will be made to confront her insecurities to learn the importance of embracing her true self. Comically and poignantly, the film asks questions of identity and validation-guaranteed laughs and life lessons abound.

Where to Watch: Nigerian Cinemas

10. Thin Line

Thin Line, directed by Akay Mason and produced by Mercy Aigbe, goes deep into the fall of a pastor after an affair with a manipulative sex worker. The story follows Pastor Raymond Njoku, a respected preacher whose sermon moves mountains but whose life gets torn apart when his affair with Annabelle “Annie” Coker leads to blackmail. With Annie threatening to expose their secret, Pastor Raymond will face the consequences of his actions while trying to protect his reputation. Starring Mercy Aigbe, Uche Montana, Iyabo Ojo, Uzor Arukwe, Yvonne Jegede, and Adeniyi Johnson, Thin Line is a tale of temptations, betrayals, and redemption.

Where to watch: Nigerian Cinemas

This December’s slate of West African films brings creativity and diversity from the region, from the hilarious Christmas comedy Christmas in Lagos to the dramatic tension of Thin Line. They reflect the talent and innovation that shape African cinema and have something special to offer each viewer.

Read more: Top 10 Must-Watch West African Shows and Movies for November 2024 – WAW Edition

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Ikenna Churchill

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