Detty December and Afrobeats Set the Scene for Jade Osiberu’s Upcoming ‘Christmas in Lagos’
The Prime Video original features cameo appearances from Ayra Starr and Adekunle Gold, and an all-star cast that includes Shaffy Bello, Richard Mofe Damijo and Teniola Aladese.
“What’s a Detty December film without Afrobeats?” Nigerian movie director and producer Jade Osiberurhetorically asked in a video teasing her upcoming film, Christmas in Lagos, setting up a grand, reality-based environment for viewers to look forward to.
The Christmas season in Lagos is synonymous with festive pomp. That colorful exuberance and more is what Osiberu has tried to capture in the film, which includes a cameo from Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr. According to Variety, the film also features a soundtrack packed with vibrant Nigerian pop songs from across the decades that match how many Nigerians get down in December. “For me, Ayra Starr represents what it means to be young and female and daring and brave and fearless — just being yourself. She was on the list from day one,” Osiberu told Variety.
In addition to Starr, Adekunle Gold also features in Christmas in Lagos, as well as blue-haired singer WurlD and hit-making rap artist Ladipoe.
For its plot, Christmas in Lagos follows several interwoven relationships, set against the backdrop of a period when the overwhelming feeling of holiday euphoria encourages romantic tensions. The all-star cast includes Teniola Aladese, Shalom Obiago, Shaffy Bello, Rayxia Ojo, Richard Mofe Damijo, Wale Ojo and many more.
In the film, Fiyin (Aladese) is getting over a heartbreak and is seriously considering a relationship with her best friend, Elo (Obiago), who returns from New York with plans to propose to his secret girlfriend. Also, middle-aged Gbemi (Bello) is torn between her boyfriend and a lover from the past, while London-raised Ivie (Rayxia Ojo) unexpectedly falls in love with Ajani (Ladipoe) as she tries to have a wildly memorable Detty December.
“We made the dettiest, most beautiful, heartwarming Christmas film ever,” Osiberu says, adding that the film will premiere on Prime Video in December. It’s the only film that will be released under Osiberu’s previous three-year deal with the streamer, after it cut funding in Africa and terminated production of new originals.
Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos was exclusively released on Prime Video during last year’s Easter weekend, but it wasn’t part of the deal. “I’m grateful that at least [Prime Video] stuck to their commitment to finish the film,” she told Variety, noting that the streamer’s decision to pause commissioning original African productions was “very disappointing, particularly because of how abrupt it was.”
An exact date for Christmas in Lagos will surely be announced in the coming months, as excitement for the film builds up. Meanwhile, Osiberu also teased a possible sequel to Gangs of Lagos in the video posted on social media, as well as another action thriller project.
- 8 Looks That Prove Ayra Starr is Leading the Y2K Style Revival ›
- Five Takeaways from Ayra Starr’s New Album ‘The Year I Turned 21’ ›
- Afrobeats Stars Nominated for 2023 Billboard Music Awards ›