What to Watch in West Africa This Month

'Òlòtūré: The Journey' - Nigeria

When Òlòtūré, a stirring drama about a journalist who goes undercover as a sex worker to pursue a story of sex-trafficking, was released on Netflix in 2021, it was met with mixed reactions. While some found the story compelling, others found it triggering and finished on a frustrating cliffhanger. Regardless, the story is getting new life in a soon-to-be-released Netflix series. The latest serial installment, starring lead character Sharon Ooja and supporting cast Beverly Osu, Omoni Oboli, Bukola Oladipupo, Patrick Doyle and others, will follow Òlòtūré’s tumultuous journey to Europe. The series is directed by Kenneth Gyang (Confusion Na Wa, This is Lagos) who also has the directorial credits for the first film, and co-directed the seminal limited series, Blood Sisters.

Where to watch: Netflix, from June 28.

'Inspector Bediako' - Ghana

The second season of the beloved Akwaaba Magic series Inspector Bediako has been off to a great start, featuring heart-racing episodes and gripping storylines. Episode 10 of the latest season follows the derailment of an ongoing investigation. The series stars Oscar Provencal, Martin Owusu, Gloria Nsia Ababio and others.

Where to watch: Akwaaba Magic

‘Kill Boro’ - Nigeria

This Courage Obayuwana-directed film, Kill Boro, takes a look at the struggles of domestic violence and institutionalized challenges. The film stars Ini Dima Okojie (Blood Sisters), Gregory “Teddybear” Ojefua (Suru Lere), Hilda Dokubo and others and follows a family of three dealing with both internal and external battles. Boma, played by Okojie, is a woman who, along with her son Elijah, is constantly assaulted by her abusive husband Boro, often in the presence of each other. In Kill Boro, the lives of a father and son intersect in unlikely ways, making for fevered, unpredictable storytelling.

Where to watch: Prime Video

‘In Search Of A Blessed Life: He That Hath’ - Ghana

This faith-based film stars Ghanaian veteran Adjetey Anang, Akosua Busia, Abena Magis and a cast of stellar established and fast-rising Ghanaian actors. In Search Of A Blessed Life: He That Hath follows the journey of two brothers whose lives are moved in vastly different directions and the consequences surrounding their choices.

Where to watch: Theaters

‘A Father’s Love’ - Nigeria

In A Father’s Love, a taxi driver stumbles into fatherhood when he discovers and takes in an abandoned child. On his journey to reuniting the child with his parents, he discovers unknown details about his life. The film, which cleverly explores themes of forgiveness, healing and powerful secrets, stars Yvonne Jegede, Uche Jumbo, David Jones David and others.

Where to watch: Prime Video

‘Dahomey’ - Benin Republic

This documentary, directed by award-winning director Mati Diop, is a striking observation of the reconciliation between welcoming looted historical artifacts and understanding how those artifacts feed into the current cultural landscape of a once-plundered nation. The documentary follows the return of twenty-six looted royal treasures from Paris to Benin and the arguments that come up with that return.

Where to watch: Theaters

‘Resonance’  - Ghana

After Tamara, an aspiring singer is murdered right after signing with a large record label, questions about who killed her spring up and bolster the story. Resonance is directed by Maxmore A. Bakare, and stars Anthony Woode, Etty Bedi, Fella Makafui and others.

‘Beyond The Veil: Season II’ - Nigeria

In the second season of the hit series Beyond The Veil, five women living in Northern Nigeria shoulder and navigate the many nuances and adversities plaguing their everyday lives. As the showrunner and director Nadine Ibrahim said in a statement, “This show offers a refreshing narrative while addressing their realities, from polygamy to cultural restraints. It reflects our modern society and the complex day-to-day realities, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions.” This new season promises to up the ante and see the women weather various issues, from pregnancies to financial strain. The series stars Jemima Osunde, Maryam Booth, Norah Ego, Ame Aiyejina, Habiba Tanko Zock Sock and many others.

Where to watch: Prime Video, from June 7.

‘Maman’ - Côte d’Ivoire

In this thrilling comedy by Ivorian filmmaker Owell Brown, a widow finds herself fending for three children, her niece and her niece’s newborn. The film, starring renowned Ivorian comedian and actor Adrienne Koutouan as Rachel Diby, highlights the complex reality of single parenthood and the simple, unpredictable joys that come from hardship.

Where to watch: Theaters