Adenike Adebayo-Esho has announced the full cast for ‘Tele x Zikora’, a campus-set drama scheduled for release in cinemas in 2026.
Written, produced, and directed by Adebayo-Esho, the film is backed by Imagine Media and May Day Studios, with Cinemax handling nationwide distribution. Production took place across Houston, Texas, and Lagos, situating the story within both diaspora and home contexts.
‘Tele x Zikora’ follows two young people from contrasting backgrounds whose lives intersect on a university campus. As their relationship unfolds, the film explores themes of identity, ambition, and the pressures that come with navigating early adulthood.
The ensemble cast includes Genoveva Umeh, Mike Afolarin, Mercy Aigbe, Chimezie Imo, Tomi Ojo, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Kayode Jnr Ojuolape, Kanaga Emmanuel Eme, Folakemi Babatunde, Adeoluwa Akintoba, Angel Unigwe, Olumide Oworu, Gbubemi Ejeye, Toluwani George, Wumi Toriola, Michael Ejoor, Aisha Lawal, Ibrahim Chatta, Daniel Etim Effiong, Layi Wasabi, Blessing Obasi-Nze, Mallum Arik, Femi Branch, Eronini Osinachi, Etta Jomaria, Olawande Adetula, Wonuola Lanre-Akinremi, and Nancee Maurice. The film also introduces Francis C. Edemobi in his first screen role.
According to Adebayo-Esho, the project has been in development for some time and is intended to reflect the uncertainty and complexity of youth. “I wanted to create something that reflects what it feels like to be young and caught between who you are and who the world expects you to be,” she said.
The film marks Adebayo-Esho’s latest directorial effort following ‘Summer Rain’ and adds to a growing slate of youth-focused stories within the industry.
‘Tele x Zikora’ will be released in Nigerian cinemas in 2026.
