Papaya Studios and Adeoluwa Owu, the executive producer and director of The Griot, the second most viewed Nigerian film on Netflix in 2022 and winner of AFRIFF 2021 Best Nigerian Feature Film, and the acclaimed cinematographer behind Battle On Buka Street, Netflix’s Far From Home, and Introducing the Kujus, have partnered to produce a new film.
Owu will direct and produce the new title, following his recent work on several projects behind the camera.
The director has picked Nollywood veteran, Akin Lewis, Omowumi Dada, and Gabriel Afolayan as lead casts in Asiri Ade, a Yoruba romance drama that is currently in production in Oyo, Oyo State. He also picked cast members, Bolanle Ninalowo and Mike Afolarin, from his recent Netflix hit project ‘Far From Home’ as part of the lead casts.
Set more than a hundred years ago, Asiri Ade follows a powerful king, played by Bolanle Ninalowo, as he searches for an unknown assailant, who is about to expose a dark secret that can bring his massive empire to its knees. He is on the verge of forming a marriage alliance with a rich kingdom and will go any length to achieve his goals.
Owu’s last cinema title, Battle On Buka Street, released in December 2022 is the highest grossing Nollywood title of all time and has ten (10) nominations at the upcoming 9th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), including the Best Overall Movie category.
Owu is producing the movie with Barbara Babarinsa, the producer of his upcoming Kehinde Bankole-led drama, Adire. The newly-launched Papaya Studios, who announced they will produce or co-produce 10 Nollywood titles this year, are executive producing.
Other named stars in Asiri Ade includes Faithia Williams, Bolaji Ogunmola, Aisha Lawal, Lasisi Elenu, Lizzy Jay, Dele Odule, Razaq Olayiwola, Olatayo ‘Ijebu’ Amokade, and Moji Afolayan.
Owu recently wrapped the production as the director of a new limited series, Ward 10.
Bolanle Ninalowo will next be in cinemas in The Bloom Boys (from April 28); Lewis and Dada’s upcoming slate include Meeting Funmi’s Parent and Lagos Chairman; while Afolarin will star alongside Tiwa Savage in her debut feature film, Water And Garri.
