CULVER CITY, California—January 10, 2024. Prime Video is set to launch the Nigerian film ‘Water and Garri,’ featuring international music sensation Tiwa Savage, exclusively in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide in 2024.
Directed by Meji Alabi and produced by Everything Savage and Unbound Studios, this drama marks Tiwa Savage’s acting debut in a lead role. The storyline revolves around Aisha (played by Savage), an ambitious fashion designer returning to her native home after a decade in the U.S. following a family tragedy. The film unfolds against the backdrop of escalating violence and high tensions as Aisha reconnects with family, old friends, and a lost love, confronting her past and scars along the way. Filmed in Cape Coast, Ghana, the movie boasts compelling cinematography and storytelling, starring Mike Afolarin, Andrew Bunting, and Jemima Osunde.
“Audiences around the world are looking for well-made, contemporary African stories, and Water and Garri delivers that with a fresh perspective,” said Ayanna Lonian, director, content acquisition, Prime Video. “Both Meji Alabi, as film director, and Tiwa Savage, as the lead, have truly delivered a stellar debut alongside the rest of the incredibly talented cast and crew.”
Expressing her excitement, Tiwa Savage said, “Developing and bringing this film to a global audience via Prime Video has been a dream come true. I’m thrilled for my fans and new viewers to witness this new side of me. Meji Alabi brought the story to life in such a beautiful way, and I cannot wait to share it with the world.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video, who understood this cultural milestone celebrating
the cross-power of film and music, especially out of Africa at this exciting time,” says Jimi Adesanya, producer and Unbound Studios executive.
Co-produced by Everything Savage, Unbound Studios, and JM Films, directed and edited by Meji Alabi, written by Comfort Emmanuel, and with music by Tiwa Savage, ‘Water and Garri’ promises a captivating fusion of film and music. The film’s executive producers include Savage, Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna, Jimi Adesanya, and Meji Alabi.
This Nigerian production joins Prime Video’s repertoire of Amazon Originals and Exclusive series and films, including notable titles like ‘Gen V’,’ ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,’ ‘The Wheel of Time,’ ‘Riches,’ and ‘Coming 2 America.’
Tiwa Savage, a multi-award-winning artist known for her blend of Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and pop, has garnered international acclaim. Her achievements span collaborations with renowned artists, songwriting for top albums, and performances at major global events.
‘Water and Garri’ adds to Prime Video’s dedication to showcasing authentic African content globally, aligning with their recent commitments to original productions and licencing agreements with various Nigerian studios, including the recently announced Prime Video Original ‘Ebuka Turns Up Africa;’ an exclusive overall deal with the director and producer Jáde Osiberu and her production company, Greoh Studios; and an exclusive commissioning slate deal with Nemsia Films, beginning with ‘Breath of Life,’ which launched on December 15, 2023.
Prime Video is also the home of some of Nigeria’s biggest theatrical movies, with exclusive licensing agreements with Inkblot Studios and Anthill Studios, bringing customers box-office hits ‘King of Thieves,’ ‘Hey You!,’ ‘Big Love,’ and ‘Palava!,’ as well as other TV series ‘Beyond the Veil’ and ‘Grind,’ and Prime Video’s Nigerian Originals, ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ ‘LOL: Last One Laughing Naija,’ and ‘SHE Must Be Obeyed,’ all for 2,300 NGN per month.
