Word on the streets is that Lupita Nyong’o’s plan to adapt Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah to a TV series will not happen again. But we’re comforted by the impressive list of solid adaptations of Nigerian books that have Been made into movies.
From Uzodinma Iweala’s Beast of No Nation to Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, we count down 12 movies inspired by iconic Nigerian books.
Elesin Oba (2023)
Biyi Bandele directed this film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s play Death and the King’s Horseman (1975). This adaptation portrays the true story of Elesin Oba (the King’s horseman), who must commit suicide after his king dies during the British colonial era in Nigeria. It features Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello and Deyemi Okanlawon. It’s showing on Netflix.
Swallow (2021)
Kunle Afolayan directed and produced Sefi Atta’s Swallow (2008) into a film that premiered as a Netflix original in 2021. It’s a film about two roommates—one a corrupt bank secretary, the other entangled in the drug trafficking world. Deyemi Okanlawon, Chioma Akpotha and Niyola co-star in it.
Beast of No Nation (2015)
Idril Elba, Abraham Attah and Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye star in the award-winning Beast of No Nation film adaptation of Uzodinma Iweala’s book (published in 2005) of the same title. This is one of the best social commentary on African politics. It’s directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, and it’s showing on Netflix.
Dazzling Mirage (2014)
Tunde Kelani cast Kunle Afolyan and Lala Akindoju in this film about a sickle cell anaemia patient who fights to stay alive. Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage was adapted from a novel of the same title written by Olayinka Egbokhare and published in 2007. It’s showing on Netflix.
Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)
Nigeria’s Independence and Civil War story by Adichie, Half of a Yellow Sun book (2007), made it to the cinemas in 2013. Directed by Biyi Bandele, thew cast includes John Boyega, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Zack Orji and Genevieve Nnaji. You can watch it on YouTube, Prime Video and Peacock.
Maami (2011)
27 years after Femi Osofisan released his book, Maami
(meaning “My Mother”), Kelani took it to the screens, as its director and producer. His movie explores a mother-child relationship. Maami stars Funke Akindele, Olumide Bakare, Wole Ojo and Ayomide Abatti. It’s showing on Prime Video.
The Perfect Church (2011)
Ramsey Noah, Funke Akindele, and Olu Jacobs star in this film about a closeted gay pastor whose church crumbles after a bishop delivers a confusing vision. This Wale Adenuga Production (WAP) film is based on Ebi Akpeti’s book The Perfect Church book. It’s streaming on YouTube.
The Narrow Path (2006)
A lady named Awero was raped by her childhood friend Dauda before her traditional wedding ceremony. This evil act results in a conflict between two towns. This film, directed by Kelani, was adapted from Bayo Adebowale’s book, The Virgin. It’s divided into episodes on YouTube.
Owo Eje (2005)
The Yemi Amodu-directed adaptation of Owo Eje comes the novel of the name name written by Kola Akinlade. It’s a crime drama explores greed and friendship. It casts actors such as Kola Oyewo, Kareem Adepoju and Gbemisola Faleti. It’s streaming on YouTube.
Saworoide (1999)
This film explores the politics, corruption, and life of a town called Jogbo. It’s an adaptation of Akinwunmi Ishola’s book of the same title. Kelani also directed it. Kola Oyewo, Bukky Wright, Lere Paimo, and Kunle Afolayan star in it. It’s streaming on YouTube.
Things Fall Apart (1971)
This film is based on Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958). The film was scripted and adapted for TV by Adiela Onyedibia and Emma Eleanya. The cast includes Pete Edochie, Justus Esiri, Sam Loco and Nkem Owoh. It’s streaming on YouTube.
Kongi’s Harvest (1970)
Wole Soyinka’s 1965 play Kongi’s Harvest is about a dictator trying to westernise his African country. In 1970, Ossie Davis adapted it into a film. Soyinka himself acted as Kongi, the dictator. It’s streaming on YouTube.
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