Amazon Prime Video Releases First Nigerian Originals ‘Gangs of Lagos’, ‘LOL: Last One Laughing Naija’ Amid Great Local Pressure

Amazon Prime Video Releases First Nigerian Originals ‘Gangs of Lagos’, ‘LOL: Last One Laughing Naija’ Amid Great Local Pressure

Amazon Prime Video is taking a big step towards Nigeria, highlighting Africa’s most populous nation as one of the main battlegrounds in the streaming wars.

After launching a marketing campaign, Nigerians can now sign up for the service in local currency for the first time. Prime Video revealed two Nigerian originals on Friday, the first creative result of a string of recent deals.

Fiction Lagos gangs Described as an “action-packed, gritty, high-stakes crime thriller”, it centers on a group of friends growing up on the streets of Nigeria’s largest city. Starring Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Chike, the film is directed and produced by Jade Osiberu, produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and co-produced by Akin Omotoso. It will be released on Prime Video in Nigeria and internationally later this year.

unwritten series LOL: Niji laughs lastMeanwhile, he watches a group of Nigerian comedians competing to be called ‘The Last Laugh’. Hosted by the comedian and singer popularly known as Basketmouth, the show pits 10 famous comedians against each other to see who can win in the end, keeping a straight face as you try to make your opponents laugh and lose. The series, which will feature a donation to the winner’s chosen charity, builds on the success of this global format, which has already been released on Prime Video in Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, India, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. , and will be released worldwide in 2023.

Both productions come on the heels of a series of deals in Nigeria, including Nemsia Films’ exclusive deal for three feature films, starting with breath of life, due for release next year, and licensing agreements with Nigerian production companies Inkblot Studios and Anthill Studios. The two originals were also announced just days after Netflix unveiled its latest list of African originals, which include the king’s knightDue to the world premiere in Toronto, Mo Abudu from Nigerian production company Ebonylife Studios, with whom the streamer has a deal.

“We are excited to increase our investment in Prime Video for Nigerian users, making it a truly localized experience,” said Josh McIvor, Prime Video’s Director of International Expansion. “From local payments and a large-scale local marketing campaign to more local content specifically for Nigerian consumers, our investment in Nigeria is a significant step towards our extensive expansion plans in Africa and our ambition to be the global streaming service most popular. place. “

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Head of Nigerian Originals, added: “We know our customers want to see locally relevant faces, places and stories alongside our global content on Prime Video, so we are excited to bring this new local experience to Amazon. Nigerian consumers. originals, Lagos gangs s LOL: Naya has the last laugh. that will complement our growing selection of African and Nollywood films and TV series.”

Source: Hollywood Reporter

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