Prime Video Announces ‘Christmas in Lagos’ Release Before Pausing Africa Originals

Prime Video has slated a December release for “Christmas in Lagos,” a holiday romantic comedy from Jade Osiberu, the multi-talented creator behind “Gangs of Lagos.” The film features Afrobeats star Ayra Starr and a stellar cast of Nigerian pop and screen stars.

This film is the first and only production resulting from Osiberu’s groundbreaking multi-title deal with Prime Video. However, Osiberu confirmed she has exited the deal after Prime Video paused its original productions in Africa.

“Christmas in Lagos” is inspired by “Love Actually” and weaves together interlocking stories set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos’ “Detty December” festivities. The film follows four friends as they navigate friendship, love, and loss during the holiday season.

The cast includes Teniola A. Aladese, Shalom C. Obiago, Rayxia Ojo, and Shaffy Bello, along with appearances from some of Afrobeats’ biggest names, including 22-year-old sensation Ayra Starr and singer-songwriter Adekunle Gold.

Speaking from Lagos, Osiberu described “Detty December” as a magical time when Nigeria’s busiest and most vibrant city transforms into a month-long celebration. “There’s a lot of family togetherness during Christmas, but a majority of it is about having these big parties and concerts and weddings,” she said. “Every single day there’s a crazy event.”

The story centers on recently heartbroken Fiyin (Aladese), who believes her best friend Elo (Obiago) is the love of her life. However, complications arise when Elo arrives from New York, ready to propose to his secret girlfriend Yagazie (Angel Anosike). Meanwhile, 59-year-old Gbemi (Bello) is torn between her boyfriend of two years (Wale Ojo) and her old high school sweetheart (Richard Mofe Damijo).

Then there’s Ivie (Rayxia Ojo), who returns home to Lagos from London with the dream of experiencing the most extravagant “Detty December.” Unexpectedly, she falls head-over-heels for Ajani (Ladipo).

The movie pulses with the rhythms of Nigerian Afrobeats, a deliberate choice by Osiberu to maintain authenticity. “If you’re making a Detty December movie and you don’t put Afrobeats in it, it just feels very inauthentic,” she noted.

Osiberu emphasized the need for scale to capture the essence of Lagos in December, incorporating concert scenes and lavish wedding parties. Prime Video immediately agreed, aiming to make the best, most exciting Christmas film from Nigeria. “When anybody sees this, they get a sense for what it’s like to spend Christmas in Lagos, and they want to be there as well,” she recalled.

Securing top talent like Starr was crucial, though not easy. “Ayra Starr represents what it means to be young, female, daring, brave, and fearless,” Osiberu remarked. The film also features cameos by rising stars Wurld and Liya, with its soundtrack boasting tracks from legendary musician King Sunny Ade and Afrobeats icons Flavour and D’banj, among others.

“Christmas in Lagos” is the lone title from Osiberu’s three-year output deal with Prime Video and marks a closing chapter in the streaming giant’s efforts in the African market. The swift exit was unexpected, with Osiberu noting the disappointment over how sudden it was. “None of us saw it coming,” she said.

Just weeks before the film’s principal photography, news broke about Prime Video’s departure from Africa. Osiberu and her team feared the film might be a casualty of this decision. “I’m grateful that Amazon stuck to their commitment to finish the film,” she commented.

Despite the setback, Osiberu remains optimistic about Africa’s film industry. “I do think Africa is an exciting market. The African diaspora is a massive market which Afrobeats has already proven,” she said. She sees a direct connection between the continent and broader Black culture worldwide. “As the industry grows, I suspect other distributors and platforms will reconsider the territory,” she added.

Osiberu also remains a strong advocate for Nigeria’s Nollywood industry, lauding its resilience. “Over the years, it’s had various seasons, but one thing Nollywood hasn’t done is stop growing,” she said. “Nollywood will survive whatever happens. We will always find a way to make our films and keep growing until the right partners who see the opportunity are ready to partner with us.”

Source: Variety