- Often, Screenwriters are not given as much accolades as they should
- Every film begins with the screenwriter before its record-breaking success on-screen
- TheRadar spotlighted 7 Screenwriters behind memorable Nollywood titles of 2024
In Nollywood, the spotlights usually capture actors at the forefront of a film’s record-breaking feat, but the true magic began in the minds of the screenwriters.
These story architects built many stories we have come to love and hold dear — for their compelling structure and character developments.
From the most incredible plot twists and turns, to the live triangles and iconic dialogues that hit differently, these screenwriters have created memorable Nollywood titles in 2024.
TheRadar spotlighted 7 screenwriters, who have given the most memorable nail-biting and gripping stories of 2024.
7 Screenwriters behind biggest 2024 Nollywood titles
- Vanessa Kanu, Freddie Anyaegbunam and Egbemawei Sammy — The Weekend
These trio worked on the horror genre film, The Weekend, which isn't so popular in Nollywood and made it a masterpiece. Vanessa Kanu, Freddie Anyaegbunam and Egbemawei Sammy’s storytelling follows a unique approach never seen in Nollywood — no wonder, it broke records. For Freddie, The Weekend is his debut feature, while for Vanessa and Sammy, this added to their exceptional screenwriting portfolio.
- Jack’Kenneth Opukeme — Farmer’s Bride
Farmer’s Bride is another Nollywood title that got movie lovers talking. The film adds credence to the previous works of Jack’Kenneth Opukeme who is known for his captivating stories in Adire and Battle on Buka Street. His screenplay and direction on Farmer’s Bride is one for the books.
- Tunde Babalola — Funmilayo Ransome Kuti & House of Ga’a
The biopic Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, documenting the activism and life of the mother of Afrobeat legend, Fela Ransome Kuti, is one Nollywood film that stood out in 2024. From its intentionality to its storytelling approach, it sparked unending conversations. Tunde Babalola was behind the award-winning screenplay. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti won Best Screenplay and Best Film at the African Film Festival (AFRIFF). Tunde is a seasoned writer in both the Nigerian and British Television whose notable works in Nollywood include: House of Ga’a, Last Flight to Abuja, Citation and October 1.
- Cheta Chukwu — The Uprising Wives on Strike 3
Cheta Chukwu's work on The Uprising Wives on Strike 3 has earned its impressive feat since its release in October. The writer-director, who recently got accepted into the Torino Film Lab program has also written Strawberry Chinny and Pay Day.
- Anthony Kehinde Joseph — Queen Lateefah
Anthony Joseph is the screenwriter behind the grossing film Queen Lateefah produced by Nollywood actress Wunmi Toriola. Anthony’s ability to weave a relatable story around deceit and lies keeps you at the edge of your seat and most importantly leaves you with a lesson or two.
TheRadar Box Office: Ranking 10 highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time
What truly makes a box office hit film? Some might say it is popularity or story or money. Regardless, some films have cracked the code.
Blending relatable storytelling, unexpected plot twists, and captivating visuals, some filmmakers have been to keep their films on the lips of viewers.
From A Tribe Called Judah, Sugar Rush, The Wedding Party, and Mailaka, TheRadar curated a full list of all the Nollywood films that have risen as the Top 10 highest-grossing films of all time in descending order.
