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Nollywood is taking a major leap into epic fantasy storytelling with the upcoming release of Osamede, a visually ambitious and culturally grounded film set in pre-colonial Benin. Positioned as an ode to African identity, womanhood, and spiritual resilience, Osamede is already drawing buzz for its rich narrative, compelling cast, and creative direction.
The film follows the story of a young orphaned girl named Osamede, portrayed by award-winning actress Ivie Okujaye, who lives in pre-colonial Benin—an era defined by complex traditions, royal structures, and impending colonial disruption. As the plot unfolds, Osamede discovers that she possesses mysterious, otherworldly powers. These powers become more than a revelation—they become her responsibility. Rising from personal loss and societal limitations, she ultimately leads a resistance against the British colonial invaders.
What makes Osamede stand out in the ever-growing Nollywood catalogue is not just its fantasy elements, but its deep historical roots and emotional resonance. The film is both a personal journey and a political narrative, exploring how African women have often carried the spiritual, emotional, and revolutionary weight of their communities.
“An ode to womanhood and African identity,” the film’s official teaser states, “Osamede tells the story of an orphaned girl… who discovers she has otherworldly powers and rises to lead a resistance against the British.”
A Powerful Ensemble Cast
In addition to Ivie Okujaye in the lead role, the film features an impressive ensemble cast of Nollywood talents, including Lexan Peters, William Benson, Etinosa Idemudia, Lancelot Imasuen, Tosin Adeyemi, and Paul Obazele. Each cast member brings depth and authenticity to the story, helping to reimagine the historical context of Benin through complex, multilayered characters.
The casting of Okujaye is particularly fitting, given her history of taking on powerful female roles. Known for her emotional range and charismatic screen presence, Okujaye is expected to deliver a performance that balances vulnerability with strength—mirroring the journey of many African women throughout history.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Powerhouses
Osamede is directed by James Omokwe, a filmmaker widely known for blending traditional African narratives with high-concept storytelling. Omokwe has carved a name for himself in the African fantasy and historical drama space, with projects that often center indigenous mythologies, royal legacies, and personal transformation.
The screenplay is written by Lolo Eremie, a screenwriter whose work often centers identity, history, and the supernatural. Her storytelling is expected to blend poetic dialogue with culturally specific references, offering a script that is both grounded and transcendent.
The film is executive produced by Lilian (@goldlilies_lilian), a creative voice championing premium African stories with global appeal. With the distribution handled by The Nile Entertainment (@thenileentertainment), Osamede is set for wide exposure, promising both domestic and international audiences access to a uniquely African epic.
A New Direction for Nollywood
Osamede signals a growing shift within Nollywood—a move toward genre expansion, higher production value, and globally competitive storytelling. Where once Nollywood was known primarily for its domestic dramas and comedies, recent years have seen the industry venture into sci-fi, thrillers, and now, fantasy epics rooted in African mythology and history.
Films like Osamede also reflect a broader conversation happening within African cinema: the importance of reclaiming historical narratives and telling stories through a distinctly African lens. Rather than portraying the colonial period through foreign perspectives, Osamede centers the indigenous experience—highlighting African spirituality, resistance, and communal strength.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Set in the Benin Kingdom—an empire known for its advanced civilization, rich art, and political influence—Osamede taps into a cultural archive that is both majestic and often misrepresented. The Benin Kingdom faced British invasion in 1897, during which the empire was looted and its people subjugated.
By placing a powerful African woman at the center of this turbulent historical period, the film revises and reclaims the narrative, offering a vision of the past where agency, magic, and womanhood intertwine.
In a landscape where African women are too often relegated to the margins of history, Osamede makes a bold claim: that they were always central, powerful, and spiritually connected to the pulse of the continent.
Anticipation Builds
With teasers already generating social media excitement, Osamede is poised to become one of the most talked-about Nollywood films of the year. Audiences are eager to witness the fusion of fantasy and history, the exploration of African spirituality, and the elevation of womanhood in a context that has long been overlooked.
As the release date draws near, one thing is clear: Osamede is more than just a film—it’s a cultural moment. It reimagines the past, honors the power of African women, and sets a new standard for what Nollywood fantasy can achieve.
Watch the trailer below…
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