Nollywood star Adedimeji Lateef has confirmed that the eagerly anticipated second part of his hit movie “Lisabi” remains on track for its Netflix release in January 2025, despite recent upheaval surrounding the streaming platform’s operations in Nigeria.
The clarification comes amid widespread concern following revelations by prominent Nollywood director Kunle Afolayan at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival that Netflix had ceased funding new directorial projects in Nigeria. This news initially sparked fears about Netflix’s continued presence in the Nigerian market, leading to speculation about the fate of numerous upcoming projects.
Afolayan’s disclosure sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly when he revealed that several directors with ongoing Netflix projects had been left in limbo due to the platform’s sudden policy shift. However, he noted that his own project, “Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre,” remained secure as filming had already been completed for the two seasons approved by Netflix.
The streaming giant was quick to respond to the ensuing panic, issuing a statement to press outlets affirming their commitment to remaining in Nigeria. However, their carefully worded response notably avoided addressing Afolayan’s specific claims about the cessation of director funding, instead offering a somewhat vague assurance of continued support for Nigerian stories without specifying the nature of this support.
Amidst this uncertainty, Adedimeji Lateef took to X (formerly Twitter) to address concerns specifically surrounding “Lisabi,” which has garnered a significant following among Netflix’s Nigerian audience. Our relationship with the streaming platform is intact,” the actor stated confidently, promising fans that the second installment of the blockbuster would arrive as scheduled, with promotional materials including a trailer and poster to be released soon.
The situation highlights the complex relationship between global streaming platforms and local content creators in emerging markets. While Netflix’s presence has been instrumental in elevating Nigerian cinema to international audiences, the reported shift in funding strategy raises questions about the future landscape of content creation in Nollywood.
This development comes at a crucial time for Nigerian cinema, which has seen remarkable growth in production quality and international recognition, largely aided by streaming platform investments. The uncertainty surrounding Netflix’s funding model could potentially impact the industry’s trajectory, though the platform’s continued commitment to hosting Nigerian content suggests a strategic pivot rather than a complete withdrawal.
For fans of “Lisabi,” Lateef’s announcement provides welcome relief, suggesting that completed or near-completed projects remain secure in their release schedules. The actor’s reference to “magic” in the upcoming installment has further stoked anticipation among viewers eager to continue following the story.
The broader implications of Netflix’s reported policy change remain to be seen, particularly for emerging directors and new projects in development. While established productions like “Lisabi” and “Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre” appear secure, the future landscape for new Nigerian content on the platform may be entering a period of transition.
As the situation continues to evolve, industry observers and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Netflix’s relationship with Nigerian cinema develops. The successful release of high-profile projects like “Lisabi Part 2” could provide valuable indicators about the platform’s long-term strategy in one of Africa’s most vibrant film markets.
For now, Adedimeji Lateef’s announcement serves as a reassuring sign that despite the current uncertainty, Nigerian content continues to have a home on global streaming platforms, even as the industry adapts to changing dynamics in international content partnerships.
