When streaming giant Amazon Prime Video decided to make its mark on Nollywood in 2022, the choice of who to work with was almost instinctive- Jadesola Osiberu. The Nigerian filmmaker has reshaped the industry with bold storytelling and creative plots. This landmark three-year deal resulted in Gangs of Lagos, a gritty gangster drama.
Gang of Lagos became Prime Video’s first African original and climbed into the global top three on the platform. This, alongside other blockbuster movies, positioned the scriptwriter cum movie director and producer as one of the leading voices in modern Nigerian cinema. Her partnership with Amazon Prime Video was a milestone for the industry, opening doors for Nigerian films to reach a wider international audience.
Osiberu’s entry into the movie industry didn’t begin in 2022. She made her debut film, ‘Isoken,’ in 2017, which grossed ₦93,697,726. It was a heartwarming exploration of love, family pressures, and societal expectations. Her subsequent works, ‘Gangs of Lagos’ grossing over ₦230 million and ‘Brotherhood’ grossing ₦328,881,120, further solidified her reputation as a creative artist, bringing gripping narratives and top-notch production to Nigeria. Her latest movie, Christmas in Lagos, premiered on Prime Video on 20 December 2024 and was equally loved by African audiences.
Jadesola Osiberu, born into a royal lineage in Sagamu, Ogun State, earned a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Manchester. This educational background sharpened her technical mindset as her creative instincts drew her to storytelling and filmmaking.
Before embarking on her filmmaking career, Jadesola Osiberu entered the Nigerian job market in a digital marketing role at Guaranty Trust Bank. She then launched and developed Ndani TV under the bank’s auspices. This platform revolutionised online content creation in Nigeria, allowing Osiberu to refine her storytelling and production skills.
A commitment to telling “big stories”
Osiberu’s career breakthrough began with ‘Gidi Up,’ a web series that quickly became a cult classic. At the time, creating high-quality online content in Nigeria was not mainstream, but Osiberu recognised its potential. ‘Gidi Up’ was fresh, bold, and relatable, pioneering a new approach to storytelling that resonated with young Nigerians. As her creative vision expanded, she founded Tribe85 Productions and later Greoh Studios to showcase African stories to a global audience.
Like any filmmaker, Jádesola Osiberu has faced her share of controversies. Her bold storytelling often navigates the delicate balance between creative expression and societal expectations, leading to debates surrounding her films. For example, “Gangs of Lagos” received criticism from some reviewers who questioned its depiction of Lagos culture and its portrayal of the Eyo masquerades as violent criminal gangs that terrorize and murder innocent citizens. Even the state government intervened, arguing that the movie could reinforce negative stereotypes.
Similarly, her 2019 romance comedy, Sugar Rush, grossing ₦287,053,270, was temporarily pulled from cinemas during its box-office reign. Many attributed this decision to its supposed unflattering portrayal of anti-corruption agents.
Despite this, Jádesola Osiberu isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She is poised to take Nollywood storytelling to even greater heights while working closely with established and emerging talents.
