On March 24, a star-studded event marked the launch of Kava, a new streaming platform created to promote Nollywood and African stories. Prodigy saxophonist Temilayo Abodunrin entertained actor Shaffy Bello, who danced with joy in the company of filmmakers, investors, and entertainment industry leaders.
Kava is a subscription-based streaming service created by InkBlot Studios and Filmhouse Group. InkBlot is known for blockbuster Nollywood hits, while Filmhouse runs the largest cinema chain in West Africa. Together, they aim to build more than just a movie platform.
“We’re creating a platform that powers careers, encourages innovation, and connects African creativity to the world,” said Kene Okwuosa, co-CEO of Kava and head of Filmhouse Group.
During a panel discussion, Kava’s co-CEOs—Kene Okwuosa and Chinaza Onuzo—explained that the idea started five years ago but only began to take shape three months ago. Onuzo, who has worked with Filmhouse for years, believes the time is right to bring their vision to life: a digital hub where African stories can grow and thrive.
Redefining Global Access to Nollywood Stories
Nollywood has always adapted to changes, from selling VCDs to showing movies in cinemas and now embracing streaming. Today, global players like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube, along with local platforms like IROKOTV, offer Nigerian movies.
But despite Nollywood’s rising global popularity, no platform has made African films a strong presence on international streaming. Netflix and Amazon have even scaled back their operations in Nigeria. IROKOTV also pulled out of the market. Its founder, Jason Njoku, admitted they spent over $100 million trying to stay afloat.
Kava’s Product Head and InkBlot co-founder, Damola Ademola, believes the market has improved. He says when IROKOTV launched, internet access was limited. But now, more people are streaming content, which makes Kava’s mission easier.
He compared Kava to niche platforms like Crunchyroll for anime and Shudder for horror. “African movies can also attract loyal global audiences,” he said. Ademola even mentioned that Nollywood films once trended in Ukraine before the war, showing their wide appeal.
Onuzo added that Nigerian content already performs well worldwide. “Even in countries like Brazil and Argentina, people watch our stories,” he said. Kava plans to grow that global interest with high-quality movies delivered regularly.
Kava Will Offer Top Nollywood Titles Weekly
At launch, Kava will feature more than 30 premium Nollywood films, including:
- Alakada: Bad and Boujee
- Owambe Thieves (with Zubby Michael, Odunlade Adekola, and Sola Sobowale)
- What About Us (featuring Kuni Remi and Uzor Arukwe)
- House Job (with Erica Nlewedim)
Along with licensed titles, Kava plans to invest in original content. Onuzo said the platform would allow them to share stories in many languages, with different themes and local flavours. Though Nigeria is the starting point, Kava wants to expand across Africa.
To fuel its vision, Kava raised money from early backers, including Vested World and TLG Capital. Although the company didn’t share the total amount, Ademola said they plan to raise more funds for expansion across Africa and into Europe, especially the UK.
This comes as Nigeria’s tech sector shows more interest in Nollywood. Since 2023, many startup founders and venture capital firms have invested in movies. Some, like Voltron Capital, saw returns as high as 3x on films such as The Black Book and Gangs of Lagos. Platforms like TalentX Africa now make it easier to finance African films.
Ladun Awobokun, Kava’s Head of Content Acquisition, said the platform will spotlight African movies, music, fashion, and culture. “Kava will give creators in Nigeria and across the diaspora a space to shine,” she said.
The global rise of Afrobeats and African fashion has shown that African culture has international appeal. Onuzo believes Nollywood can follow that path. “When we share more stories with global audiences, they’ll come to love our content. They just don’t know it yet—but they will,” he said.
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