In Nollywood, a growing number of writer-director pairings are leaving their mark, not just through individual hits but through sustained partnerships
By Joseph Jonathan
In the world of film, few things are as powerful or as important as creative collaboration. A compelling script needs a visionary director to bring it to life, just as a director relies on a sharp, coherent screenplay to guide the soul of their film. The magic of filmmaking happens when these two forces align, creating stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
As six-time Oscar-winning director, Alan Parker, once said, “Filmmaking is a collaborative art form. No filmmaker in history ever made a film on his, or her, own. Let’s face it, even Leonardo needed a little help painting “The Last Supper”, but Federico needed a hundred people to help him make “La Dolce Vita””. This statement rings especially true in Nollywood, where a growing number of writer-director pairings are leaving their mark, not just through individual hits but through sustained partnerships that have defined genres, launched careers, and redefined storytelling.
In this listicle, we spotlight some of Nollywood’s most prolific writer-director duos: those who have worked together on three or more projects together. And because some magic only needs two chances to spark, we’ve also included honourable mentions.
Isaac Ayodeji & Taiwo Egunjobi
In Ibadan (2021), All Na Vibes (2021), Crushed Roses (2022), A Green Fever (2023), The Fire and The Moth (2025)
Having worked as co-writers on Dwindle (2021), the duo teamed up for Egunjobi’s directorial debut, In Ibadan, and have never looked back since. They have gone on to become one of the most exciting writer-director teams in Nigeria’s indie film space. Their collaborations explore youth, rebellion, and societal decay with raw energy and poetic realism. With each film, their collaboration adds a new layer to its evolving cinematic vision.
Collins Okoh & Funke Akindele
Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), A Tribe Called Judah (2023), She Must Be Obeyed (2023), Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), Finding Me (2025)
Funke Akindele is rightly called Nollywood’s box office queen, but behind some of her biggest box office hits is the pen of Collins Okoh. Together, they’ve shaped stories that balance broad comedy with strong emotional stakes, speaking directly to Nigeria’s urban middle class.
Akinlabi Ishola & Funke Akindele
A Tribe Called Judah (2023), She Must Be Obeyed (2023), Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), Finding Me (2025)
Another key collaborator in Akindele’s camp, Ishola’s scripting style leans into contemporary themes and multi-character ensembles. As a frequent collaborator with Collins Okoh and Funke Akindele, their work together signals a production model built on trust and consistency.
Tunde Babalola & Kunle Afolayan
October 1 (2014), The CEO (2016), Mokalik (2019), Diamonds in the Sky (2019), Tenant of the House (2019), Citation (2020), Aníkúlápó (2022), Ijogbon (2023)
As the most prolific on this list, Tunde Babalola and Kunle Afolayan’s partnership is responsible for some of Nollywood’s most ambitious and globally recognised films. Whether it’s period dramas or political thrillers, their work is marked by intelligent scripting and cinematic ambition which is evident in the critical acclaim which most of their work have received.
Kemi Adesoye & Kunle Afolayan
The Figurine (2009), Phone Swap (2012), Ọmụgwọ (2017), A Naija Christmas (2021)
Kemi Adesoye is known for her character-driven narratives, and with Afolayan’s experienced cinematic eye, this duo has delivered both commercial hits and critical favourites. Their early work together, The Figurine is one of the films that helped define the New Nollywood era.
Shola Dada & Kunle Afolayan
Roti (2017), The Bridge (2017), Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre (2024).
Shola Dadaʼs style sees her bring a reflective, sometimes spiritual touch to her scripts. When paired with Afolayan’s epic vision, their stories offer layered portrayals of life, love, and loss.
Toluwani Obayan Osibe & Kayode Kasum
This Lady Called Life (2020), Ponzi (2021), Something Like Gold (2023)
This pair excels at telling intimate stories that are socially relevant. Their work spans dramedy to romance, each time focusing on everyday characters with relatable struggles and triumphs.
Stephen Okonkwo & Kayode Kasum
Soole (2021), Obara’m (2022), Ajosepo (2024)
Stephen Okonkwo and Kasum’s collaborations blend traditional motifs with modern storytelling. Their films often explore family, tradition, and the tension between the old and the new.
Frances Okeke & Biodun Stephen
Mother Love (2019), Hell Cat (2019), Carpe Diem (2021)
Through their collaborative work, Frances Okeke and Biodun Stephen have carved a niche for themselves in the melodrama and romantic genres. This duo are able to tell emotionally resonant stories that spotlight female leads and complex relationships.
Toyin Abraham & Adebayo Tijani
Alakada 2 (2013), Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022), Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024)
Toyin Abraham wears many hats: writer, actor, producer, and in Adebayo Tijani, she has found a director who translates her vision to screen with flair. Their collaborations are usually marked by humour, satire, and social commentary.
Femi Adebayo & Tope Adebayo
Jelili (2011), King of Thieves (2022), Jagun Jagun (2023)
As the sons of the legendary Adebayo Salami, this brother duo have brought Yoruba epic storytelling to the mainstream. From comedy to mythic stories, their creative synergy is rooted in cultural pride and folktale tradition.
Adebayo Tijani & Tope Adebayo
Jagun Jagun (2023), Crossroads (2024), Seven Doors (2024)
Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo are another duo committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling in the Yoruba epic genre. Their films usually blend high-concept production design with grounded Yoruba folklore to create memorable cinematic experience for audiences.
Musa Jeffrey David & Moses Inwang
Lockdown (2021), Merry Men 3: Nemesis (2023), Blood Vessel (2023)
This duo dive into genre filmmaking with assured confidence, as they often explore social commentary in the thriller and drama genres. David and Inwangʼs collaborations are often characterised by its ensemble cast.
Jennifer Nkemdilim Eneanya & Daniel Oriahi
Zena (2019), Simple People (2020), The Mismatched (2021), False Doors (2021)
One of the most underrated pairings, their work embraces the quirky, and the emotional. Oriahi’s bold direction meets Eneanya’s abstract but realistic scripts to produce consistently surprising work.
Honourable Mentions
These writer-director pairings have shown early promise or made memorable contributions with just two films:
- Ozioma Nwughala & Biodun Stephen – Tough Love (2018), Slay Queen (2019)
- Joy Isi Bewaji & Biodun Stephen – Seven and a Half Dates (2018), Porbeni (2021)
- Ijenebe Anwuri & Biodun Stephen – Truth (2019), Butterflies (2021)
- Omo Ojeiwa & Kayode Kasum – Dognapped (2017), Oga Bolaji (2018)
- Ife Olujuyigbe & Kayode Kasum – What About Us (2024), Reel Love (2025)
- Chinaza Onuzo & Omoni Oboli – Moms at War (2018), Love is War (2019)
- Chinaza Onuzo & Tope Oshin – New Money (2018), Up North (2018)
- Tunde Babalola & Bolanle Austen-Peters – Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (2024), House of Ga’a (2024)
- Anthony Kehinde Joseph & Moses Inwang – Merry Men 2 (2019), Bad Comments (2020)
- Nicole Asinugo & Ramsey Nouah – Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019), Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (2020)
- Vanessa Kanu & Daniel Oriahi – Sylvia (2018), The Weekend (2024)
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @JosieJp3.