Afrocritik spotlights some of Nollywood’s most prolific actor-director collaborations; partnerships that have spanned three or more films and a few honourable mentions.
By Joseph Jonathan
Great storytelling is often powered by trust, especially between the person behind the camera and the one in front of it. When actors and directors build strong creative bonds, the results can be unforgettable. These partnerships are rooted in mutual respect, shared artistic vision, and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths.
In Hollywood, we’ve seen proof of this in the partnerships of Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino, and Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. This also applies to Nollywood, where actor-director collaborations are not just recurring but defining. Whether it’s through multiple box office hits, festival favourites, or genre-defining work, these duos have built an understanding that allows them to explore new depths with every project.
In this listicle, Afrocritik spotlights some of Nollywood’s most prolific actor-director collaborations; partnerships that have spanned three or more films and a few honourable mentions.
Ijeoma Grace Agu & Daniel Oriahi
Misfit (2013), Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo (2015), Loved You First (2017), Chasing Rainbows (2017), Stranger Than Ever (2017), Uncloaked (2017), For My Girls (2017), Love Lost (2017), Sylvia (2018), Physical Evidence (2019), The Return of the King (2019), One Last Kiss (2019), Package Deal (2019), Food, Love or Both (2019), Within Reach (2019), Zena (2019), Love Duty (2020), Easy Money (2020), My Name Is A-Zed (2020), Beast Within (2020), Two Wrongs (2020), Mine (2020), Simple People (2020), Hit and Run (2021), The Mismatched (2021), False Doors (2021), The Femi-nist (2022), When Perfect Feels Wrong (2022).
Few pairings in Nollywood are as extensive as this one. Through the course of a decade, Agu and Oriahi have collaborated on more than 25 projects. Their long-running partnership covers a broad genre spectrum, showcasing their shared commitment to complex storytelling and versatile performances.
Bimbo Ademoye & Biodun Stephen
Slay Queen (2019), Truth (2019), Looking for Baami (2019), Reach (2020), Love is Yellow (2020), Through the Wire (2020), Introducing the Kujus (2020), Miz Behaviour (2020), Breaded Life (2021), Carpe Diem (2021), Living with Baami (2021), Untamed (2023), The Kujus Again (2023), Donkey Curse (2023), Big Love (2023).
Whether it’s romance, drama or comedy, Ademoye and Stephen have cultivated a steady actor-director rapport, delivering films that often mix contemporary social issues with heartfelt character journeys.
Uzor Arukwe & Kayode Kasum
Unbroken (2019), Sugar Rush (2019), A Thousand Ways to Break a Cheating Man (2020), Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards (2020), Dwindle (2021), What About Us (2024).
Arukwe’s work with Kasum spans a range of genres and tones, showcasing the versatility and ease that comes from repeated creative partnership. Through their partnership, they’ve demonstrated their ability to stretch across genres while maintaining strong audience appeal.
Timini Egbuson & Biodun Stephen
Reach (2020), Love is Yellow (2020), Introducing the Kujus (2020), Breaded Life (2021), The Kujus Again (2023), Donkey Curse (2023), Big Love (2023).
Director, Biodun Stephen, has consistently gotten the most out of Timini Egbuson who consistently shows up in her films, often as the charming romantic lead or a conflicted millennial figure. Despite the sometimes monotonous roles he plays, you can be sure to get in tune with the character and that is kudos to Stephenʼs direction.
Blossom Chukwujekwu & Kayode Kasum
Domination (2020), Quamʼs Money (2020), Brother (2021).
While not as prolific as some others on this list, this duo still stand out for their intensity, especially in Domination and Brother, where Chukwujekwu brings gravitas to Kasum’s genre experiments.
Blessing Obasi-Nze & Biodun Stephen
Tough Love (2018), Binta Kolonko (2018), Through the Wire (2020), Miz Behaviour (2020), Poor-ish (2021), Hope Springs Eternal (2021), Progressive Tailors Club (2021), Aki and Pawpaw (2021), IjeBaby Chopping Center (2022), Pain and Beyond (2022), A Simple Lie (2022), Sista (2022), True Colors (2022), Helpmate (2023), Different Strokes (2023), Omo Momizs (2023), Hotel Labamba (2023), Small Talk (2023), Bamikale (2023), Momiwa (2024).
This duo has built one of the most sustained actor-director partnerships in Nollywood, with 20 collaborations. Obasi-Nze has become a regular face in Stephen’s films, often bringing comedic timing and dramatic depth.
Bisola Aiyeola & Kayode Kasum
Sugar Rush (2019), This Lady Called Life (2020), Dwindle (2021), Ajosepo (2024).
Aiyeola has become a lively presence in four of Kasum’s films. In what could be seen as a pattern, their first two films are noted for vibrant energy and strong female-led narratives, while their last two films feature an ensemble cast.
Kunle Remi & Biodun Stephen
Sobiʼs Mystic (2017), Tiwaʼs Baggage (2017), Truth (2019), Through the Wire (2020), Introducing the Kujus (2020), Chaos Calling (2023), Untamed (2023), The Kujus Again (2023), Muri & Ko (2024), Asoebi Diaries (2025).
Stephen has consistently cast Remi in lead roles since Sobi’s Mystic, resulting in performances that show off his range — whether it’s brooding romantic leads like in Untamed or quirky, scheming men like in Muri & Ko.
Efa Iwara & Kayode Kasum
Unbroken (2019), This Lady Called Life (2020), Dwindle (2021), Reel Love (2025).
Whether in ensemble comedies like Dwindle or intimate dramas like This Lady Called Life, Iwara fits seamlessly into Kasum’s visual and emotional storytelling style.
Richard Mofe-Damijo & Niyi Akinmolayan
The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017), Castle & Castle (2018), Chief Daddy (2018), Palava! (2022).
Veteran actor, Mofe-Damijo, and Akinmolayan have partnered on high-profile projects that blend comedy, drama, and family dynamics. Their collaborations reflect Nollywood’s evolving grasp of star power and commercial appeal.
Uzor Arukwe & Biodun Stephen
A Chain Reaction (2020), Through the Wire (2020), Progressive Tailors Club (2021), Pain and Beyond (2022), Helpmate (2023), Yours Regardless (2023), Momiwa (2024).
Arukwe excels under Stephen’s direction, offering dependable performances that elevate the film’s. Their partnership often explores the nuances of contemporary Nigerian life, blending humour, drama, and suspense with strong performances.
Ikponmwosa Gold & Kayode Kasum
Oga Bolaji (2018), Soólè (2021), Ponzi (2021), Dwindle (2021), Obara’m (2022), Reel Love (2025).
From playing the titular character in Oga Bolaji, Gold has consistently brought some charm to Kasum’s character-driven stories, particularly in Soólè and Obara’m.
Dakore Egbuson-Akande & Niyi Akinmolayan
Castle and Castle (2018), Chief Daddy (2018), The Set Up (2019), Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke (2022).
For most of their collaborations, Egbuson-Akande brings mature portrayal to Akinmolayan’s sometimes chaotic ensemble casts.
Jimmy Jean-Louis & Kunle Afolayan
The CEO (2016), Citation (2020), Recall (2025).
Haitian actor, Jean-Louis, has become a familiar face in Nollywood thanks to his multiple collaboration with director Afolayan. From the corporate thriller The CEO to Afolayan’s most recent film, Recall, Jean-Louis adds some international flair to Afolayan’s world-building.
Mawuli Gavor & Kayode Kasum
Sugar Rush (2019), Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards (2020), Ponzi (2021).
Ghanaian actor, Gavor, is no stranger to Nollywood and his smooth persona has oftentimes paired well with Kasum’s kinetic storytelling.
Uzor Arukwe & Niyi Akinmolayan
The Set Up (2019), Prophetess (2021), Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke (2022), The Man for the Job (2022).
Arukwe’s work with Akinmolayan proves his adaptability, especially in narratives dealing with ambition, deception and materialism.
Kunle Remi & Kunle Afolayan
A Naija Christmas (2021), Anikulapo (2022), Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre (2024).
Afolayan’s recent epics, Anikulapo and Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre have leaned on Remi’s brooding charm. Their partnership signals a shift in Afolayan’s casting choices toward younger, more magnetic leads.
Paul Utomi & C.J. “Fiery” Obasi
Ojuju (2014), O-Town (2015), Juju Stories (2021).
This indie powerhouse duo began with Ojuju and have continued to push boundaries through experimental films that have helped redefine the Nigerian arthouse cinema scene.
Bimbo Ademoye & Kayode Kasum
Sugar Rush (2019), A Thousand Ways to Break a Cheating Man (2020), Love is Yellow (2020), Fate of Alakada (2020), Reel Love (2025).
While their latter films have not been as widely acclaimed as Sugar Rush, Ademoye has consistently put in worthwhile performances in every Kasum-directed film she’s been in.
Fathia Balogun & Adeoluwa Owu
A Tribe Called Judah (2023), Queen Lateefah (2024), Asiri Ade (2024), Owambe Thieves (2025).
In what is the most recent partnership in this list, Balogun and Owu have gone on a consistent three-year run that has produced two of the ten highest grossing Nollywood films of all time with A Tribe Called Judah and Queen Lateefah at numbers 2 and 9 respectively.
Uzor Arukwe & Adeoluwa Owu
Gaslight (2020), A Tribe Called Judah (2023), Thinline (2024).
Whether playing intense or funny roles, Arukwe finds a reliable collaborator in Owu, with movies that cut across the romance, drama and comedy genres.
Bisola Aiyeola & Biodun Stephen
Glimpse (2017), Introducing the Kujus (2020), Breaded Life (2021), A Simple Lie (2022), Sista (2022), The Kujus Again (2023), Muri & Ko (2024).
Aiyeola is easily recognisable in Stephen’s films because of the relatable characters she plays. Whether it’s the peace-loving sister in Introducing the Kujus and its sequel, The Kujus Again or the career-driven celebrity in Muri & Ko, each Aiyeola character in Stephen’s films feels like someone you know.
Jide Kene Achufusi & Kayode Kasum
Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards (2020), Dwindle (2021), Afamefuna (2023).
Achufusi has proven to be a dependable collaborator who can play both romantic and dramatic roles in Kasum’s evolving filmography.
Timini Egbuson & Kayode Kasum
Ponzi (2021), Dwindle (2021), Something Like Gold (2023), Tarella: Princess of the Nile (2023), Allʼs Fair in Love (2024), Ajosepo (2024), Reel Love (2025).
Egbuson’s collaborations with Kasum highlight an exciting range from romance to comedy and social drama, cementing their place among Nollywood’s dynamic duos.
Femi Adebayo & Kunle Afolayan
October 1 (2014), Diamonds in the Sky (2019), Mokalik (2019), Ijogbon (2023).
The duo of Femi Adebayo and Kunle Afolayan represent a blend of traditional and contemporary storytelling that continues to shape Nollywood’s creative landscape.
Honourable Mentions
- Nancy Isime & Funke Akindele – Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), She Must Be Obeyed (2023)
- Sola Sobowale & Kemi Adetiba – The Wedding Party (2016), King of Boys (2018), King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021)
- Richard Mofe-Damijo & Omoni Oboli – Okafor’s Law (2016), Love is War (2019)
- Funke Akindele & Chinaza Onuzo – Who’s the Boss (2020), No Way Through (2023)
- Lateef Adedimeji & Adeoluwa Owu – The Griot (2021), Queen Lateefah (2024)
- Kunle Remi & Adeoluwa Owu – Camouflage (2020), Ex with Benefits (2021)
- Gabriel Afolayan & Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors (2024), Family Brouhaha (2025)
- Gabriel Afolayan & Kenneth Gyang – Blood Sisters (2022), This is Lagos (2023)
- Kelechi Udegbe & C.J “Fiery” Obasi – Ojuju (2014), Mami Wata (2023)
- Uzoamaka Power & C.J “Fiery” Obasi – Juju Stories (2021), Mami Wata (2023)
- Butus Richard & C.J “Fiery” Obasi – Ojuju (2014), O-Town (2015)
- Temilolu Fosudo & Taiwo Egunjobi – In Ibadan (2021) and A Green Fever (2023)
- William Benson & Taiwo Egunjobi – A Green Fever (2023) and The Fire and The Moth (2025)
- Wale Ojo & Kunle Afolayan – Phone Swap (2012), The CEO (2016)
- Ademola Adedoyin & Kunle Afolayan – October 1 (2014), The Bridge (2017)
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.