Yoruba Nollywood industry has consistently served us premium entertaining contents since its started taking shape after the end of the Alarinjo Traveling Theatre Era.
With advancement in technology and continuous invention of various creative approaches, the industry has successfully reached its peak and stands toe to toe with other film industry of the world including Bollywood and Hollywood of India and United States of America respectively.
In the following, I recommend some Yoruba movie classics that thrilled us before the industry reached its peak for your viewing pleasure:
Poster of Tí Olúwa Nilẹ̀
1. Ti Olúwa Nilẹ̀
An enthralling flick from the stable of Tunde Kelani's Mainframe Film and Television productions which had Baba Wande (Chief Asiyanbi) conspiring with two others, JP and Sanya to sell a sacred land. As death takes away two of the culprits for their misdeeds, Asiyanbi makes several attempts to escape the claws of death.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/RfKhOIB3H1k
Poster of Saworoide
2. Saworoide
This is also another movie from the stable of Mainframe Productions. It starred Lere Paimo (Eda Onileola), Larinde Akinleye, Kunle Afolayan, Khabirat Kafidipe, Kunle Bamtefa, Bukky Wright, Kola Oyewo and more. A greedy king, King Lapite flouts his kingdom’s cultural values and practices for his selfish interest but unfortunately, his life is cut short as a military coup led by Lagata usurps the throne and eliminate him.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/lqON2t9mBks
3. Ogbori Elemosho
This epic movie witnessed one of the phenomal performances from the legendary Eda Onileola in his film and performance career. This movie is embellished with beautiful Yoruba poetry, dances and significant cultural display. In the movie, Eda (Soun Ogunlola) ended the terror of Idagiri in his village. However, the glory that comes with his triumph is short-lived as Baba Ijesha, his friend died in a brawl against him. He is banished to Oyo where he volunteers to King Ajagbo and his comrades to fight Elemosho - a mysterious being terrorizing the town.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/1Q5PPIVvLUg
4. Àfọ̀njá
A 2002 epic movie featuring Peter Fatomilola as the eponymous actor and lead character. The movie tells the story of Afonja, Alaafin Aole and involvement of members of the other Yoruba race. The actions are scintialling while dialogues are delivered tremendously in endearing Yoruba poetics. It recorded class acts from seasoned thespians including Ogun Majek, Ayo Akinwale, Uncle Laide, Musiliu Dasofunjo, Baba Wande, Tunji Ojeyemi, Ayo Mogaji and more.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/zKzJW0luAic
Kola Oyewo as Olowojeunjeje in Owo Eje
5. Owo Ẹ̀jẹ̀
Bisi seeks the service of two private detectives, Akin Olusina Ọlọ́fintótó and Tunde Atọpinpin to investigate the mysterious murder of her young lover, Súlè Ìgbìrà who lost his life to food poisoning. The prime suspects of this murder include Chief Olowojeunjeje (Kola Oyewo), Suara Owoyemi (Baba Wande), Ekun, Joseph and Lana- a truck driver. The movie is intriguing, suspense-filled and changed the narrative about the image of the Nigerian Police Force as one dedicated to serve true justice. It features Joke Muyiwa, Lere Paimo, Lanre Balogun, Délé Odule, Peter Fatomilola, Tunji Ojeyemi and more.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/Hu7uZeOZrOU
Poster of Ó Le Kú
6. Ó Le Kú
A movie adaptation of Akinwumi Isola's novel which tells the emotional tale of Ajani's love triangle with Asake, Lola Ajasa and Sade. It starred phenomenal performances from Yemi Shodimu, Lere Paimo, Iyabo Ogunsola, Feyikemi Abodunrin, Omolola Amusa, Pauline Dike, Femi Fatoba, Aderupoko and others.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/E4Defbbl2hA
