Netflix came on board in Nigeria in 2016, as a streaming platform. Prior to that time, Nigerian were abreast with the Cinema culture.
We knew names like Silverbird Cinemas, Ozone, Viva, Skymall, IMAX, littered all over major cities in Nigeria. However it appears that these recreational centres are facing a decline.
In 2020, in the wake of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, Cinemas were closed worldwide to reduce person-to-person contact and curb the spread of the virus.
At that same time, Nigerians were in a lockdown and on the look out for things to keep them entertained. Around that period, one of Netflix’s top series “Money Heist” season 4 was being aired on the streaming platform.
A lot of people were quick to come on board on Netflix to have access to both old and new movies to keep themselves and their family entertained while indoors.
Towards September 2020, Cinemas were now completely open, however taking some COVID-19 measures like use of sanitizers, and compulsory facemasks. However it appears that things are no longer the same for this recreational centres.
Movie producers are now taking their films to Netflix without a cinematic premiere. For example, the sequel of EbonyLife’s “Chief Daddy” was released on Netflix in December. Also, Kemi Adetiba’s much anticipated “King of Boys- Return of the King” that was released in August 2021.
Also read:
– Film Lovers Get ready! Cinemas Are Returning On September 11
– Cinemas Across Nigeria Set To Reopen Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
– “Ridiculously Foolish Movie” -Negative Reviews Trail Release Of Netflix’s “Chief Daddy 2”
Biodun Stephen’s “Breaded Life”, Niyi Akinmolayan’s “My Village People”, “Prophetess” and Michael ‘Amapsalmist’ Akinrogunde’s “The Ghost and the Tout Too2” already have confirmed premiere dates on Netflix.
“Breaded Life” and the aforementioned were among the highest grossing films of 2021. The Toyin Abraham produced “The Ghost and the Tout” sequel took the lion share at the box office last year with over ₦134 million.
“Prophetess” followed closely with ₦131 million, “My Village People” with ₦100 million and “Breaded Life” with ₦88 million.
Below are release dates:
Prophetess: July 8
Breaded Life: July 10
Ghost and the Tout Too: July 15
My Village People: July 22
The Razz Guy: August 12
Dwindle: August 19
In addition to the licensed titles, Play Network’s “Glamour Girls” remake is also headed for the streamer come June 24th.
So can we say Netflix has phased out Cinemas in Nigeria?.
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