Moses Babatope, a titan in the Nigerian film industry, has announced the launch of the Nile Media Entertainment Group, an expansive media and entertainment company dedicated to film production, distribution, cinema experiences, and talent development across Africa.
Leveraging a substantial multi-million dollar investment, the Nile Group aims to redefine the landscape of African media, driving growth and development within the industry.
This announcement comes three months after Babatope disclosed that he was working on a new venture following his exit from Filmhouse. He said in his statement to Nollywire in April 2024, “The plan is bigger than Moses Babatope; it’s not just another entertainment venture. The plan is to grow the industry ten times bigger. We’re innovating, disrupting, and creating new revenue lines for the industry.”
With the entertainment sector contributing approximately 5% to Nigeria’s GDP, Nile Media Entertainment Group looks to tap into untapped markets within West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. According to Babatope, the company will focus on creating, showcasing, and distributing content globally.
“We are taking a grand approach to transform the industry. Our vision is to celebrate and amplify African stories globally, create more revenue streams, and deliver exceptional returns for our investors. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and tapping into the vast pool of African talent, we aim to set new industry standards and drive significant economic growth.”
The Nile Group is Set to Drive Growth Through Five Entities
Group CEO Babatope shared that the Nile Group will operate through five entities: Nile Entertainment, Nile Cinemas, Nile Motion Pictures, Nile Studio Lab, and The Nile Foundation.
Nile Entertainment: Expanding Distribution
Nile Entertainment, the distribution arm of the group, will manage distribution across Africa, the US, the UK, Canada, and other international markets, including South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Babatope disclosed that it has acquired the rights to distribute 31 titles locally and internationally, ensuring African stories reach audiences worldwide. The company is launching with the highly anticipated third installment of Omoni Oboli’s ‘Wives on Strike.’
Additional high-profile acquisitions include Linda Ikeji’s true crime film ‘The Night of June 7’ directed by Toka McBaror, Tolu Awobiyi’s GenZ-themed action/adventure ‘The Artefact,’ Daniel Etim Effiong and Bolaji Ogunmola’s drama ‘Banke,’ Chude Jideonwo’s documentary series ‘Is It Your Money,’ Ayo Shonnaiya’s ‘Afrobeats Backstory Season 2,’ and Orire Nwani’s faith-based documentary series ‘The Wives.’
Innovative Cinema Experiences with Nile X
Nile Cinemas will oversee cinema management, taking over the operation of venues like THC Cinemas Ifako-Ijaiye and Royal Roots Cinemas Ikota, Lagos, with more to come. In collaboration with one of Nigeria’s leading cinema chains, Nile Cinemas will also introduce Nile X, which will feature private luxury pods combining cinema allure with gourmet dining, luxurious seating, and advanced audio-visual technology, providing an exclusive and immersive viewing experience.
Through Nile Screens, the company will also provide cinema operations services for a new screening initiative called Filmhub
Original Content Production by Nile Motion Pictures
Nile Motion Pictures will develop and produce a wide range of original content. Notable projects include an untitled romantic drama with Kayode Kasum’s FilmTrybe, the action-thriller ‘The Porters’ in collaboration with Wingonia Ikpi’s Boxonia Blueprint Productions, and the faith-based drama ‘Oluwaloni’ in partnership with Biodun Stephen’s Shutterspeed Projects.
Production partnerships also include collaborations with Ifedayo Agoro, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and digital storyteller.
Commitment to Excellence with Nile Studio Lab
Nile Studio Lab focuses on producing high-quality films and TV series for both in-house projects and third-party productions. The lab has recently secured an agreement with an International Studio Consortium, further solidifying its commitment to excellence in production.
Nile Group’s international partnerships include collaborations with IFEC UK, Continental Entertainment, Invention Studios, Amplify Africa, TMPL Motion Pictures, Cinemax Distribution, Papaya, Nigerian International Film & TV Summit, and Africa Cinema Summit. These alliances aim to expand the reach of African stories and ensure their global impact.
Driving Community Development with Nile Foundation
The Nile Foundation will drive community development initiatives through a series of masterclasses for filmmakers, sponsoring small projects, and discovering new talents in Africa. By investing in local talent and supporting grassroots projects, the foundation aims to foster a thriving and inclusive film industry across the continent.
Moses Babatope’s illustrious career spans over 20 years, marked by numerous firsts in the Nigerian film industry.
As the co-founder of FilmHouse Group and former Managing Director of FilmOne Limited, he has been instrumental in distributing Nigerian blockbuster films globally, including box office successes like ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ ‘Battle on Buka Street,’ and ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga.’
His collaborations with Hollywood studios such as the Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers, and Sony Pictures have brought blockbuster films including ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ ‘Aquaman,’ and ‘The Woman King’ to West Africa.
As a pioneer in the global digital distribution of Nigerian and African content, Babatope has secured multi-picture, multi-year licensing deals with worldwide streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon.
Looking Ahead
With Nile Media Entertainment Group, Moses Babatope aims not just to participate in the industry but to lead and innovate. “Our goal is to celebrate African stories and bring them to the global stage in the most spectacular ways. This is an exciting time for us, and we are happy to reshape the future of African entertainment.”
Credit: Nollywire
