Christmas in Lagos

Nigerian romantic comedy drama film

Christmas in Lagos

Directed by| Jade Osiberu
Written by|

Jade Osiberu

Starring|

* Teniola Aladese
* Rayxia Ojo
* Shaffy Bello
* Shalom C. Obiago
* Wale Ojo
* Richard Mofe-Damijo

Cinematography| Jonathan Kyriakou
Edited by|

* Olakunle Martini Akande
* Afolabi Olalekan

Music by| Cobhams Asuquo

Production
company

Greoh Studios

Distributed by| Amazon Prime Video

Release date

* 2024 (2024)

Running time

| 124 minutes
Country| Nigeria

Christmas in Lagos is a 2024 Nigerian romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Jadesola Osiberu. Produced by Greoh Studios, the film explores the vibrant culture of Lagos, Nigeria, during the Christmas season. It features a mix of humor, romance, and family drama and captures the essence of celebrating Christmas in the bustling city. cast members include Richard Mofe-Damijo, Teniola Aladese, Shaffy Bello, Ladipoe, Shalom C. Obiago, Rayxia Ojo, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, and Ejike Asiegbu.

The film was filmed in Lagos, Nigeria, showcasing the city's festive Christmas ambiance. Ayra Starr made her acting debut in the production. The project was officially announced in August 2024, coinciding with the reveal of its title and the release of a teaser trailer.[1][2] The film's soundtrack features a selection of vibrant Nigerian pop songs spanning various eras, reflecting the energetic way many Nigerians celebrate during December. In addition to Starr, the cast includes Adekunle Gold, Liya and WurlD.[3]

Christmas in Lagos premiered at IMAX Lekki Cinema in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of the "Share the Good" campaign sponsored by Knorr. Distributed theatrically by Amazon MGM Studios via Prime Video, the film was released on December 20, 2024, and garnered mixed reviews from critics.[4] it was nominated for 6 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards and won 1, including Best Costume Design.

## Plot summary

[edit]

Fiyin has secretly loved her best friend, Elozonam, for years. Their deep bond is built on countless shared moments, and she believes their connection is special. But her world is turned upside down when Elozonam announces his engagement to Yagazie, his girlfriend of just eight months. As Christmas approaches, Fiyin wrestles with unspoken feelings, torn between fighting for Elozonam or moving forward. Her emotional turmoil affects her relationships, casting a shadow over what should be a joyful season of celebration.

Meanwhile, Fiyin’s cousin, Ivie, returns to Lagos from London, determined to spend the holiday embracing the city’s vibrant energy. After a failed romance, she has no interest in love, opting for carefree nights and fleeting connections. That changes when she meets Ajani, a charismatic guitarist chasing his dreams while working a delivery job. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Ivie struggles with the barriers of background and social status. Ajani’s authenticity forces Ivie to confront her fear of vulnerability, making her reconsider her views on love.

At the same time, Fiyin’s mother, Gbemi, faces her own romantic dilemma. After years of widowhood, she finds herself at a crossroads between two men. Zachariah Dozie, her wealthy and charming former lover, and Toye, the steadfast and dependable man who has always been there for her. As the festive season unfolds, Gbemi decide whether to rekindle an old flame, embrace the familiar, or take a leap into the unknown.

## Cast

[edit]

* Teniola Aladese as Fiyin, the heartbroken romantic and central protagonist, a young woman grappling with the pain of unrequited love.
* Rayxia Ojo as Ivie, Fiyin's adventurous cousin and a classic IJGB (“I Just Got Back”), who recently returned from London.
* Shaffy Bello as Gbemi, Fiyin’s mother, a widowed woman caught in a love triangle of her own.
* Shalom C. Obiago as Elozonam, or Elo, Fiyin's childhood best friend and crush
* Wale Ojo as Toye Prince
* Richard Mofe-Damijo as Chief Dozie
* Ladipoe as Ajani
* Ejike Asiegbu as Nonso
* Waje Iruobe as Caroline
* Angelo Anosike as Yagazie
* Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke as Agatha
* Tris Udeh as Ladi
* Obinna Okenwa as Chisom
* Ayra Starr as Herself
* Adekunle Gold as Himself
* WurlD as Himself
* Liya as Herself

## Production

[edit]

Principal photography for Christmas in Lagos began in late January 2024 and concluded in March 2024. The filming schedule was coordinated to coincide with Lagos's "Detty December" period in order to reflect the city's holiday activities. Production took place entirely on location in Lagos, using a variety of recognizable landmarks and culturally relevant sites, including the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, Breeze Beach Club, The Civic Towers, and a historic church. These locations were chosen to depict both the contemporary and traditional aspects of the city during the Christmas season.[5]

Director Jade Osiberu highlighted the effort to maintain authenticity by incorporating real-life events such as concerts and weddings into the production, aiming to represent Lagos’s festive environment with accuracy.[5] The lighting, was led by Matthew Yusuf and One House Lighting Crew, which was highlighted as a standout element, contributing to the film's aesthetic.[6]

## Soundtrack

[edit]

The soundtrack for Christmas in Lagos was composed and produced by Nigerian music producer Cobhams Asuquo and released digitally by Lakeshore Records on December 20, 2024.[7] The music combines elements of Afrobeat, soul, and traditional Christmas melodies to reflect the festive and cultural setting of Lagos during the holiday season.[8] The album features eight tracks, with contributions from Nigerian artists including Adekunle Gold, Waje, WurlD, Liya, ESUA, and Byno.[9] Waje’s version of “Holy Night,” performed with gospel group 121SELAH, was noted for its reinterpretation of the Christmas classic.[10] The track “Fall In Love” by ESUA, which incorporates traditional Nigerian sounds with modern pop, was released as the album’s lead single.[11]

Musical numbers

* "Me Le Se" – Adekunle Gold
* "Fall In Love" – ESUA
* "In the Plane" – Cobhams Asuquo
* "Nwa Baby" – Byno
* "Can I Be Your Guy?" – Cobhams Asuquo
* "Only in Lagos" – WurlD & Liya
* "Holy Night" – Waje & 121SELAH
* "A Better Help" – Cobhams Asuquo

## Release

[edit]

The movie was released in Nigerian cinemas on December 20, 2024 and later made available on streaming platforms like Prime Video.[12] It received widespread acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Lagos and its festive atmosphere.

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Year  | Award  | Category  | Result  | Ref

|
|
|
|

2025  | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) | Best Movie  | Nominated  | [13][14][15]
Best Supporting Actor - Richard Mofe-Damijo | Nominated
Best Writing (Movie)  | Nominated
Best Editing  | Nominated
Best Costume Design  | Won
Best Art Director  | Nominated

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Rapheal (2024-08-31). "Jade Osiberu returns with Christmas in Lagos". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
2. ^ "Detty December and Afrobeats Set the Scene for Jade Osiberu's Upcoming 'Christmas in Lagos' | OkayAfrica". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
3. ^ Nation, The (2024-08-29). "Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr to star in Jade Osiberu's "Christmas in Lagos"". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
4. ^ Daily Post Staff (2024-12-30). "Knorr's Share the Good spreads holiday cheer at the 'Christmas in Lagos' movie Premiere". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
5. ^ a b "Christmas in Lagos Filming Locations (2024) - 4 Filming". 2024-12-06. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
6. ^ Emelike, Obinna (2025-01-17). "Matthew Yusuf, One House Lighting Crew's unmatched brilliance in "Christmas in Lagos"". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
7. ^ "Film Music Site - Christmas In Lagos Soundtrack". www.filmmusicsite.com. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
8. ^ Josh, el (2024-12-29). "A Review of Jade Osiberu's 'Christmas in Lagos.'". Medium. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
9. ^ "Christmas in Lagos Soundtrack (2024)". www.soundtrack.net. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
10. ^ "EXCLUSIVE! Listen to 'Holy Night' By Waje & 121Selah From 'Christmas In Lagos'! – Soundtracks, Scores and More!". soundtracksscoresandmore.com. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
11. ^ "Christmas In Lagos: Listen To The Debut Track, "Fall In Love" By ESUA, Film Premieres December 20 on Prime Video Nigeria – Soundtracks, Scores and More!". soundtracksscoresandmore.com. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
12. ^ Vourlias, Christopher (2024-08-28). "Prime Video Releases First-Look Images for Jade Osiberu's 'Christmas in Lagos' With Ayra Starr Before Pausing Original Productions in Africa (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
13. ^ ShockNG (2025-05-10). "AMVCA 2025 Winners Full List - 11th Edition". ShockNG. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
14. ^ Nwajiaku, Vivian Nneka (2025-03-24). ""Seven Doors", "Lisabi: The Uprising" Lead AMVCA Nominations 2025 + Full List of Nominees - Afrocritik". Retrieved 2025-05-06.
15. ^ Television, Channels (2025-05-10). "AMVCA 2025 Awards: Full List Of Winners As Lateef Adedimeji's Lisabi Clinches Prizes". Channels Television. Retrieved 2025-05-11.

## External links

[edit]

* Christmas in Lagos at IMDb

Portals:
* Film
* Nigeria