Nigerian Noir Thriller 'Lekki' Challenges Western Media Narratives
Award-winning African director Imoh Umoren challenges Western media dominance with 'Lekki', a noir thriller series celebrating authentic African storytelling and creative sovereignty.
Award-winning African director Imoh Umoren has completed filming on 'Lekki', a groundbreaking six-part noir thriller series that promises to showcase authentic African storytelling beyond the Western-dominated digital media landscape.
Decolonizing African Narratives Through Indigenous Storytelling
Set against the backdrop of Lagos' affluent Lekki district, the series represents a bold step in reclaiming African creative sovereignty from traditional Western media influences. The production, scheduled for streaming release this September, features an all-African cast and crew, demonstrating the continent's growing independence in content creation.
Political Dynasty and Social Commentary
The narrative follows Awase, a woman entangled with the powerful Babatunde political dynasty through her relationship with heir apparent Kuye. The storyline expertly weaves together themes of political power, class struggle, and the preservation of elite interests that mirror broader contemporary African social dynamics.
Rising African Talent Showcase
The series stars emerging pan-African talents including Racheal Isaac, Adeola Awodein, Ejovwoke Obas, Chinaza Ezeani, Callistus Akunaeziri, and Zoe Douglas, representing a new generation of African performers breaking free from neo-colonial entertainment paradigms.
Through 'Lekki', we're not just telling a story - we're reclaiming our narrative sovereignty and showcasing African excellence in filmmaking.
Production Details
- Format: Six-part series
- Genre: Noir thriller
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Release: September 2023
- Director: Imoh Umoren (AMVCA winner)
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.