African streamer Showmax has scheduled a November 2024 premiere for its latest Nigerian original drama series, ‘Princess on a Hill’. The announcement came during the 2024 MIP Africa event in Cape Town, part of the Fame Week Africa festival.
Co-created by Abiola Sobo and Tolu Ajayi, ‘Princess on a Hill’ explores themes of power and ambition in a corporate environment. Ajayi’s debut film, ‘Over The Bridge’, premiered at the New York African Film Festival and scored twelve nominations at this year’s Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
The series stars Onyinye Odokoro (“Slum King”) as Zara, a young woman who wins the Lawson Group reality show Leading Ladies and is tasked with saving the company. Bimbo Manuel (“Breath of Life,” 2024 AMVCA winner for Best Picture) plays antagonistic CEO Moyosore Lawson.
The cast also includes Efa Iwara, Ireti Doyle, Femi Jacobs, Andrew Bunting, Mimi Chaka and Norbert Young. Chuka Ejorh and Shayo Oke-Sobo serve as co-executive producers.
“There is a dream-like quality that we want to convey in this modern African version of a universal mythical experience,” said Ajayi. “Corporate boardrooms as kingdoms, the wounded cruel king, parading knights, conniving bishops, treacherous duchesses, the village belle turned warrior princess and sometimes a touch of the village jester; all the familiar elements of a mythical story.”
“Through recognizable African characters, the series reveals the degradation of innocence and the deep desire for affirmation,” said Sobo.
Highlighting the high production values, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice, stated that “Princess on a Hill” aligns with their mission to showcase authentic Nigerian stories and African creative talent.
Watch the trailer here: