Amazon Prime Video signs up director Jáde Osiberu as part of Africa push

Nigerian director Jáde Osiberu (Gangs of Lagos) has signed a three-year exclusive deal with Amazon’s Prime Video global streaming platform.

Jáde Osiberu

Amazon is partnering with the Nigerian director, writer, producer and showrunner following its recent expansion into the African market.

Osiberu and her production company, Greoh Studios, represented by Range Media Partners, will create and develop original scripted TV shows and movies exclusively for Prime Video.

As the creator of films and series including Sugar Rush, Isoken and Gidi Up, Osiberu is already a well-known and established local filmmaker. Her forthcoming Amazon Original movie Gangs of Lagos marks her first project with the platform since it launched a local version of its service there earlier in the year.

Gangs of Lagos screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, ahead of its world premiere as the first Nigerian Original on Prime Video later this year.

Produced by Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju and coproduced by Akin Omotoso, the crime thriller focuses on a group of friends navigating life as they grow up on the streets of Nigeria’s largest city, Isale Eko.

Last week, Amazon Studios continued its push into the African market with the addition of several executives to its original development teams in South Africa and Nigeria.

“I am overjoyed with this collaboration and already feel like I’m part of the Prime Video and Amazon Studios family,” said Osiberu. “It will be an absolute pleasure to introduce Prime Video audiences to the most exciting talent and storylines Nigeria has to offer.”

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, head of Nigerian Originals, Prime Video and Amazon Studios, added: “At Prime Video, we are looking to work with original voices, to tell authentic stories that offer a local point of view and connect with our audiences, wherever they may be.”

Osiberu’s deal follows a number of similar international agreements with filmmaking talent such as Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), Steve McQueen (Small Axe), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs Maisel), Donald Glover (Mr & Ms Smith) and Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty) marking the platform’s investment in elevating local talent and showcasing local stories.