A new chapter for African digital entertainment is set to begin as Kava, a streaming platform dedicated to Nollywood and African content, prepares for its official launch in August 2025. Unveiled in Lagos at a vibrant industry gathering that bridged music, film, and technology, the event saw saxophonist Temilayo Abodunrin serenade actress Shaffy Bello, who danced joyfully alongside industry veterans, filmmakers, and investors. But behind the celebration lies an ambitious effort to reshape how African stories are produced, distributed, and consumed globally.
Kava is a joint venture between two powerhouses in Nigeria’s entertainment industry: InkBlot Studios, the production company behind numerous box office hits, and Filmhouse Group, West Africa’s largest cinema chain. The platform, which operates on a subscription-based model, aims to be more than just another content repository. According to co-CEO Kene Okwuosa, who also heads Filmhouse, Kava is envisioned as “a platform that doesn’t just stream films—it fuels careers, drives innovation, and connects African creativity to audiences around the world.”
In a panel discussion at the launch event, Okwuosa and fellow co-CEO Chinaza Onuzo traced the platform’s evolution from a concept conceived five years ago to a company that began taking tangible shape just three months ago. The timing, they believe, is finally right. Onuzo, whose production company has had a longstanding partnership with Filmhouse, described the venture as an effort to build a sustainable digital ecosystem that reflects the diversity and dynamism of African storytelling.
Kava enters the market at a time when global streaming giants are scaling back their operations in Nigeria, despite prior investments and promises. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, once bullish on Nollywood, have slowed original production and regional expansion. Local pioneer IrokoTV also exited the Nigerian market.
Yet Kava’s founders believe the landscape has changed. Product head and Inkblot co-founder Damola Ademola said the challenges IrokoTV faced were partly due to timing. Today, with greater access to mobile data and increasing digital literacy, Ademola believes the market is more primed for adoption. Ademola cited the unexpected popularity of Nollywood content in some unexpected regions, suggesting that African stories have the potential to resonate globally.
The timing of Kava’s launch coincides with a broader trend of increased investment in Nigerian film by tech players. Since 2023, African startup founders and venture capital firms have been backing Nollywood productions, with notable returns on projects such as The Black Book and Gangs of Lagos. Platforms like TalentX Africa have emerged to formalise film financing, creating new avenues for sustainable industry growth.
Financing such a bold vision requires capital. The company has secured early funding from a “family and friends” round, as well as institutional investors including VestedWorld and TLG Capital. Although the specific amount raised has not been disclosed, executives confirmed that a larger funding round is on the horizon as Kava prepares to expand beyond Nigeria into other African markets and Europe, with a particular focus on the UK.
At launch, Kava will feature over 30 premium Nollywood titles with plans to release new content weekly. Among the first films to stream are Alakada Bad and Boujee, Owambe Thieves starring Zubby Michael, Odunlade Adekola and Sola Sobowale, What About Us with Kuni Remi and Uzor Arukwe, and House Job featuring Erica Nlewedim. The platform is not relying solely on licensed films. Original programming is a central part of its strategy, with plans to produce content across various African languages, genres, and regions. While Nigeria is the initial focus, Kava’s long-term ambition is pan-African.
Ladun Awobokun, Kava’s head of content acquisition, said the platform would amplify more than just film. “Kava will champion African music, movies, fashion, culture, and voices, creating a space where creators across Nigeria and the diaspora can shine,” she said.
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