It seems like Prime Video has figured out that diversification is indeed a crucial key for allowing it to expand globally. The streaming platform has unveiled its first slate of Nigerian originals, including upcoming shows like Gangs of Lagos and LOL: Last One Laughing Naija. In addition to strengthening its diversification game, Prime Video has announced these Nigerian projects to counterattack Netflix’s newly disclosed slate of African titles.
Netflix forged a multi-project deal with South African filmmaker Mandlakayise (Mandla) Walter Dube and revealed its latest movie with Nigerian helmer Kunle Afolayan some time ago.
Apart from the above-mentioned Nigerian originals, prominent Hollywood and Nollywood titles are also available on Prime Video for the country’s masses. The customers can buy the subscription plan in the local currency, Naira, priced at 2,300 NGN ($5.50) per month.
Earlier this week, Amazon removed curtains from its forthcoming Southeast Asian shows. The most exhilarating among them are Comedy Island: Thailand, Comedy Island: Indonesia, and Comedy Island: Philippines. Expected to arrive in 2023, viewers will see famous comedians and celebrities stranded on a paradise island. Additionally, a Thai film, Three Idiots And A Ghost, and a couple of Indonesian flicks, 4 Seasons In Java and Siege At Thorn High, are currently under development.
Prime Video treasures a healthy business in India. In April this year, the streaming platform unveiled a humungous slate of a total of 40 movies and shows as part of bolstering its bond with the country’s viewers. Plus, it shook hands with Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions for multi-year licensing agreements. All these steps taken by Prime Video prove that it is not hesitating in flaunting its diversified slate.
‘Gangs of Lagos’ is hailed as a hard-hitting action-packed crime thriller. Set in Isale Eko (Lagos), the show’s plot focuses on a group of friends who try to shape their respective destinies while growing up on the hectic streets of their city. This series also features blood-pumping action sequences, catchy dialogues, and elaborated set pieces.
LOL: Last One Laughing Naija serves as one of the remakes of the traditional Japanese LOL format. Viewers will watch a total of 10 well-known local comedians giving everything they got to make their competitors laugh by any means. The first laugh gives the laughing competitor a yellow card (a warning). And the second one (red card) results in elimination.
In the global OTT market, the importance of diversification has significantly augmented in the last few years. Viewers from all around the world can binge-watch their favourite genre in local languages. On the flip side, almost all big studios are utilising this topic as a tool for earning more and more profits these days. Also, it expands the programming lists of streaming platforms and offers more choices to viewers, resulting in high viewership.
Both Nigerian Amazon Originals, Gangs of Lagos and LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, are expected to release on Prime Video later this year. Stay tuned for more updates.