OYO, NIGERIA – In a move that underscores the intersection of governance and the arts, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the creative economy following the high-profile premiere of Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre (Season 2).
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, joined industry giants and cultural enthusiasts at the KAP Film Village and Resort in Oyo State for the exclusive screening of Kunle Afolayan’s latest epic. The presence of the state’s top tourism official highlights a strategic alignment between Lagos—often cited as Africa’s creative nerve center—and the burgeoning global demand for authentic African narratives.
A Global Stage for Indigenous Stories
Since its global debut on Netflix on January 30, 2026, the second season of Aníkúlápó has already climbed the charts, ranking as the most-watched film in Nigeria within 24 hours of its release. The new season expands its cinematic horizon, moving beyond the borders of Nigeria to include historic locations in Cape Coast, Ghana, as part of a “Shoot in Ghana” initiative.
The production, which delves into the harrowing and complex realities of the transatlantic slave trade, features a stellar ensemble. Joining the returning cast of Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Sola Sobowale are new faces including:
- Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (KieKie)
- Saidi Balogun
- Teniola Aladese
- Adeoluwa Okusaga (Saga)
- Abike Dabiri-Erewa (in a surprise cameo)
Lagos: The Hub of the Creative Revolution
For the Lagos State Government, the success of Aníkúlápó is a testament to the viability of its THEMES Plus agenda, which prioritizes entertainment and tourism as pillars for economic diversification. Mr. Aregbe noted that the state continues to invest heavily in the sector, recently highlighting the ₦8.5 billion expenditure on cultural festivals and creative programs designed to empower youth and foster international partnerships.
”Lagos is not just a city; it is a global brand powered by creativity,” Aregbe remarked. “Our support for projects like Aníkúlápó is about more than just film; it’s about cultural diplomacy and ensuring that our heritage is preserved and marketed to the world in its most authentic form.”
The Rise of the Spectre
Directed and produced by Kunle Afolayan, the series continues the story of Saro and his encounter with the mythical Akala bird. This season, however, raises the stakes, blending folklore with the grim historical context of the 17th-century slave trade.
With Season 2 now streaming and rumors already swirling regarding a completed Season 3, the Aníkúlápó franchise stands as a beacon of what is possible when creative vision meets strategic institutional support. As the credits roll, it is clear that for Lagos State and the Nigerian film industry, the “Spectre” is only just beginning to rise.
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