Nollywood fans are in for another cinematic treat as one of the industry’s biggest stars, celebrated actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham, has revealed her next highly anticipated project. Oversabi Aunty is set to premiere in Nigerian cinemas on December 19, 2025. The film will be distributed nationwide by FilmOne Entertainment, a company known for championing original Nigerian stories and helping local movies reach box office success.
The intriguing title Oversabi Aunty has already sparked conversations across social media, perfectly in line with Toyin Abraham’s knack for connecting with everyday Nigerian experiences. The inspiration for the movie’s name came from viral moments earlier this year, when audiences caught Toyin on video at multiple events linked to her friend Iyabo Ojo, especially those celebrating Iyabo’s daughter, Priscilla Ojo, and Priscilla’s relationship with Tanzanian artist Juma Jux.
Toyin’s exuberant, lively displays of congratulations at these events quickly transformed into meme material. Nigerians online found her mannerisms so relatable and entertaining that the tag “Oversabi Aunty” (referring to a person who is comically over-involved or “knows it all”) began trending. The phrase celebrates the playful, sometimes nosy family friend or auntie archetype so familiar across West African gatherings.
Rather than ignoring the nickname, Toyin took it in stride, demonstrating her unique ability to turn online humor into entertainment gold. By turning internet banter into the title and theme of her next film, she shows a deep understanding of internet culture and the importance Nigerians place on family, relationships, and communal involvement.
This move also signals a clever marketing play, showing that Toyin is willing to embrace—and amplify—her public persona in new, imaginative ways. In a time when viral moments often fade as quickly as they appear, Oversabi Aunty aims to immortalise the fun, laughter, and sometimes chaos that come with being that larger-than-life aunty at any occasion.
Toyin Abraham is no stranger to blockbuster success. Her 2023 film Malaika, as well as earlier titles like Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper, have consistently drawn throngs of moviegoers to the cinemas. Her films regularly feature social themes, comedic timing, and relatable characters, making her one of the most bankable actresses in Nigeria and West Africa.
With Oversabi Aunty, she appears to be taking this connection a step further, blending real-life online trends with compelling stories that resonate across generations and backgrounds. As Lagos-based culture analyst Chidinma Okorie observes, “Toyin’s strength lies not just in her comedic timing but her ability to tap into the everyday realities of Nigerian life and make them feel larger than life on screen.”
Other Filmmakers Join the Lineup
Toyin is not the only creative staking a strong claim on the 2025 festive box office. Funke Akindele, often called “December’s box office queen” herself, is reportedly working on a new project titled Behind the Scenes. While no confirmed release date has been set, Funke’s films are known to challenge records—her 2023 feature, A Tribe Called Judah, broke multiple local records and captivated audiences well beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Industry observers expect that Behind the Scenes will gain similar attention and critical acclaim, keeping the tradition of December Nollywood blockbusters alive. Ogechi Nnadozie, a media critic based in Abuja, says, “Funke’s films almost always reflect the pulse of society, mixing laughter with conversations we’re already having in our homes.”
Adding even more excitement to the holiday slate, acclaimed filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan is preparing to debut Colours of Fire on December 24, 2025. Akinmolayan’s films are known for their technical sophistication and rich storytelling, and this release comes in partnership with Anthill Studios and FilmOne Studios. Their collaborations have set high standards for Nigerian cinema, both visually and narratively.
Akinmolayan’s directorial resume includes acclaimed works such as The Wedding Party 2, The House of Secrets, and The Man for the Job. His attention to detail has helped push Nollywood’s technical boundaries, and many industry watchers are eager to see what Colours of Fire brings to the big screen.
Film publicist Tobe Ifeanyi points out, “Niyi’s collaborations with established production houses like Anthill ensure that storytelling and visuals reach a wider, more global audience.”
The Battle for December
December remains the most critical period for Nollywood releases. The holiday stretch brings together families, closes schools, and ignites a tradition of communal cinema visits that stretches from Lagos to Kumasi and beyond. The fierce competition during this period is reminiscent of past years, where top-tier filmmakers strategically launched their movies to capture the largest possible audiences.
This holiday competition often leads to simultaneous premieres and friendly rivalries, with each filmmaker aiming to set new box office records. According to a report from the Nigerian Film Corporation, December box office revenues account for up to 30% of annual cinema earnings—a figure that underscores the high stakes and big dreams driving the industry’s “battle of the blockbusters.”
Each director and star has carved a distinct space within Nollywood. Toyin Abraham brings energetic, relatable comedies and a supercharged fan following. Funke Akindele is known for her ability to fuse social commentary and sharp wit, while Niyi Akinmolayan is recognised for raising the bar in technical artistry and genre innovation.
With their films set for release within days of one another, many analysts believe December 2025 could mark one of the most dynamic, competitive, and entertaining cinema seasons in recent memory. This rivalry is not just limited to Nigeria—Ghanaian and wider African audiences are increasingly tuning in, leading to a rise in pan-African collaborations and box office influence.
So, how will this December’s cinematic contest redefine standards for Nollywood? With heavyweight talents, compelling stories, and audience engagement at an all-time high, only time will tell who walks away with the crown. Will internet culture and relatable memes dominate, or will sharp storytelling and fresh technical brilliance rise to the top?
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