I hardly watch Nollywood movies, but the moment I saw the trailer for Christmas in Lagos, I knew I had to watch it.
It’s not every day you come across a Christmas-themed Nigerian movie with such a visibly high budget. I love films that showcase the joy, glitz, and glamour of being rich and Nigerian, so I was confident this one would be entertaining. And with icons like RMD and Shaffy Bello playing characters in love? I was sold. Thankfully, the movie did not disappoint.
Christmas in Lagos is a 2024 Nigerian romantic comedy directed by Jade Osiberu. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos during the festive “Detty December,” the film intertwines 3 love stories, each exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and cultural expectations.
The central narrative follows Fiyin, who harbors secret feelings for her best friend, Elo. Her emotions become increasingly complicated when Elo returns from the U.S. with plans to propose to his girlfriend, Yagazie, whom Fiyin was unaware existed. This revelation forces Fiyin to confront her feelings and decide whether to support her friend’s engagement or pursue her own romantic desires.
Parallel to this, Fiyin’s cousin Ivie, an “I Just Got Back” (IJGB) from London, finds herself drawn to Ajani, a talented guitarist and delivery man from a different social class.
Additionally, Fiyin’s mother, Gbemi, a successful widow, becomes entangled in a love triangle of her own. She is courted by two men: Zachariah, a wealthy playboy from her past, and Toye, a more grounded and endearing suitor. Gbemi’s love story was hands down my favorite, and overall “Christmas in Lagos” is a delightful addition to Nollywood’s holiday film repertoire, offering a blend of romance and drama set against the bustling metropolis of Lagos.
This movie made me laugh, cry, say a thousand “awwww” and cringe. Follow my thought processes and reactions from beginning to end:
1. You’re driving a convertible in Lagos traffic, and you’re talking on her phone freely. And they didn’t slap you and collect the phone? In Lagos? It’s Christmas, please, let’s not lie.
2. I’ve never heard anyone refer to Lagos as a “city of love”, more like a “city of adultery”
3. A Shaffy Bello (Gbemi) and RMD (Zach) romance? Inject it!
4. Zach is too smooth with his toasting. Nigerian men have a lot to learn.
5. Oh! It’s even a love triangle, and the two men are both good-looking—I am team RMD anyways because he’s giving big dick energy
6. “Friend,” so that’s how we describe the men who rearrange our guts and make us laugh. Okay, I can get with that.
7. The delivery guy is so hot. They don’t make them like that in real life.
8. Uhm…Yagazie is a literal goddess. Fiyin should just abort her mission.
9. Sorry, but my man can never have a female bestie. Like, I’m literally there? I am his one and only bestie.
10. The accents in this movie don’t feel authentic.
11. Damn, Elo really loves his girl. See how he is gassing up the work she does.
12. I really appreciate the portrayal of older women in this movie.
13. RMD referring to Shaffy’s friends as “witches coven” gave me the ick. I know he said it jokingly, but even though.
14. Ivie and Ajani (Ladipoe)? What’s happening there?
15. RMD only proposed to Shaffy after he divorced other women. He’s been divorced four times?! And he is proposing again at a random party? This flag can’t be painted any redder.
16. Hmm, which kine first kiss was that? More passion! More energy!
17. 1I love the acoustic of “Fall on your knees” that comes on in different scenes.
18. Ah, what generational trauma is Elo breaking by putting on Christmas decor?
19. His mom is PISSED. Knowing Nigerian films, I suspect this has to do with a dead child.
20. Yagazie’s sister is reminding her of who she is. Nothing like sisterhood for real.
21. Awww, Fiyin is comparing herself to Yagazie, saying that Yagazie is an epidemiologist while she just helps to manage her mom’s fabric shop. We’ve all been here my sweet sis. Stop focusing on what doesn’t belong to you. It will kill your joy.
22. I love how Ivie encourages Fiyin without necessarily diminishing Yagazie or feeding into Fiyin’s delusions. A girl who keeps things real, I am here for it!
23. Wait…isn’t Ivie the babe from Supacell?
24. I talk am, na dead child!
25. I can’t stand people who drink and drive. So irresponsible and extremely selfish, causing tragedy that can be avoided.
26. 2 men that like me jamming each other at my home? Shaffy is a baddie, mama. City girls, up!
27. RMD just said, “Hermes is forever.” Guys, I know the couple I am shipping. Oh!!
28. What’s that red tablecloth Ladipoe is putting on? See why dating musicians is risky?
29. Omg, I love how the soundtrack of this movie is heavily Nigerian—Taves, Ayra Starr, Asa, Wurld, AG Baby, Waje
30. Ajani carry Ivie go Buka? I’m so stressed.
31. Ah, he is also a delivery guy, too? I like it when wealth mixes with love.
32. Ajani (Ladipoe) and Ivie’s first date is giving me the ick. If a man should flirt by telling me,” Ogbeni,” I’m killing myself because where did I go wrong in life to lead me to such a situation?
33. Ladipoe + Ivie’s kissing scene: hot, hot, hot
34. Tonye (Wale Ojo) seems like a gentle, sensitive, and mature guy. Should I jump ship?
35. I stan Yagazie and Elo. No weapon (Fiyin) fashioned against them shall prosper.
36. That yellow Kuku top and baby pink leather shorts Fiyin is putting on is so rad.
37. Gbemi (Shaffy Bello) is returning the Hermes?!
38. Hmmm…will I return the expensive gifts given to me by a man I’m not interested in any longer?
39. Gbemi good choice dumping Zach (RMD). He ain’t shit after making you wait for 2 years and then breaking your heart.
40. Team Gbemi and Tonye!
41. Older people’s romance is so refreshing to see.
42. I didn’t sha expect Gbemi to choose her other “friend”.
43. Oooh, I love a Nigerian wedding scene.
44. Fiyin needs to do herself and her sanity a favour and stop hanging out with the love of her life and his fiancé.
45. “May we not let what we will eat stop us from achieving our dreams”. Fiyin is that friend who gives great advice but whose life is a mess.
46. So it’s Ajani (Ladipoe) that’s turning Ivie’s head like this? Fear artists.
47. Waje, your rendition of “Fall on your knees” was phenomenal.
48. Teniola Aladese and Shaffy Bello were perfect casting for mother and daughter.
49. Gbemi and Fiyin portray a beautiful mother-adult-daughter relationship. I love how they work through the complicated feelings of allowing themselves love after being widowed and prioritizing a child.
50. Ha! Are you seeing the way Elo is staring at Fiyin as she walks down the aisle? On God, that counts as cheating.
51. Am I just a lover girl, or did that rendition of “Fall in Love” make anyone else emotional?
52. Why does Ivie’s hair always look a mess?
53. I love love
54. Is that…Eku Edewor?
55. And what is that French accent?
56. The Trenches Christmas party is giving serious comic relief.
57. So Ajani don dey catch feelings for London gyal? He’s not serious.
58. God, what are all these stares Elo keeps giving Fiyin at the wedding? Does he want to get her pregnant?
59. Damn, Elo is fucking fine. I understand Fiyin’s confusion for real.
60. Ehn, she is confessing her love to him. Girl, stoppppp!
61. Did she just kiss him?
62. Wtf
63. Wtf
64. Omg, Yagazie just walked in on them.
65. Wtf
66. Ha, Elo don para.
67. Did he just call Fiyin selfish? He better watch his mouth oh.
68. Oh wait, so he, too, used to be on the sidelines, loving her silently. Maybe Fiyin is selfish true true.
69. God, please, in this 2025, let me not dismiss the blessings staring right in my face.
70. Damn, but Elo, e reach to shout? Please control yourself.
71. Nah, I love how Ivie always keeps it real with Fiyin. I can’t imagine having a “yes man” as a bestie.
72. Please, where do I sign up for Jade Osiberu’s version of Christmas in Lagos, but in real life?
73. Fiyin has some balls showing up at Yagazie’s.
74. I Love, love, love how Yagazie is calling her out.
75. Her mouth is so big. Why did she have to tell Yagazie that Elo wants to propose?
76. Yagazie is super mature, forgiving Fiyin. If it were me, even though I forgive, my man would forever be banned from having a female bestie. I don’t like stress.
77. What a beautiful proposal—except for the part where Yagazie needs to step into the water to meet her man. What if the water has… I don’t know… ringworm?
78. Fiyin is God’s strongest soldier. Because what do you mean that immediately my female bestie comes out of writer’s block, she performs poetry for my crush’s fiancée?
79. Elo and Yagazie are not married yet sha. Na, just engagement. Fiyin still get chance.
80. Hmmm, will I crossover into 2025 inside church or…?
81. I can’t wait for the new year.
82. I’m rooting for Ajani to blow and go and see Ivie in London. But if the continuation of their romance involves Ivie leaving her life in London to move back to Nigeria, I rebuke it.
83. I like how we didn’t get the cliche ending of Elo and Fiyin, Zach and Gbemi, ending up together.
84. The selection of African designer pieces was amazing, from Orange Culture and Andrea Iyamah to Banke Kuku, Ola Reay, Fruché, and Tubo. Nollywood needs more of that. 10/10 costume design.
85. Christmas in Lagos was more than a rom-com. It explored the complexities of grief, dignity in labour, mother-daughter relationships, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. Well done!
86. The Christmas decor in the movie was flawless. I really loved the front of Gbemi’s house.
87. Right from the start, the whole film was screaming, “HEFTY BUDGET!”
88. I wouldn’t watch this film again, but it was a good watch.
