Top Nollywood Directors Behind Asaba Movies & Why They Matter

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You know an Asaba movie when you see one: dramatic music, family feuds, powerful village matriarchs, mysterious secrets, and bold love stories. But while the actors bring these roles to life, the true architects behind these films are the directors driving Asaba movie productions today.

Whether you love them or side-eye them, there’s no denying that Asaba Nollywood is a dominant force, and it’s thanks to the directors who understand what the local audience wants and how to give it to them.

So let’s peel back the curtain and meet the top Nigerian movie directors in Asaba, why they matter, and how their work is shaping what we call Nollywood today.

 

What Are Asaba Movie Productions?

Before we get to the names, let’s break down what makes an Asaba movie what it is. The term “Asaba movie” refers to films typically shot in Asaba, Delta State, a city that’s become a production hub for low-budget, high-output Nollywood dramas.

These movies often:

• Focus on village or semi-urban settings
• Feature melodramatic storylines
• Have quick production turnarounds
• Star familiar faces like Zubby Michael, Destiny Etiko, Yul Edochie, and Chizzy Aliche

While they’ve been criticised for repetitive plots or rushed quality, the truth is that Asaba movies are extremely popular with Nigerian audiences and on platforms like YouTube and IrokoTV. None of that would be possible without the Nollywood directors in Asaba who make it happen.

 

Top 5 Nigerian Movie Directors in Asaba

1. Ugezu J. Ugezu

2. Okechukwu Oku (a.k.a. Okey Oku)

3. Chukwudi Barnabas (Barny Emodi)

4. Tchidi Chikere

5. Austin Faani

 

1. Ugezu J. Ugezu 

If you’re talking about popular Asaba directors, you can’t skip Ugezu. Most people know him as the man who wears an “Igbo cap”; others know him to be a regular face and name on Africa Magic. He has become a brand, a household name, and one who cannot walk into a crowd unrecognised. Aside from his undying love for the promotion and encouragement of using indigenous cultural indicators in filmmaking, he is also an unapologetic African man and Igbo at that. He is proud to say it, be it, and live it.

Ugezu J. Ugezu, as he is profoundly referred to, is not just a movie director but also an insightful writer. He was the only person invited from Nigeria to Warsaw, Poland, in 2014, for the 3rd International Screenwriters Conference.

This man has written countless films and produced and directed many others. He is currently the owner of Metaphysical Studio in Asaba, from where he dishes out all the African culture-spiked films.

 

2. Okechukwu Oku

Okey Oku, as many will call him, is the brain behind Oracle Films and the CEO of Pure Sound and Visual Technology. He is a filmmaker with impeccable knowledge of the craft; many will instead call him a cinematographer rather than a film director, but he has transcended both roles. Oku is a complete filmmaker, and one wonders why he has not been receiving as many accolades as his works show.

He has directed and shot many music videos. One of the most popular ones was Ada Ada by Flavour, which he co-directed with Clarence Peters. Okey Oku is the producer and director of The Boss Is Mine, which gifted Akwa Ibom-born star Ime Bishop Umoh his first major award, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA).

He has also gained recognition and nominations for various awards, such as a nomination for Best Cinematographer for a Movie or TV Series at the 2016 African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for “The Refugees.”

Oku is married to Queendalyn Oku, and they have three children and live in Enugu, Nigeria.

 

3. Chukwudi Barnabas (Barny Emodi)

He is known for working with stars like Zubby Michael and Destiny Etiko. Barny Emodi is one of the go-to Asaba filmmakers in 2025. His style is action-packed, streetwise, and always pushing the envelope.

He is involved in various aspects of the industry, including music/film production, directing, and editing. His experience spans over two decades, with roles in both Mattz Entertainment Ltd and Obchuks International Co. Ltd.

He represents the new school of Asaba Nollywood films that are energetic, commercial, and designed to go viral on platforms like YouTube.

 

4. Tchidi Chikere

Tchidi was born on October 10, 1975. He is a Nigerian film director, producer, scriptwriter, actor, music video director, and singer. He has over 100 films and two music albums to his credit. Tchidi Chikere has made a successful pivot to directing Asaba movie productions. His blend of cinematic polish and traditional story arcs helps elevate the genre.

His movies often involve intense love triangles, betrayal, and moral lessons, and he’s not afraid to throw in a spiritual twist now and then.

 

5. Austin Faani

Austin Faani is an award-winning film producer, director, filmmaker, editor, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his roles in The Bank Job (2010), Money and Blood (2022), Dangerous Assassin (2015), and Wanted (2022). Austin is also widely known as the husband of Chacha Eke, a Nigerian actress known for her role in the 2012 drama film, The End is Near. 

Austin Faani is known for his emotionally charged scripts and clean direction. He’s one of the top Nigerian movie directors in Asaba who focuses on women-led stories, often dealing with domestic violence, mental health, and betrayal. Austin’s movies usually trend on YouTube, not just because of their drama, but because he understands emotional storytelling.

His work has earned him various accolades, including Best Editor at the City People Entertainment Award and Best Creative Director at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Aside from his television career, Austin is also a thriving entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Austin Faani Studios production.

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Why Audiences Love Asaba Nollywood Films

Say what you want, but Asaba Nollywood films have a massive, loyal fanbase. Why?

• They mirror real Nigerian problems
• They speak in local dialects
• They blend spirituality, love, and betrayal in ways that feel familiar
• They’re accessible  on YouTube, TV stations, and streaming apps

Sincerely speaking, there’s a certain comfort in the predictability of these films. You always know something wild is about to go down.

 

Challenges Facing Asaba Movie Directors

Despite their success, the directors behind Asaba movie productions face some criticism:

• Accusations of low production value
• Repetitive storylines
• Poor sound quality in some films
• Underpaid crew and rushed shoots

But many of them are pushing for better funding, higher standards, and more recognition. And honestly, they deserve it. Because what they’re doing is keeping Nollywood running every single day.

 

Conclusion: Directors Behind Asaba Movies

Whether you think they’re over-the-top or downright addictive, Asaba movies are a vital part of Nollywood. And behind every screaming match, spiritual battle, and royal wedding, a director is calling the shots.

The top Nollywood directors in Asaba are not just producing content; they’re preserving culture, creating jobs, and telling stories that resonate with millions. They deserve their flowers.

So the next time you see Destiny Etiko shouting at Zubby Michael on screen, remember that there’s a director behind that chaos, crafting every moment to make sure you feel something.

 

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FAQs About Asaba Movie Directors

1: Who are the top Nollywood directors in Asaba?

Some of the most popular include Ugezu J. Ugezu, Barny Emodi, Tchidi Chikere, Austin Faani, and Okechukwu Oku. These are the minds behind many trending Nigerian movies on YouTube.

2: What is an Asaba movie?

Asaba movies are typically fast-paced Nigerian dramas shot in Delta State. They focus on family, tradition, betrayal, love, and power, and they’re often in local dialects.

3: Why are Asaba movies so popular?

Because they are accessible, affordable, and deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, audiences love the emotional intensity and familiar storytelling style.

4: Where can I watch Asaba Nollywood films?

You can find them on YouTube, Africa Magic Epic, IrokoTV, and Nollywood TV apps. Many are uploaded for free with millions of views.