Anikulapo is set to expand as Kunle Afolayan’s acclaimed film returns as a six-part series on March 1. Titled Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, this highly anticipated continuation promises to dig deeper into the world of Saro, the cursed weaver, and his encounter with the mythical bird Akala, the giver and taker of life.

The original Anikulapo, released in 2022, thrilled audiences with its rich Yoruba mythology, stunning visuals, and a cautionary tale of ambition and desire. Saro’s journey — fueled by the tempting power of Akala’s magical cloth — was fraught with moral ambiguity, leaving viewers yearning for more. The film got 16 nominations at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA), and won five awards, including Best Movie in Africa and Best Soundtrack.

The series, Rise of the Spectre, takes up where the film left off, promising to explore the lingering consequences of Saro’s actions. The series will accommodate its original cast members including Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, Ogogo Taiwo Hassan, Eyiyemi Afolayan, and new ones like Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan, and Owo Ogunde.

Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre arrives at a time when African-made stories are engaging global audiences. This series, with Afolayan’s assured direction, has the potential to become a landmark event in Nigerian and international television.

Watch the trailer here: