If there’s one thing you can be sure of in Nollywood this year, it’s the array of films produced to keep everyone glued to the screens. And this April serves a buffet of captivating stories that will give you something to return to.

With the industry’s continuous expansion, filmmakers are working to shake things up now more than ever. From action and thriller-tracked releases, to soulful musicals and emotionally driven stories, there’s a genre for everyone.

And if you’ve been looking for something to watch this April, your search is over. Here are top Nollywood films you should be seeing this April.

The Return of Arinzo

Seasoned actor and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo makes a return with the sequel film The Return of Arinzo, where the story continues with Arinzo (Iyabo Ojo), whose past haunts those she loved the most.

When everyone thought she was dead, she resurfaces, leaving questions in the mouths of everyone on whether she has returned for answers or for revenge. While the original release from 2013 explored the fractured lives of two sisters: a police officer and a criminal, this high-stakes sequel picks up from where the first left off, exploring what happens when a woman whom the world thought was gone decides she is not done yet.

The action-packed film stars a pan-African cast featuring Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Adjetey Anang, Scarlet Gomez, William Benson, Patrick Kanumba, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Uzor Arukwe, and Tanzanian star Juma Jux.

Onobiren: A Woman’s Story

From the stables of Laju Iren Productions, Onobiren: A Woman’s Story follows the story of Roli (Ruby Akubueze) in the riverine communities of Itsekiri, Warri.

From a swim that set her on a journey from Delta to Lagos, where what looked like a familiar migration story turned into a life-changing tale of purpose, resilience, women holding each other up, and choosing a path different from what tradition dictates.

Written by Laju Iren and directed by Famous Iraoya, the film stars veteran and star actors, including Ruby Akubueze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Norbert Young, Desmond Bryce, and Chude Jideonwo.

Evi

If you’ve been looking for a Nigerian musical, Evi is one you shouldn’t miss. The story features a gifted Afrobeats singer whose life takes a drastic turn when she loses her record deal, her income, and the version of herself she has spent years building.

Rather than a straightforward comeback story, the story gets messier, leading Evi-Oghene Donalds to take on odd jobs and perform in lounges, and slowly finding her footing with the help of a manager whose own life is just as complicated as hers.

Written and directed by Uyoyou Adia, Evi stars Osas Okonyon in her first feature film alongside Uzor Arukwe, Omowunmi Dada, Waje Iruobe, Ibrahim Suleiman, Michael O. Ejoor, Ariyike Owolagba, and David Osunkoya.

Aba Blues

Set in the famous city of Aba, Aba Blues is a story of love, ambition, and what happens when the past clashes with the present.

Written and directed by Jackenneth Opukeme and produced by FilmOne Studios and Inkblot, the film stars Angel Anosike, Prince Nelson, Jidekene Achufusi, Toni Tones, and Odunlade Adekola.

Aba Blues is a film that poses a mind-boggling question: Does the present remain the same when the past returns?

The Other Side Of The Bridge

From the producers of Gangs of Lagos, this thriller-packed sports drama follows Femi (Demi Banwo), the son of a retired senator, and Farouk (Tobi Bakre), a street fighter from Surulere, whose lives collide in a high-stakes boxing match. But as the fight garnered wider attention, it exposed personal and social weight outside the ring.

Directed by Fiyin Gambo, The Other Side Of The Bridge also features a star-studded cast including Gbubemi Ejeye, Olarotimi Fakunle, Femi Branch, Seyi Ajayi, Lasisi Elenu, Ireti Doyle, Teniola Aladese, Williams Benson, Taye Arimoro, and Mike Afolarin.

Headless

A horror-packed film, Headless will leave you gasping or tethered to your screen. The story opens with a Nollywood film producer behind the wheel at a routine traffic stop. Except he is not alone, but with a severed human head in the boot of his car.

Directed by Michael W. Ndiomu, the story unravels unspoken conversations from the entertainment industry to politics, power, and things nobody in Nollywood particularly wants examined too closely. It stars Gideon Okeke alongside Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Baaj Adebule, Gbubemi Ejeye, Femi Branch, and Segun Arinze.

A Spark in the Dark

Akay Mason’s A Spark in the Dark follows Kate, played by Tope Olowoniyan, a young influencer, who falls in love with Melvin Obiora after losing her adoptive parents and inheritance. But a kitchen accident leaves her blind right before her wedding, putting her relationship with Melvin to the test.

Produced by Dolly Nwaduba, it also stars Gideon Okeke, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Daniel Etim Effiong, Eso Dike, and Venita Akpofure. It’s a deeply emotional romantic drama that explores the circumstances of love and the overcoming of adversity.

Trade by Bata

Trade by Bata tells the story of a Nigerian-American woman who travels to her grandmother’s village to claim her late father’s inheritance.

But things don’t go as planned, as she must become accustomed to the village’s unexpected ways. The Biodun Stephen’s film stars Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Debo Adebayo, Eso Dike, Bimpe Akintunde, Bolaji Ogunmola, Modola Osifuwa, and Adediwura Blarkgold.