UrbanGidi, a production company by filmmaker Wande Thomas, is working on an upcoming Showmax Nigeria Original series titled Under the Influence.
The series, directed and written by Wande Thomas and a dynamic group of writers including Isoken Ogiemwonyi, Nengi Diri, Mannie Oiseomaye and Nicole Chikwe, delves into the tumultuous and viral life of a young graduate trying to navigate Lagos as a newcomer. This Gen Z-focused series promises to capture the essence of modern Nigerian youth culture in this digital age.
Thomas is known for his unique approach to African storytelling. His previous works include the dramedy Lara of Lagos (2020), the thriller Napped (2021), and the upcoming second season of the Pan-African drama series The Smart Money Woman (2024). His upcoming limited thriller series titled Spiraling stars Toni Tones, Folu Storms and Nollywood veteran Jim Iyke.
Drawing inspiration from creators like Donald Glover and Issa Rae, Thomas says the series takes a peek behind the bizarre world of celebrities, social media influencers and many more themes transporting the viewer into a new world.
The project has now completed principal photography and is currently in post-production.
Nicole Chikwe makes writing debut with UrbanGidi on upcoming Showmax Original, Under the Influence
Media personality, beauty entrepreneur and wife of Nigerian rapper, Naeto C, Nicole Chikwe has made her writing debut for Under the Influence, an upcoming Showmax Nigeria Original series with the showrunner Wande Thomas of UrbanGidi.
In an appreciation post on her social media pages, Nicole thanked Wande Thomas and Isoken Ogiemwonyi for offering her the opportunity to work on the project.
“So thankful to Wande Thomas for creating this incredible show, reading my drafts and giving feedback with grace. My mainest Isoken for pitching me for the writing opportunity (love you forever), and the other brilliant writers on the show Nengi Diri and Mannie Oiseomaye for being so inspiring. This whole experience has been an absolute joy.”
The series, directed and written by Wande Thomas and other writers including Isoken Ogiemwonyi, Nengi Diri and Mannie Oiseomaye, delves into the tumultuous and viral life of a young graduate trying to navigate Lagos as a newcomer. This Gen Z-focused series promises to capture the essence of modern Nigerian youth culture in this digital age.
Principal photography has been concluded and currently in post-production.
