Over the past decade, Asaba, the capital of Delta State, has emerged as a major hub for Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood. While Lagos has traditionally been the heart of Nigerian cinema, Asaba has carved out a unique space, attracting filmmakers, actors, and investors in droves. But what exactly makes Asaba the “New Nollywood”?
Beyond filmmaking, Asaba is also a vibrant city filled with tourist attractions, buzzing nightlife, and fun spots that make it an exciting destination for both visitors and industry insiders. Let’s explore.
1. The Rise of Asaba as a Filmmaking Hub
Asaba has become synonymous with low-to-mid-budget Nollywood films, particularly those in the Igbo-language film market and fast-paced action dramas. The city’s growth in the movie industry is largely due to affordable production costs, availability of filming locations, and a growing talent pool of actors and crew members.
Many of the direct-to-DVD and streaming films that dominate Nigeria’s home video market are now produced in Asaba, giving it a central role in Nollywood’s expansion. The city’s influence has become so significant that some of Nigeria’s biggest stars regularly shuttle between Lagos and Asaba for film projects.
2. Why Filmmakers Prefer Asaba
Lower Production Costs
Compared to Lagos, Asaba offers cheaper accommodation, transportation, and rental spaces for film production. This affordability allows filmmakers to shoot multiple films on tight budgets while maintaining high profits.
Scenic and Accessible Filming Locations
Asaba provides diverse backdrops, from urban cityscapes to quiet suburban neighborhoods, making it ideal for various movie genres. The presence of the River Niger Bridge, colonial-style buildings, and lush green landscapes also gives filmmakers visually appealing settings without needing excessive CGI or set design.
Government Support for Nollywood
The Delta State government has been supportive of the movie industry, with initiatives to promote filmmaking in the region. This has encouraged more producers to see Asaba as a viable alternative to Lagos.
3. The Role of Asaba in Nollywood’s Igbo Film Industry
One of Asaba’s most significant contributions to Nollywood is the growth of Igbo-language films. Many traditional Igbo stories, folklore, and cultural narratives are now being told on-screen, catering to an audience that had been somewhat overlooked in mainstream Nollywood.
As a result, Asaba has become a cultural film capital for Igbo-speaking audiences, with actors like Zubby Michael, Destiny Etiko, Yul Edochie, and Patience Ozokwor frequently starring in productions shot in the city.
4. Exploring Tourism and Fun Spots in Asaba
Apart from its growing Nollywood influence, Asaba is home to beautiful tourist attractions, lively entertainment spots, and an active nightlife scene that makes it an exciting destination for visitors.
i. Top Tourist Attractions in Asaba
The River Niger Bridge
A famous landmark connecting Asaba and Onitsha, this bridge is not just a major transport route but also a great sight, especially at sunset. It is a must-see for first-time visitors.
Mungo Park House
A historical site that dates back to the colonial era, the Mungo Park House was once a residence for British explorers. Today, it serves as a museum where visitors can learn about Nigeria’s early history.
Lander Brothers Anchorage
Located along the banks of the River Niger, this historic site commemorates the journey of the British Lander Brothers, who explored the Niger River in the 19th century. It’s a great place to explore Nigeria’s past while enjoying scenic views.
Asaba Beach
Yes! Asaba has a beach—well, a riverside one. Asaba Beach along the Niger River is an ideal place for relaxation, boat rides, and picnics. It’s a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.
ii. Asaba’s Thrilling Nightlife and Fun Spots
Asaba has one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in southeastern Nigeria, with plenty of lounges, clubs, and entertainment spots to explore. Whether you love dancing, live music, or simply chilling with friends, there’s always something happening in Asaba at night.
X Lounge Asaba
A high-end lounge with a beautiful ambiance, great cocktails, and live DJ performances. It’s perfect for a laid-back night out with friends.
Playhouse Lounge & Club
One of Asaba’s most popular clubs, Playhouse offers an electric party atmosphere with great music, top DJs, and an energetic crowd.
Jellies Lounge & Bar
For a mix of live music and delicious local cuisine, Jellies Lounge is a great place to unwind. It’s a hotspot for Nollywood stars and local celebrities.
BBQ City Lounge
A stylish open-air lounge known for its delicious grilled food, fun karaoke nights, and a cool crowd.
iii. Where to Eat in Asaba – Best Restaurants
Asaba has a rich food culture with both local and international dishes on offer. Here are some of the top spots to enjoy great meals:
- Grand Hotel Restaurant: A fine dining restaurant offering Nigerian and continental dishes with a great view of the Niger River.
- D Rox Restaurant & Bar: Known for its delicious local meals, including fresh catfish pepper soup.
- Chicken Capitol: A must-visit for lovers of grilled chicken, shawarma, and fast food.
- Satisfy Restaurant: A mix of traditional Igbo cuisine and modern African dishes.
5. Challenges Facing Asaba’s Nollywood Scene
While Asaba has gained traction in the film industry, it still faces some challenges:
i. Over-Saturation of Low-Budget Films
Many Asaba-based movies are criticized for their predictable storylines, overused tropes, and rushed production schedules. Some filmmakers focus more on quantity rather than quality, which has led to mixed audience reactions.
ii. Limited Cinema Culture
Unlike Lagos, which has several major cinema houses, Asaba’s films are mostly released directly to streaming platforms, DVDs, or local TV networks. The lack of a strong cinema presence affects how films from the region are perceived on a global scale.
iii. Need for Stronger Professional Training
While Asaba has nurtured many talented actors and directors, there is still a need for formal training programs in screenwriting, cinematography, and film editing to improve production quality.
6. Asaba’s Future in Nollywood
Despite these challenges, Asaba’s film industry continues to grow rapidly. With increasing investments in filmmaking equipment, training centers, and streaming platforms like Netflix and IROKOtv acquiring more Asaba-based films, the city’s position in Nollywood is stronger than ever.
If efforts are made to enhance scriptwriting, invest in modern film technology, and create more cinema-friendly productions, Asaba could transform into a full-fledged Nollywood powerhouse, rivaling Lagos in both quality and quantity of film output.
Conclusion: Asaba is Nollywood’s Rising Star!
So, is Asaba the “New Nollywood”? The answer is yes and no.
✅ Yes, because it has become a dominant force in Nollywood’s home-video market.
❌ No, because Lagos still holds the crown for high-budget, internationally recognized films.
However, with its booming film industry, exciting nightlife, and beautiful tourist attractions, Asaba is quickly becoming a city where entertainment and creativity thrive.
Asaba is Nollywood’s rising star—watch this space! 🎬✨