Wura is a landmark Nigerian telenovela and the first original long-form scripted drama produced by Showmax. It debuted in January 2023 and wrapped up in April 2025, spanning three seasons and an impressive 260 episodes .
Storyline & Theme
Set against the backdrop of gold mining in the Iperindo community, Osun State, Wura follows Wura Amoo-Adeleke, a loving wife and mother who doubles as a ruthless CEO of Frontline Gold Mine.
Her dual life—portraying warmth at home, and merciless ambition in business—drives a plot filled with secrets, betrayal, and moral complexity.
Production & Filming
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Adaptation: Based on South Africa’s acclaimed telenovela The River (an International Emmy nominee), Wura was tailored to resonate with Nigerian culture and context .
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Creators: Executive produced by Rogers Ofime with a writers’ room led by Musa Jeffery David.
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Cinematography: Filmed on location in Iperindo, cinematographer Uti Prince Chiejine captured stunning visuals with RED cameras, using lighting and framing to reflect Wura’s internal and external worlds.
Cast Highlights
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Scarlet Gomez stars as Wura, delivering a powerful portrayal that landed her an AMVCA nomination for Best Actress in a Drama
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Key supporting roles include:
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Yomi Fash-Lanso as Anthony Amoo-Adeleke
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Carol King as Grace Adeleke
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Ray Adeka, Iremide Adeoye, Ego Iheanacho, Martha Ehinome, Lanre Adediwura
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Reception & Cultural Impact
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Popular Success: Wura became one of Showmax’s most-watched Nigerian originals across 2023–2024.
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It made strong social media waves—#WuraShowmax trended widely on TikTok with over 39 million views.
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Milestones:
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Reached 50 episodes by April 2023 .
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Hit 100 episodes in mid-2023, anchoring Showmax’s Top 20 list in Nigeria
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Finale: The tense and emotional series conclusion aired on April 15, 2025, offering a dramatic end to long-running arcs as secrets unfolded and moral breakdowns occurred Pulse Nigeria.
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Awards: The series picked up several honors including wins at the Scream All Youth Awards and Gage Awards, alongside multiple AMVCA nominations
What Made Wura Stand Out
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Ambitious Long-Form Telenovela: Nigeria’s first of its kind, pushing Nollywood’s boundaries in storytelling depth and length.
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Strong Female Lead: Wura’s morally grey persona offered a compelling central figure, both relatable and complex.
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High Production Values: Its film-like cinematography and authentic setting elevated expectations for African streaming content.
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Cultural Resonance: By weaving in local issues like gold mining, it grounded a dramatic narrative in real societal context.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Wura |
| Type | Nigerian Telenovela (Showmax Original) |
| Seasons/Episodes | 3 seasons, 260 episodes (2023–2025) |
| Genre | Drama, Soap, Corporate & Family Intrigue |
| Lead | Scarlet Gomez as Wura Amoo-Adeleke |
| Setting | Gold mining community in Iperindo, Osun State |
| Source Material | Adapted from South African telenovela The River |
| Key Themes | Power, ambition, dual identity, betrayal |
| Production Quality | High cinematic standard, RED cameras, thoughtful lighting/logistics |
| Reception | Major streaming hits, social media buzz, award-winning |
| Legacy | Set new storytelling benchmarks for Nigerian streaming dramas |
Final Thoughts
Wura wasn’t just another TV show—it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined expectations for Nigerian serial storytelling. With its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and cinematic quality, it captivated audiences and set a new benchmark for streaming content in Africa.
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