Folagade Banks premieres Kava TV’s debut production, ‘A Mama Deola Wedding Story’

By Damilola Akinwale –

Nigerian skitmaker-turned-actor Tobi Abiri Folagade, popularly known as Folagade Banks, has premiered his debut production, A Mama Deola Wedding Story, ahead of its September 3 release as Kava TV’s first original movie.

The premiere, held on Wednesday evening at the IMAX Cinema, Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki, attracted stars from across the entertainment industry, who appeared in wedding-themed outfits.

As Kava TV’s maiden original-production premiere, the event marks a significant milestone for the growing digital streaming platform, which has continued to expand its presence in Nigeria’s entertainment industry by acquiring and distributing Nollywood movies. While the platform has previously showcased acclaimed films by independent filmmakers across different genres, A Mama Deola Wedding Story is its first original production.

According to Folagade, the film also set a new record in the Nigerian film industry by featuring what he described as the largest cast ever assembled for a wedding scene in a Nollywood production. He said the scene involved 600 cast members, reflecting the scale and ambition of the movie.

The movie, directed by Femi Adebayo and produced by Folagade Banks, brings together established and emerging talents in the entertainment industry. It stars Omowunmi Dada and Rotimi Salami as the central wedding couple, alongside Shaffy Bello, Bukky Wright, Iya Rainbow, Erica Nlewedim and Toyin Adegbola.

Expressing gratitude for the achievement, Folagade, known for his popular comic character Mama Deola, said the feat was a testament to God’s faithfulness. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his fans and colleagues.

As part of promotional activities for the movie, Folagade launched a challenge for Nigerian creatives, with five winners selected to receive empowerment prizes worth N3 million, iPhone 17 Pro Max devices and invitations to the movie premiere. The beneficiaries included Oduyebo Adedamola, Olamilekan Ridwan, Olakunle Stephen, Fatai Abibat and Ajike Thisblizz.

According to Folagade, the initiative was aimed at encouraging creatives struggling to establish themselves. Drawing from his personal experience of hardship and perseverance, he urged interested participants to create videos explaining how the prize would improve their content-creation journey and how his story had inspired them. Winners were subsequently selected based on creativity and engagement.