Jadesola “Jade” Osiberu began her journey as a software engineer to one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of her generation as a testament to creative audacity and visionary leadership.
Osiberu’s early professional life began far from film sets. Armed with a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Manchester, she worked briefly as a software developer before rediscovering her passion for stories and imagery.
That pivot led her from digital marketing at GTBank — where she helped launch Ndani TV, a pioneering online content platform into the heart of Nollywood’s creative evolution.
Her feature-filmmaking breakthrough came in 2017 with Isoken, a romantic drama that deftly explored cultural expectations, love, and identity in contemporary Nigeria.
The film not only resonated with local audiences but also earned Osiberu Best Director at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, signaling her entry as a storyteller with both technical mastery and emotional clarity.
From there, Osiberu’s ascent was meteoric. She founded Greoh Studios, a production company with a clear mission: to elevate African stories on the global stage.
Under her leadership, the studio produced Sugar Rush, a commercially successful caper that blended humor, action, and female friendship, and Brotherhood, a gritty exploration of loyalty and crime that became one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films.
Her most significant breakthrough came with Gangs of Lagos, the first Nigerian original film to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
The movie not only exposed international audiences to the vibrant complexities of Lagos life but also underscored Osiberu’s ability to craft deeply local stories with universal appeal.
That achievement opened the door to a historic three-year overall deal with Amazon to develop and produce original scripted films and television series — a first for an African filmmaker and a milestone for the continent’s creative industries.
In December 2024, Osiberu expanded her artistic repertoire with Christmas in Lagos, a romantic dramedy capturing the festive spirit of Nigeria’s most celebrated season.
The film, featuring a vibrant ensemble cast and musical stars, further demonstrated her versatility and deep understanding of cultural rhythms.
Beyond box office numbers and streaming deals, Osiberu’s influence reverberates through the conversations she has sparked about representation, ambition, and African identity.
In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter named her among the “40 Most Powerful Women in International Film,” recognizing her role in reshaping the global narrative landscape and championing diverse voices.
Jade Osiberu’s story is particularly compelling not just because of her personal success, but because of the pathway she has carved for others.
She has proven that African filmmakers can command global platforms without diluting the authenticity of their voices.
