Abba T. Makama Biography: Family, Films and Success Story
Abba T. Makama is one of the most innovative filmmakers in contemporary Nigerian cinema. Known for his artistic storytelling, experimental filmmaking style, and dedication to authentic African narratives, Makama has built a reputation as a creative force whose works have earned international recognition. Through films such as Green White Green and The Lost Okoroshi, he has helped redefine how Nigerian stories are presented to global audiences.
Unlike many mainstream filmmakers, Makama focuses on creating thought-provoking films that explore culture, identity, class, spirituality, and modern African life. His unique approach has made him one of the leading figures in the new wave of Nigerian cinema.
Early Life and Family
Abba Tadurikini Makama was born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. He grew up in a family that valued education and creativity. He is the third child of Samu’ila Makama and Julie Makama. Growing up in the culturally diverse city of Jos exposed him to different traditions, languages, and perspectives, experiences that would later influence his storytelling style.
As a child, Makama showed strong interest in art, drawing, and storytelling. He was fascinated by films and visual creativity from an early age. Friends and teachers often recognized his artistic talent, and this passion eventually evolved into a lifelong career in filmmaking.
Despite becoming a public figure in the entertainment industry, Makama has maintained a relatively private family life. He rarely discusses personal matters in the media, preferring to let his creative work speak for itself.
Education
Abba Makama’s educational journey took him beyond Nigeria. After completing his early education, he attended the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia, where he earned a degree in Business Management. Later, he studied film at New York University (NYU), one of the most respected institutions for film studies in the world.
His academic background gave him a unique combination of business knowledge and artistic training. This combination would later help him successfully navigate both the creative and commercial aspects of filmmaking.
The Beginning of His Career
After returning to Nigeria, Makama worked on several creative projects involving media, advertising, and visual storytelling. He collaborated with international brands and production companies while developing his own artistic voice. His goal was never simply to make movies but to create meaningful works that reflected African realities in fresh and imaginative ways.
He eventually founded Osiris Film and Entertainment, where he serves as founder and creative director. Through the company, he began producing projects that challenged traditional storytelling approaches in Nollywood.
Nollywood: Something From Nothing
One of Makama’s early breakthrough projects was the documentary Nollywood: Something From Nothing. The documentary was commissioned by Al Jazeera and explored the history, growth, and influence of Nigeria’s film industry.
The film examined how Nollywood became one of the largest movie industries in the world despite limited resources and infrastructure. The documentary earned international attention and received a nomination at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
This project helped establish Makama as a filmmaker capable of creating content that appealed to both African and international audiences.
Green White Green: The Film That Changed Everything
In 2016, Abba T. Makama directed Green White Green, a coming-of-age comedy-drama that became his most recognized project at the time.
The film follows three young Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds as they navigate friendship, identity, dreams, and social realities while waiting to begin university studies. Through humor and satire, the movie explores themes such as class differences, cultural identity, and national unity.
Green White Green premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. It later screened at numerous international festivals and won Best Nigerian Film at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
The film was praised for its originality, youthful energy, and honest portrayal of modern Nigerian life. Many critics described it as a fresh perspective on Nollywood filmmaking.
The Lost Okoroshi
Makama continued his creative evolution with The Lost Okoroshi in 2019.
The film tells the story of Raymond, an ordinary Lagos resident who mysteriously transforms into an Okoroshi masquerade spirit. Combining fantasy, satire, and social commentary, the movie explores themes of identity, tradition, urbanization, and cultural change.
Like Green White Green, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and later screened at the BFI London Film Festival and Berlin Critics’ Week. International audiences praised its originality and visual storytelling.
Many film critics consider The Lost Okoroshi one of the most creative Nigerian films of the last decade.
Surreal16 Collective
Abba Makama is a co-founder of the Surreal16 Collective, alongside filmmakers C.J. Obasi and Michael Omonua.
The collective was created to encourage a different type of filmmaking in Nigeria. Inspired partly by the Danish Dogme 95 movement, Surreal16 sought to move beyond conventional Nollywood formulas and promote artistic experimentation.
The group eventually launched the S16 Film Festival, which celebrates independent African cinema and emerging filmmakers. Through this initiative, Makama has helped create opportunities for new voices in African filmmaking.
Juju Stories
Another major achievement in Makama’s career came with Juju Stories, an anthology film exploring supernatural stories inspired by Nigerian folklore.
Makama directed the segment titled “Yam,” while the project was completed in collaboration with other Surreal16 members. The film received widespread acclaim and won the Boccalino d’Oro Award at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
The success of Juju Stories further strengthened Makama’s international reputation and showcased the richness of Nigerian storytelling traditions.
Artistic Style
What makes Abba T. Makama stand out is his unique artistic vision.
His films often combine:
- Magical realism
- Comedy and satire
- Nigerian folklore
- Social commentary
- Psychological themes
- Spiritual symbolism
Makama has often expressed interest in dream psychology and the ideas of Carl Jung. These influences can be seen in the surreal and symbolic nature of many of his films.
Rather than focusing solely on commercial success, he prioritizes creativity, originality, and cultural authenticity.
Major Films
Over the years, Abba T. Makama has built an impressive filmography that includes:
Feature Films
- Green White Green (2016)
- The Lost Okoroshi (2019)
Documentary
- Nollywood: Something From Nothing (2015)
Anthology and Short Films
- Party of Minister (2013)
- Visions: Shaitan (2017)
- Juju Stories: Yam (2021)
These projects have screened at major international festivals including TIFF, BFI London, Locarno, Berlin Critics’ Week, and AFRIFF.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Makama has earned several notable achievements:
- Best Nigerian Film Award for Green White Green at AFRIFF.
- AMAA nomination for Nollywood: Something From Nothing.
- Toronto International Film Festival selections.
- BFI London Film Festival selections.
- Berlinale Talents alumnus.
- International recognition for Juju Stories.
These accomplishments have established him as one of Nigeria’s most respected independent filmmakers.
Net Worth
Abba T. Makama’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, his earnings come from film directing, producing, screenwriting, international festival appearances, brand collaborations, creative consulting, and media projects.
Industry observers generally consider him one of the most successful independent filmmakers in Nigeria. His growing international profile and global distribution deals have contributed significantly to his professional success.
Success Story
Abba T. Makama’s success story is one of creativity, persistence, and vision. Instead of following established formulas, he chose a path that allowed him to explore unconventional ideas and tell uniquely African stories.
From studying film in New York to premiering films at international festivals, Makama has demonstrated that Nigerian filmmakers can compete on the global stage while staying true to their cultural roots.
His work continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers who believe that African cinema can be artistic, innovative, and internationally respected.
Conclusion
Abba T. Makama has become one of the most influential voices in modern African filmmaking. Through films such as Green White Green, The Lost Okoroshi, and Juju Stories, he has helped reshape perceptions of Nigerian cinema around the world.
His dedication to storytelling, creativity, and cultural authenticity has earned him recognition both at home and abroad. As his career continues to grow, Abba T. Makama remains a powerful example of how passion and originality can lead to lasting success in the global film industry.
