In a quick response to the overwhelming acclaim that has greeted her latest Netflix hit, “To Kill a Monkey,” Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba is basking in what she calls “a warm embrace” from audiences and critics alike.
The crime-thriller, which quietly slipped onto the streaming platform without the usual promotional storm, has now become one of the most talked-about projects in Nollywood.
Despite having little pre-release hype, “To Kill a Monkey” swiftly climbed the charts following its July 18 debut, seizing the attention of viewers and sparking discourse across social media platforms.
Its bold themes, gripping narrative, and standout performances have earned it wide praise and made it an instant sensation.
As viewers continue to pour their emotions into reactions online, Adetiba’s fans described her new offering as not just another film but a cultural moment.
Known for her fearless storytelling and cinematic finesse, Adetiba finally broke her silence after days of public commendation.
She took to social media to express deep gratitude.
“Every creator desires impact, but it is never guaranteed,” she wrote.
“I can only be true to myself, my stories and my gut-choices and hope that the little voice I listen to in my heart is right again.”
In her words, Adetiba shed light on the silent battle every creative faces—the anxiety of not knowing how their work will be received.
“I always stay true to myself and listen to the tiny voice in my heart… I’m grateful to God that He has instilled in me a greater fear of not ‘doing’ than of failing,” she said.
Set in a cyber-noir world of political ambition, betrayal, and digital espionage, “To Kill a Monkey” delivers a story layered with emotional complexities and moral tension.
It draws audiences into a cinematic universe where every character is both a product and a prisoner of their choices—a signature style that has become synonymous with Adetiba’s work.
At the core of this series is the remarkable performance of William Benson as Efemini “Efe,” a haunted protagonist whose charisma masks a dangerous vulnerability.
Beside him, Bucci Franklin stuns as Oboz, with their onscreen dynamic described by fans as “riveting” and “chemically volatile.”
Supporting actors such as Bimbo Akintola, Stella Damasus, Lilian Afegbai, and Chidi Mokeme breathed life into the layered world with standout performances that amplify the tension and emotional depth of the series.
Stakeholders in the make-believe world have described the series as “a cinematic disruption”—a masterclass in pace, editing, and atmosphere.
The tight storytelling, crisp cinematography, and fearless direction have raised the bar for what is possible within the Nigerian film industry. Many industry insiders have lauded Adetiba for defying convention and trusting her creative instincts over marketing strategy.
“What makes this success even more remarkable is how quietly the series entered the public space. There was no massive campaign, no viral teaser push. It simply dropped—and caught fire”, a fan on the filmmaker said.
Viewers discovered it on their own terms, many saying the show “found them,” and once it did, it refused to let go. This organic wave of interest gave the project a grassroots momentum that even the most aggressive PR machines envy.
“This is not just about me,” Adetiba shared. “Thank you all for being so vulnerable with me and with my work. Thank you for embracing me and my work. Thank you for pushing for me and my work.”
For Adetiba, the accolades are a validation of her decision to lean into her intuition.
“It all feels like a warm embrace,” she said. “And I’m thankful for that.”
In an industry often obsessed with what’s trending, she noted that she is constantly reminded that timeless work comes from listening deeply to oneself, to stories that matter, and to the audiences who crave honesty.
From King of Boys to To Kill a Monkey, Adetiba is no longer just a filmmaker—she is a storyteller of consequence.
With every frame, she challenges Nollywood to aim higher, go deeper, and trust the power of human stories told with unflinching courage.
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