Entertainment-Seekers Crave Historical Stories Right Now, So Along Comes the Epic King Kosoko
Riding onto screens courtesy of the producer of Jagun Jagun, King Kosoko promises a dramatic retelling of the messy rise to power of King Kosoko. Starring Femi Adebayo, it has
Riding onto screens courtesy of the producer of Jagun Jagun, King Kosoko promises a dramatic retelling of the messy rise to power of King Kosoko. Starring Femi Adebayo, it has all the makings of a huge Nollywood hit when it eventually arrives. Powering this will be the fascination with historical entertainment around the world right now.
King Kosoko is set in the mid-1800s, which is a particularly fascinating period for the Obaship of Lagos. Political infighting, long-spanning feuds, a siege on the palace, and revenge litter this incredible story. If it lands well, it’ll make a fine addition to this surging corner of entertainment.
People Want to Be Entertained by History
Products that revolve around history, retell history, dramatise history, or are simply set in a distinct historical period are doing very well right now. Starting with books, looking at the Waterstones best-selling books of 2025, you can see the breadth of interest.
In the list, you’ll see a look at gladiatorial games in Those Who Are About to Die, an investigation in A Scandal in Königsberg, how modern Asia was made in Shattered Lands, and Carthage, which recounts the North African empire’s challenge to Rome. Those are just the best-sellers, with mythical tales also being of huge interest.
On our screens, historical dramatisations have become the hot trend. What may have started with Vikings has spread into documentary series being given hefty budgets to recount the ancient days. Civilisations: Rise and Fall from the BBC is the prime example of this. It looks at Rome, Egypt, Japan, and the Aztecs across its run.
The more interactive corners of entertainment have also piled into the trend. Just looking at the games tied to the free spins on Sky Vegas to help advertise the promotion, you can see the draw of a historical creation. Eye of Horus transports players to an Ancient Egyptian tomb in search of the power of the famed deity.
With the promotion offering 50 free spins without wagering requirements, it’s bound to go over well because entertainment-seekers will see the Eye of Horus and want to play. Last year, Ghost of Yōtei also made waves in another corner of gaming. Set in Feudal Japan, it sold very well as the follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima.
Hitting the Historical Trend While it’s Hot
He may have only reigned for six years, but the struggles for the Obaship from 1800 to Kosoko’s ascension in 1945 tell quite the story. The Nollywood film King Kosoko promises to be “something massive,” so it’d be fair to assume that it will recount his rise to power and, potentially, Kosoko’s downfall.
The historical drama features a sprawling cast of talent, headlined by Femi Adebayo as Kosoko. Around him, film fans will enjoy seeing Femi Branch, Gabriel Afolayan, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Williams, Aisha Lawal, and Odunlade Adekola. Throw in the directorial quality of Adebayo Tijani, and you’ve got the makings of an epic hit.
History tells us that the central conflict for Kosoko will be with Eletu Odibo, who had blocked Kosoko’s second Obaship bid, accused his sister of witchcraft, and dug up his mother’s remains. Later, a new Oba, Akitoye, invited his own doom by trying to smooth over relations with Kosoko, leading to his eventual rise and revenge.
King Kosoko will reportedly arrive on our screens later this year, adding a rich new narrative to the rising scene of popular historical entertainment.
