EVI: Judith Audu Productions and Switch Visuals Begin Filming Powerful Female-Led Afrobeats Drama

Two creative powerhouses in Nollywood, Judith Audu Productions and Switch Visual Productions have officially begun production on EVI, a bold, female-led Afrobeats feature film written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Uyoyou Adia (Hey You, Casa De Novia). The film is slated for release in the second quarter of 2026.

EVI tells the story of Evi-Oghene Donalds, a gifted but self-absorbed music star whose glittering world falls apart when her record label abruptly cuts ties with her, leaving her broke and publicly disgraced. Forced to navigate life without the fame and privilege she once took for granted, Evi must rebuild from scratch learning painful lessons about resilience, friendship, and identity along the way. With her loyal best friend and a troubled manager at her side, her journey becomes one of rediscovery and quiet strength.

The project shines a light on the hidden struggles faced by women in the Afrobeats scene, a world often defined by glamour but built on sacrifice. It also shows the growing influence of women in Nollywood, both in front of and behind the camera.

Speaking about the film, Judith Audu, actress and producer, described EVI as “a bold, unapologetic story that celebrates women who rise above challenges and thrive on their own terms.” She added, “This is for every woman who’s ever been told to shrink herself just to fit in.”

Damilola Osikoya, founder of Switch Visuals and co-producer on the film, shared that her passion for cross-cultural storytelling fuels this collaboration. “As a filmmaker and travel entrepreneur, I’ve always loved stories that move across borders,” she said. “EVI is entertaining, but it also carries a message about truth, resilience, and representation.”

For Uyoyou Adia, who writes and directs the film, EVI is more than a music story, it’s about survival and second chances. “Many artists, especially women, face these battles in silence,” she said. “We want audiences to feel inspired by Evi’s journey and see a reflection of themselves in her fight to rebuild.”

This marks the second collaboration between Judith Audu Productions and Switch Visuals after their six-episode series Hustle. Both companies plan to expand their partnership in 2026. The project is supported by CCHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter, with backing from the Gates Foundation.

Since its founding in 2013, Judith Audu Productions has earned a reputation for championing authentic Nigerian stories with global appeal. Its debut feature Just Not Married premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win several awards, including Best Nigerian Film at the Eko International Film Festival.

Switch Visuals Productions, on the other hand, brings a unique storytelling approach rooted in Osikoya’s background in luxury and tech-driven travel experiences. The company first made its mark producing music videos and commercials before venturing into film with A Weekend Fiasco (2025), starring Ini Edo, Alex Ekubo, and Odunlade Adekola.

With EVI, both studios are set to deliver a vibrant, emotionally charged film that captures the rhythm, chaos, and courage behind Nigeria’s Afrobeats world — and the women determined to rise within it.