The co-directors of Princess on a Hill on their creative journey

Princess on a Hill, a Showmax Original Nigerian drama series set in the high-stakes world of corporate politics, is now available for streaming. New episodes arrive every Thursday.

Created by celebrated Nigerian filmmakers Abiola Sobo and Tolu Ajayi, this riveting new series plunges viewers into a world of ambition, power, and shadowy corporate games. In an exclusive interview, co-directors and producers Abiola Sobo and Tolu Ajayi delve into their creative journey, discussing the intricacies of bringing corporate drama to life and what audiences can anticipate from this captivating series.

Watch the launch trailer for Princess on a Hill

Tolu Ajayi on the challenges, complex characters and the cost of success

What were some of the most significant production challenges, and how did you and the team overcome them?

We were fortunate to have a dedicated and resilient team, but building this multifaceted world was still a huge undertaking. Creating Moyosore’s business empire, for example, involved extensive set design, location sourcing and attention to detail, and we had to balance it all within our shooting schedule and budget. Gratitude to Abisola Omolade ( production designer) for always adapting to tough challenges. It required some tight coordination and creative problem-solving, but everyone’s dedication to the project allowed us to bring this fictional yet realistic world to life.

The character of Moyosore is particularly complex. How did you work with Bimbo Manuel to bring out the character’s nuances?

Moyosore Lawson is an interesting mixture of several familiar African archetypes and personalities - part feudal chief, sophisticated businessman, and benevolent dictator. We took time to break down Moyosore’s psychology, personal ambitions, vulnerabilities, and backstory. Inc’ Bimbo is a versatile actor who is deeply committed to this role, and we had many questions and conversations about Moyosore’s motives and inner conflicts. This process allowed us to bring depth and subtlety to his character, capturing the essence of a complex leader with as many flaws as virtues.

What conversations are you hoping Princess on a Hill will spark?

We want POAH to inspire conversations around the myths of the “dream come true”, business ethics, and the choices people make on the path to success. By showing characters facing ethical dilemmas and exploring the complexities of their ambitions, we hope the series prompts viewers to think about the cost of success and the sacrifices made along the way. It’s about understanding that the glamorous corporate life often comes with a hidden price.

Abiola Sobo on exploring new themes in Nollywood, authenticity and creative collaboration

Corporate drama is not a popular theme/genre to explore in Nollywood. Why the need to create Princess on a Hill?

Yes, we don’t see many corporate dramas in Nollywood, so I have to give big kudos to the team at Showmax for greenlighting this project.

As for why we chose this theme and genre, I'd say Princess on a Hill almost fell into our laps. It started with Chuka Ejorh at Blinks Studios, Tolu Ajayi of Saga City, and my partner, Folashayo Oke. We were all eager to collaborate on something impactful, and Tolu pitched the story to us with an intriguing perspective. As we dissected the plot and explored the dramatic framework, it quickly became an exciting project.

 Zara's journey from obscurity to the high-stakes corporate world is an idea that probably resonates with many people - it’s something we might imagine when reading about moguls and industry tycoons in the news. Princess on a Hill brings this concept to life, taking us down an intense and captivating path filled with drama.

What steps did you take to ensure the series remained both authentic to Nigerian corporate culture and universally relatable?

In developing the story, our screenwriters - Bibi, Niyi, and Sonia - did a fantastic job ensuring, first and foremost, that we had an authentic Nigerian story, not a replica of the popular foreign content we often see. We also invested a lot of time in building the characters and chose an industry where we had access to detailed research.

Our characters are real people - likely individuals you've encountered in the workplace - but their nuances and circumstances make them unique. Princess on a Hill tells a straightforward, relatable story that we hope will resonate with audiences globally.

What makes you excited about Princess on a Hill?

Oyinye, Mr. Bimbo, and our incredible cast delivered outstanding performances, and I’m eager to see how audiences will connect with this corporate drama theme. Princess on a Hill is a remarkable collaboration among some of the most creative people I know, and I’m confident that it will translate powerfully on screen.

Princess on a Hill follows the journey of Zara (Onyinye Odokoro), a young, ambitious executive catapulted to the top of Nigeria’s most powerful boardroom after a surprise victory in a corporate reality TV competition. Unprepared but determined, Zara must hold her ground against power struggles and intense competition, all while dealing with the enigmatic CEO, Moyosore Lawson (Bimbo Manuel), whose influence threatens to overshadow her every decision.

Join Zara as she embarks on her unexpected rise, facing powerful foes and unveiling dark secrets that will test her resolve and reveal just how far she’s willing to go. Princess on a Hill promises to captivate viewers with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and Nigerian flair.

Princess on a Hill is now streaming exclusively on Showmax.