Femi Odugbemi, born in 1963 in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a multifaceted individual known for his roles as a writer, filmmaker, and television producer. Founder and executive producer of Zuri24 Media, Odugbemi has left a significant mark on Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
Personal Stats
| Full Name | Femi Odugbemi |
| Date of Birth | 1963 |
| State of Origin | Lagos State |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Writer, Filmmaker, Television Producer |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Alma Mater | Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA (1979-1984) |
Early Life And Career
Femi Odugbemi’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born in 1963. His educational background includes studying film and television production at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, USA, from 1979 to 1984. Following his studies, he worked briefly at the Nigerian Television Authority and later as a film and radio producer at advertising agencies in Lagos, namely LOWE-LINTAS and McCann-Erickson.
Notable Works
- Tinsel (2008): In 2008, Odugbemi produced “Tinsel,” a long-running series with over 3,500 episodes, recognized as one of Nigeria’s most successful dramas.
- Abobaku (2008): Produced a short film directed by Niji Akanni, winning accolades such as Most Outstanding Short Film at the Zuma Film Festival in 2010 and Best Costume at the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Awards And Recognition
Femi Odugbemi has received prestigious awards, including being named a Fellow of Theatre Arts and receiving the Nigerian Film Corporation Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2013, he was honored with the Film Excellence Award from the Society of the Performing Arts of Nigeria, followed by the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nigerian Film Corporation in 2018.
Contributions And Affiliations
- Academy Involvement: Odugbemi is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars) and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmys).
- Leadership Roles: He served as the President of the Independent Producers Association of Nigeria (IPAN) from 2002-2006.
- Industry Events: Odugbemi has been a four-time Head Judge for the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA), a three-time Head Juror of the Uganda Film Festival, and a Juror of the Johannesburg International Film Festival, among other roles.
Filmography
- TV Dramas: “Tinsel” (2008), “Battleground” (2018), “Brethren” (2019), “Movement Japa” (2020), “Covenant” (2022).
- Feature Films: “Maroko” (2006), “Gidi Blues” (2016), “4th Estate” (2017), “Code Wilo” (2018).
- Documentaries: Notable documentaries include “Oui Voodoo” (2005), “Ibadan: Cradle of Literati” (2006), “Makoko: Futures Afloat” (2016), and “Unmasked: Leadership, Trust, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria” (2021).
Educational And Festival Roles
Odugbemi served as the pioneer Academy Director of the Multichoice Talent Factory West Africa from 2018 to 2022. He is also a co-founder and director of the iRepresent International Documentary Film Festival, which focuses on championing films and stories about Africa.
