RMD Brings Nollywood to Hollywood: Radio Voice North American Premiere Shuts Down Sunset Boulevard
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- Jul 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 13
On July 3, Nollywood royalty descended on Hollywood Boulevard and made it clear: we’re not here to play — we’re here to project power and show up in undeniable style. The U.S. premiere of Radio Voice, starring the legendary Richard Mofe-Damijo (or as the world knows him: RMD), was not just a screening — it was a movement. A cultural flashpoint. A standing ovation in waiting.
Hosted at the Harmony Gold Theater, the event marked the film’s first-ever U.S. screening, following earlier premieres in Lagos (distributed by Nile) and London. And in true star-power fashion, LA had to do a double take — literally. The theater’s 350-seat auditorium was packed twice, with lines stretching around the block and fans eager to see the film that had everyone talking.
RMD Productions, the film follows the emotional journey of a woman who finds her voice again—literally and figuratively—after surviving domestic trauma.
And yes — RMD made an entrance. Dressed in a regal pastel blue agbada adorned with gold leaf embroidery and beads by Nigerian celebrity designer King Hakbal, he was the picture of elegance. The red carpet glowed with color and purpose: fiery oranges, royal purples, fierce yellows, and African print fabrics in full bloom. It wasn’t just fashion — it was a declaration.
The guest list? Top-tier. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde arrived with her family — husband, Captain Ekeinde, and children, including Michael and Meraiah. Appearances from Razaaq Adoti (Resident Evil), Sam Adegoke (Dynasty), Ozie Nzeribe (Shameless), Caroline Chikezie (Power), Sammi Rotibi (57 Seconds), Chet Anekwe (Bob Hearts Abishola), Eve Richards (Surviving The Cartel), and Chike Nwoffiah (founder of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival), and other Hollywood insiders lit up the carpet. Attendees included business leaders, influencers, fans, and diasporans dressed to represent. In a U.S. political climate where diversity can feel performative, this night felt refreshingly authentic.
Red carpet royalty incoming! Swipe for the boldest looks and celebs who brought the Heat:
In the first slide, Caroline Chikezie. Swipe for more celeb attendees | PHOTO BY JIDE COLE
“This is good to see,” said event co-producer Seyi Brown, eyes glistening as he scanned the crowd of 350+ viewers in the first screening.
Inside the theater, Radio Voice was met with rapt attention. Directed by Isioma Osaje and executive produced by Richard Mofe-Damijo, the film follows Uche (played by Nancy Isime), a former sex worker and single mother, who finds redemption and a new life as a radio personality, ultimately helping to revive a struggling radio station.
Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Many praised the film’s strong performances, particularly from its female lead, and the refreshing depth of its themes. Its powerful reception reflected the universality of the film’s message and the growing global appetite for African stories told with nuance and soul.
During the Q&A, hosted by Bayo Akinfemi (of Bob Hearts Abishola) and USC Professor, nostalgia took center stage. The two men first worked together in a 1996 stage production called Obasanjo. When asked, “Why do this after all these years?” RMD smiled and replied, “I’m hungry.” The crowd roared.
Of course, RMD is accomplished—he’s enjoyed decades of screen success, a respected stint in politics, and the kind of career most would consider complete. But this wasn’t hunger for fame or validation. It's a hunger for the industry to evolve, for richer narratives, for deeper representation. A hunger to leave the door wider open for the next generation.
“This film is about second chances,” one attendee, Joanna, shared. “It shows that healing is messy — but powerful… and to see Nollywood on a U.S. screen with this kind of reception—it’s everything,”
“It reminded me of how important community radio once was — and still can be,” added Chef Opportune, another guest. “And Nancy Isime? She ate.”
Omotola spoke to the future of African film, saying: “What we saw tonight is just a glimpse. Our stories belong on every screen, in every language, at every budget.”
Watch Radio Voice Hollywood Premiere-The Full Video on YouTube
As for the performances? Breathtaking. Nancy Isime delivered a gritty, layered portrayal that grounded the film’s emotional core. Deyemi Okanlawon was convincingly infuriating (we mean that in the best way). Nse Ikpe-Etim served fierce softness and presence. The child actor, Jasmine Olarotimi, a complete natural. And Blossom Chukwujekwu — Hollywood, please give this man more screen time.
It’s no surprise the sets were flawless; Yolanda Okereke, one of Nollywood’s most gifted costume designers, is among the film’s producers. The film is stylish, emotional, and unpredictable — with dialogue that lingers long after the credits roll.
At its heart, Radio Voice is about resilience, reinvention, and rediscovering one’s power through storytelling. It’s also a tribute to women — the ones behind the camera, on the field, and in leadership. The film had at least three female producers and displayed prominent female leadership in the story. As Isioma Osaje said, “We didn’t just want to tell a story — we wanted to build a legacy (see her interview with BFW).
Cultural relevance? Off the charts. With global attention increasingly tuned into African pop culture and stories, this film plants a firm Nollywood flag on Hollywood soil.
RMD, who has graced our screens for over forty years and starred in over 134 IMDb-credited films, shows no sign of slowing down. He’ll soon appear in the hotly anticipated adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone alongside Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. And yes — he’s producing again. His next film, Revelations, drops this August and stars none other than his son, Tega Mofe.
The Radio Voice North American premiere was produced by the Lufatee Project, Sheyeto Entertainment, BackHome Productions, and supported by Black Film Wire and Immigrant Magazine, and other notable media who have all been championing the film’s rollout. Speaking after the screening, RMD described Radio Voice as “a love letter to resilience” and “a story that proves no matter how broken we are, our voice can still rise.”
Toyin Lufadeju, founder of The Lufatee Project and co-director/co-producer of the event, called the night a landmark moment: “Producing the Radio Voice premiere in Hollywood was a landmark moment—sold out, a second screening added, and a global community united to celebrate Nollywood. It proved the power of film, collaboration, and the magic that happens when we come together.”
Reporting for Black Film Wire was Sahndra Fon Dufe, the platform’s founder, dressed in a custom Kutula look — the same iconic Black-owned brand known for styling Wakanda Forever and Beyoncé herself.
We at Black Film Wire have been following Radio Voice since its Nigerian premiere in April (see story) — and we’ll keep watching because stories like this deserve all the screens. We’ll notify you of any further international screenings near you.
As Radio Voice continues its global festival run—with earlier stops in Lagos and London—the LA premiere stands out as a significant milestone. More than a movie premiere, it felt like a cultural homecoming.
About the Film:
The Protagonist:
Uche, a sex worker and single mother, finds an unexpected opportunity at a struggling radio station.
The Radio Station:
Power FM is facing hard times and is on the verge of closing down.
Uche's Transformation:
Uche's unique voice and compelling storytelling skills help revitalize the station and bring it back to its former glory.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Uche faces challenges from office politics and the lingering shadows of her past, but she perseveres.
Themes:
The film explores themes of redemption, second chances, finding your voice, and the power of human connection.
Key Players: The film features a star-studded cast, including Nancy Isime as Uche, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Deyemi Okanlawon.
Radio Voice LA Premiere Organizers:
The Lufatee Project (Toyin Lufadeju)
Sheyeto Entertainment (Seyi Brown)
BackHome Productions (Adewole Lipede)
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