By Benjamin Njoku

Lani Aisida, the Nigerian King of Web Series, has opened up about his journey into the glamour industry, revealing that music was his first love, not movies. In a recent chat with NollyNow, Aisida shared that he wanted to be a rapper, writing songs from the age of 10,before discovering his true calling in TV and film.

Aisida’s passion for music eventually led him to discover his true calling – storytelling through TV and film. “I liked movies but I wasn’t crazy about them. I wanted to be a rapper. I have been writing songs from a very young age. My first love was music but then I realized it was the storytelling of music that attracted me,” he recounted.

A trained Chartered Accountant, Aisida abandoned his lucrative profession to pursue a career in screenwriting and filmmaking. He has since become a leading voice in Nigerian television, known for hits like “Marriage Counsellor” and “Oga Pastor.”

Aisida was part of the wave that helped shape Nigeria’s digital storytelling era which to him being dubbed “King of Web Series”. Over time, he built a reputation as a writer and show runner. Through his production company, African Stories Untold, Aisida creates films that showcase African stories and experiences. His recent film, “The Herd”, is a testament to his commitment to authentic storytelling.

To many, Aisida has been a driving force in Nigeria’s television space; creating, writing, and consulting on several beloved series that have shaped contemporary African storytelling on the silver screen. Through the series, Aisida honed his signature blend of authenticity, humour, and emotional depth.

Interestingly, Aisida is expanding his creative kingdom with hits like “Say Who Die”, “The Herd”, and “Deeper”, currently airing on Africa Magic. For him, storytelling is a way to reflect society, exploring the complexities and nuances of everyday Africans.

Born in Lagos, Aisida’s love for writing began while working as a call center agent, where he conceptualized the series “Plus 234” in 2015. He champions stories that capture the humour, contradictions, and humanity of Africans, seeking to understand the reason behind the stories he tells.