Bolanle Ninalowo Joins Hollywood Film with Blac Chyna, Launches ‘Maka ti Japa’ Series
Nollywood Star, Bolanle Ninalowo, popularly known as Maka or Makanaki, is spreading his wings beyond Nigerian cinema as he officially ventures into Hollywood, working alongside stars like Blac Chyna and Vivica A. Fox.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Ninalowo revealed that he recently wrapped up filming on a Hollywood movie project, marking a significant milestone in his international career. This comes after a brief hiatus from Nollywood, during which the actor says he was focusing on both family and new career opportunities abroad. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
“I’m doing some things in Hollywood as well—creating my mark over there,” he shared. “I just finished a movie with Vivica Fox and Blac Chyna, and I’ve got a few more roles lined up.”
While details of the movie are still under wraps, fans are buzzing with excitement over Ninalowo’s bold crossover into the American entertainment space. Known for his rugged charm and powerful performances in films like Picture Perfect and Coming from Insanity, the actor seems well-poised to make a splash on the global stage.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Ninalowo also revealed that he’s working on a new docu-series titled Maka ti Japa, a personal project set to premiere on his streaming platform, Makanaki TV. The series is described as a gritty, humorous take on the immigrant hustle, following the story of a stereotypical Lagos agbero who decides to chase the American dream.
“It’s about the life of an immigrant—a Naija agbero guy who says, ‘I fit go America too,’” Ninalowo said with a grin. “I wanted to speak for the streets, and tell the story of an area boy trying to make it outside Nigeria.”
Far from the typical portrayal of street boys as irresponsible or violent, Ninalowo emphasizes that the central character is ambitious, street-smart, and deeply relatable. Drawing from his earlier iconic role in Picture Perfect, the series hopes to humanize a segment of Nigerian youth that is often misunderstood.
“This character isn’t the ‘useless guy’ people often assume—he’s got dreams, responsibilities, and determination,” he added.
With production already underway, Maka ti Japa promises to be a compelling mix of drama, reality, and social commentary, painting an authentic picture of diaspora struggles through the lens of Nigerian street culture. It’s expected to resonate deeply with the global African community and lovers of raw, character-driven storytelling.
The dual announcements — a Hollywood debut and a street-level docu-series — showcase Ninalowo’s evolving career trajectory as he transitions from Nollywood heartthrob to global storyteller. By balancing blockbuster ambitions with grounded narratives, Ninalowo is setting a new standard for Nigerian entertainers aspiring to make waves beyond African borders.
Fans, both local and international, are now eagerly awaiting more details about the Hollywood film and the premiere date for Maka ti Japa. If one thing’s clear, it’s that Bolanle Ninalowo is no longer just a Nollywood star—he’s a rising global force.