Nollywood actress and filmmaker Tayo Sobola, popularly known as Sotayo Gaga, has hosted an exclusive four-day private watch party for her latest movie, Osun Dagbonu, giving fans and industry stakeholders an intimate cinema experience while gathering firsthand reactions to the film.
The event, held at Vintano Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, brought together fans, movie lovers, influencers, filmmakers and entertainment executives, who watched the film alongside the actress and engaged in conversations about its central themes of spirituality, destiny and religious beliefs.
Speaking during the screening, Sotayo said the initiative was designed to create a closer connection with her audience while receiving honest feedback about the project.
The actress also explained why she chose to premiere the movie on YouTube instead of taking the conventional cinema route.
“I just wanted the movie to get to the right places. If it had gone to the cinema, not everyone would have had access to see it, and the audience might have been limited. That was why I decided to release it on YouTube,” she said.
According to her, watching a film in a cinema setting provides a completely different experience from viewing it alone on a phone or television.
“I’m sure if you had seen this movie before and you are also seeing it now at the private watch party, you would feel two different things. Watching it by yourself in your room, on your phone, or on television is different from watching it here with many people on a bigger screen.
“I really wanted to hear people’s opinions, get natural feedback from fans and observe their reactions, and the best way to do that was by bringing them together for this experience,” she added.
Veteran actress Toyin Afolayan, popularly known as Lola Idije, who featured prominently in the movie, praised Sotayo for producing a film that celebrates African spirituality and indigenous cultural beliefs.
She urged filmmakers to tell more stories that promote traditional African values, noting that misconceptions have discouraged many people from embracing their cultural heritage.
“This is the type of movie we should be putting out now. Religion has really affected us as Africans, and we need to revisit African spirituality. It is not evil; people have only changed the narrative about it, which is why many shy away from it.
“Thank God our people are gradually waking up and beginning to understand it better. It is a great movie, and I am happy to be part of it,” she said.
The private watch party was held from June 18 to June 21, 2026, at Vintano Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, and attracted several notable personalities, including Lola Idije, actor Lateef Adedimeji, Pastor Kasala and actress Seyi Edun, who attended in support of Sotayo Gaga and her latest project.
