10 Golden Lessons from Nollywood’s Romcom Queens, Diche Enunwa and Temitope Bolade-Akinbode By Kolapo Mustapha
10 Golden Lessons from Nollywood’s Romcom Queens, Diche Enunwa and Temitope Bolade-Akinbode By Kolapo Mustapha
To a casual viewer, a film ends when the screen fades to black. But to a film analyst, the real journey continues through the end credits—where we discover the masterminds behind the magic. For anyone deeply immersed in storytelling, especially in the ever-evolving terrain of Nollywood, the joy of cinema isn’t just in the plot twists or performances; it’s in discovering the names—those architects of imagination who breathe life into stories. And when it comes to romantic comedies in Nollywood, two names continue to stand tall: Diche Enunwa and Temitope Bolade-Akinbode.
In an industry where screenwriting duos are often formed by producers or studios, Diche and Temitope are trailblazers. They didn’t just get paired by chance—they chose each other. From the very beginning, they set out as a brand, co-founding Writers Ink Concepts, and over the last decade, they’ve remained intentional about growing not only their company but also their partnership. As someone who has worked with them, spent time in a story workshop with them, I can say: they are two distinct individuals with contrasting personalities—but they merge so beautifully that it feels like magic every time they collaborate.
As they celebrate ten years of partnership and phenomenal storytelling, these two women—rightly dubbed “The Nollywood Romcom Queens”—have shared ten golden lessons from their journey. These lessons, however, go beyond their story. They echo the principles of many respected filmmakers I’ve studied over time. In this article, I expand on those lessons, unpacking the wisdom and power behind them, especially for aspiring storytellers, with a spotlight on women in film.
1. Passion is the Fuel, but Discipline Drives the Car
Many enter Nollywood with fiery passion, but very few sustain it. What separates Diche and Temitope is their relentless discipline. Over the years, they’ve shown up—on good days and bad, in seasons of rejection and success. Passion may get you started, but discipline keeps you going when inspiration fades and the grind sets in. They remind us that creative brilliance needs structure, routines, deadlines, and unwavering commitment.
2. A Good Story Isn’t About Drama, It’s About Truth
Films like Cold Feet and Fine Wine resonate not just because they’re dramatic, but because they tap into universal truths—love, regret, second chances, and vulnerability. Diche and Temitope understand that audiences connect with realness. Their stories feel authentic, often pulling from the mundane but relatable corners of life. That’s why their films linger in hearts—because truth always triumphs over spectacle.
3. Structure Empowers Creativity
There’s a misconception that structure restricts creativity. Not true. What Diche and Temitope prove is that structure—when mastered—actually frees you. It becomes the framework within which wild, imaginative ideas can find coherence and clarity. Their ability to break the rules like pros comes from years of knowing the rules. They exemplify that form and freedom can co-exist.
4. “No” Isn’t the End, It’s Redirection
Their evolution from screenwriters to producers and now directors is not just inspiring—it’s instructive. They didn’t stop at “no.” They pivoted, adapted, and redefined themselves. Many creators get discouraged by rejection, but Diche and Temitope show us that rejection can be a catalyst. A “no” doesn’t always mean stop—it often means “not yet” or “try a different route.”
5. Writers Are Brands Too
The Nigerian film industry often puts the spotlight on actors and directors. But Diche and Temitope have boldly changed the narrative–writers matter. By creating Writers Ink Concepts, they established a powerful writing brand, proving that writers can lead production, shape narratives, and own their voice in the business of film. It’s a clarion call to all writers: your pen is powerful—own it, build with it.
6. Collaboration Beats Competition
In a fiercely competitive industry, their decision to collaborate instead of compete is revolutionary. Together, they’ve built an empire that likely would have taken longer if they went solo. Their complementary strengths—one more intuitive, the other more technical—have made their partnership an ideal model. Great stories are rarely birthed in isolation, and their journey affirms that unity often births excellence.
7. Feedback is Gold—Even When it Stings
Criticism can be uncomfortable, especially for creatives. But Diche and Temitope embrace feedback as a necessary part of growth. Their ability to take notes, rework drafts, and receive critique with humility has strengthened their storytelling and character arcs over the years. For any filmmaker, this is crucial: learning to see feedback not as a threat, but as a tool.
8. Women-Led Businesses Can and Do Win
Writers Ink is a testimony that women can build, lead, and thrive in creative industries. Their journey parallels that of other powerhouse women in Nollywood like Mo Abudu, Bolanle Austin-Peters, Jade Osiberu, Funke Akindele, Kemi Adetiba and many more. The idea that impact and influence are limited to gender is outdated. Diche and Temitope’s decade-long success proves that women, when empowered and determined, can dominate any industry. Their leadership is not only inspiring but disruptive—in the best way.
9. Mentorship Builds Legacy
They don’t just create stories—they plant seeds. Their commitment to teaching and mentoring emerging filmmakers is one of the most commendable aspects of their career. Every class they teach, every story workshop they lead, is a step toward building a more empowered and skilled Nollywood. They understand that true legacy isn’t what you achieve—it’s what you pass on.
10. Reinvention is the Name of the Game
Perhaps the most admirable part of their journey is their constant evolution. From writing to directing and producing, they’ve embraced reinvention as a necessary part of staying relevant. They’ve diversified their skills without diluting their voice. As creative, we must understand: the industry changes. Audiences change. But your power lies in your ability to adapt and evolve.
Final Words: A Decade Down, A Legacy in the Making
Diche Enunwa and Temitope Bolade-Akinbode are more than just prolific screenwriters—they’re architects of change, visionaries, and culture shapers. From projects like Mama Drama, Trigger, The Love Square, to their work featured on Netflix, Africa Magic, and Iroko TV, their impact is undeniable. The awards and accolades are well-deserved, but it’s their consistency, humility, and heart for the craft that sets them apart.
In a world that glorifies fame and forgets the process, Diche and Temitope remind us that greatness is built, not stumbled upon. As they mark ten years, may their journey inspire thousands more—especially women—to believe that partnership, purpose, and perseverance can take you to unimaginable heights.
And if you’re an aspiring filmmaker reading this, remember: you don’t have to learn everything the hard way. Learn from those who’ve gone ahead. Learn from the queens who turned scripts into success, and passion into purpose.
Their story is still being written—and so is yours.
ABOUT US
Welcome to AFROFILM HERALD TIMES LIMITED, a premier media and entertainment company committed to celebrating and promoting the richness of African culture through storytelling. Our mission is to amplify African voices, preserve our heritage, and share authentic narratives with the world.
At AFROFILM HERALD TIMES LIMITED, we specialize in filmmaking, documentary production, content creation, and online entertainment journalism. Through visually compelling films, thought-provoking documentaries, and engaging digital content, we capture the essence of Africa’s past, present, and future.
Our passion lies in showcasing Africa’s diverse traditions, histories, and contemporary experiences in ways that inspire, educate, and entertain. With a deep appreciation for our roots and a forward-thinking approach, we strive to be a leading force in African media, bringing compelling stories to both local and global audiences.
We welcome and appreciate voluntary donations to support our administrative upkeep and continue our mission of cultural storytelling. To contribute, please reach out to us via +234 807 4441 391 (Available on WhatsApp).
Join us in our journey to redefine African storytelling and preserve our cultural legacy through the power of media and entertainment.
