At the premiere of Grind Season 2, the night was filled with glitz, glamour, and deep reflections as Nollywood stars and industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate the return of the compelling drama. Held at EbonyLife Cinemas in Victoria Island, Lagos, the premiere set the stage for the show’s return to Prime Video on March 7.
Created by Roberta Orioma who also played the lead character, Grind follows the journey of Tarela, a young woman from the slums of Lagos who shoulders the responsibility of her family’s survival. Season 2 continues to explore Tarela’s struggles, particularly in her relationships with key characters like Kobe (Eso Dike) and Wole (Daniel Abua). The show’s new season is directed by Orire Nwani and Joshua Tso-Tso, with producers Josh Olaoluwa and Roberta Orioma steering the production
Roberta Orioma, who is also the executive producer, emphasised the authenticity and relatability of Grind’s narrative, saying, “Expect drama, honesty, truth, and life in Season 2. Young Nigerians are all hustling, trying to chase our dreams. Tarela’s story mirrors that reality—she wants to go back to school but lacks the financial means. Many people who have funded their education through unconventional means will relate to her journey. Grind is a reflection of real struggles and real aspirations.”
Actor, Uzor Arukwe, who played Somto, shared insights into his character’s evolution in the new season. “Somto started off as a club owner, but he made all the wrong choices—getting high on his own supply and losing control. This season, the drama only intensifies from there”, he said.
Speaking at the premiere, Tso-Tso reflected on his passion for storytelling and why Grind resonates deeply with him. He said, “I’m drawn to stories that challenge societal norms and force audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. Grind highlights a part of society that many prefer to ignore—women who make a living dancing to entertain men. There are many layers to their realities, and it’s important to tell these stories without judgment.”
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