Creator Portfolio & Company Profile
Bolarinwa Emmanuel
Impact Filmmaker · TV Director · Content Entrepreneur
A multi-award-winning filmmaker with over 12 years of expertise crafting Pan-African stories across film, television, documentary, and digital media. Founder of Santab Productions Ltd — Lagos, Nigeria.
12+
Years in Industry
10
TV Drama Series
50+
Films & Docs
8+
Major Awards
"To rank among the best filmmakers in Africa — telling believable African stories with supreme realism."
— Bolarinwa Emmanuel, Creative Vision
Nigerian Emerging Leader
Award · 2024
Tony Elumelu Grantee
Top 17 / 3,600 Applicants
ForbesBLK Member
Community · 2023
Ariya Networks
Content Aggregator
01
About the Creator
The Mind Behind
the Camera
An impact filmmaker who has directed 10 TV drama series, produced 50+ documentary films, and built a Pan-African content empire — from Lagos to London.
Bolarinwa Emmanuel · CEO, Santab Productions Ltd
TV Director
Film Producer
Art Director
Content Aggregator
Screenwriter
Documentary Filmmaker
Digital Marketer
Event Strategist
Journalist
HIV/AIDS Peer Educator
Bolarinwa Emmanuel — known creatively as Santa Bolero — is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and passionate media practitioner with over 12 years of expertise spanning TV and film direction, art direction, production design, content creation, digital marketing, and event creative strategy.
He founded Santab Productions Ltd on 7th April 2017 with a singular mission: to produce extraordinaire audiovisual content that empowers creative Nigerian youth and helps businesses, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals fulfil their marketing and storytelling aspirations.
Under his leadership, Santab Productions has grown from a Lagos-based startup serving indigenous brands to a Pan-African content company consulting for multinational brands in the United Kingdom and USA, and distributing content across cable TV, terrestrial TV, and international streaming platforms.
He is a Certified HIV/AIDS Peer Education Facilitator — a credential that uniquely positions him to direct the Good Samaritan drama series with authentic authority and social impact credibility.
Member, ForbesBLK Community
2023 · Global Black Entrepreneurship Network
Fellow, Film for Impact Foundation (FFIF)
Northern Nigeria · Supported by US Embassy
Tony Elumelu Storytellers Grantee
Top 17 of 3,600 applicants · 54 African countries · Africa No Filter
Content Aggregator, ARIYA Networks
Nigeria & Africa · Pan-African streaming distribution
Certified HIV/AIDS Peer Education Facilitator
Qualified social impact content creator
10
TV Drama Series Directed
5
Game & Quiz Shows
50+
Documentary Films
17
TV Commercials Produced
02
Career Milestones
A Decade of
Building Africa's Stories
From a university award in 2010 to Pan-African distribution, every milestone has built toward a single vision — authentic, impactful African storytelling at the highest level.
2010 — 2012
2010
Most Resourceful Nigerian Youth Award — South West Geopolitical Zone
National recognition for exceptional contribution to youth development and community leadership.
2010
Most Resourceful Member — Society of Fisheries & Wildlife Students (SOFAWSITES), FUTA
Federal University of Technology, Akure chapter recognition.
2011
YouWIN Business Plan Competition — Finalist (Maiden Edition)
Recognised among Nigeria's most promising young entrepreneurs at the inaugural Federal Government business competition.
2012
Award of Exemplary Performance — Corp Liaison Officer, Ovia South West LGA, Edo State
Outstanding performance during mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
2013 — 2016
2013–15
Co-Director — EMERALD Drama Series (Seasons 1–3)
Winner: Best TV Program (Drama Category) — 2013 Nigerian Broadcasters' Merit Award. One of Nigeria's most decorated drama series of the era.
Nigerian Broadcasters' Merit Award
2015
Director — THIRTYMINUTES Drama Series (Season 1)
A Sevenseries Production. Broadcast on DSTV (Africamagic Showcase & Urban channels) — first major pay-TV credit.
2015–17
Content Director & Floor Manager — COWBELLPEDIA Mathematics TV Quiz Show (Seasons 1–3)
A JustMedia Production. Multi-season run on both cable and terrestrial TV channels. Award-winning national educational programme.
2016
Director — SWING Drama Series (Seasons 1 & 2)
A Sevenseries Production. Critically acclaimed prime-time drama series.
2016
Content Director — ONGACIOUS TV Show (Seasons 1 & 2)
A JustMedia Production. Viewers' favourite lifestyle programme broadcast on both cable and terrestrial TV.
2017 — 2019
2017
Founded Santab Productions Ltd — 7th April 2017
Established Lagos-based creative media and content production company. Registered Private Limited Company. Vision: Producing Extraordinaire Audiovisual for Africa and the world.
2017–18
Director — TOUSLED Drama Series (Seasons 1 & 2)
A Sevenseries Production. Critically acclaimed prime-time drama series with broad national audience reach.
2017–19
Producer & Director — TUMA Quiz Show (Seasons 1–3)
Formatted, produced and directed entirely under Santab Productions. Sponsored by The Ambassadors Schools, Ota, Ogun State. Distributed on YouTube and social media platforms.
2018–19
Content Director — STARDOM NIGERIA Reality TV Show (Season 1)
A Notes Inc Media Production. National reality television competition showcasing emerging Nigerian talent.
2019
Director — SELFLESS SERVICE Short Film
Sponsored by The Ambassadors Schools. Distributed via YouTube and social media. Marks Santab's entry into social-impact short film production.
2020 — 2022
2020
Producer — Basorun Adekanbi Somoye Memorial Fundraising Film
Produced for Descendants of Basorun Somoye of Egbaland — heritage documentary production.
2021
Production Designer — DILEMMA Short Film (Ebonylife Creative Academy)
Award-winning short film at Ebonylife Creative Academy. Demonstrates versatility beyond directing into production design excellence.
Ebonylife Academy Award
2021
Props Master — IFELOJU Short Film (Ebonylife Creative Academy)
Award-winning short film. Additional award-winning credit at Nigeria's premier film training institution.
Ebonylife Academy Award
2022
Completed — Alumnus, Ebonylife Creative Academy
Studied Art Direction for Film & Television at Nigeria's most prestigious creative film training institution, founded by Mo Abudu.
2022
Entrepreneur of the Year (Media & Entertainment) — Ekocity Business Conference
Presented by Ekocity Polytechnic Students. Recognised as Lagos State's leading media and entertainment entrepreneur of the year.
Ekocity Award 2022
2022
Nominee — Young Entrepreneur of the Year, The Entrepreneur Africa (TEA) Award
Nationally shortlisted among Africa's top young entrepreneurs.
2022
Nominated for Three International Honorary Doctorate Degrees
Commonwealth University of Business, Arts & Technology (London, UK) — Leadership & Management; Maverick Business Academy (London, UK) — Leadership & Strategic Management; Uzecta University (Mexico) — Leadership & Strategic Management.
2023 — 2025
2023
Best Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year — Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Awards (LAYE Awards)
Premier Lagos entrepreneurship recognition. Top honour in media & entertainment category across Lagos State.
LAYE Award 2023
2023
Tony Elumelu Storytellers Grantee — Africa No Filter
Top 17 finalist selected from 3,600 applicants across 54 African countries. Grant designed to highlight entrepreneurship myths and change stereotypical narratives about Africa. Produced BIRTH OF SANTAB docu-drama sponsored by Heirs Life & Heirs Insurance.
Top 17 / 3,600 Applicants · 54 Countries
2023
Fellow — Film for Impact Foundation (FFIF, Northern Nigeria)
Organised by Film for Impact Foundation and supported by the US Embassy. Recognises filmmakers using cinema as a tool for positive social change.
2023
Member — ForbesBLK Community
Global community for Black entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators curated by Forbes Media.
2023
Producer & Director — BIRTH OF SANTAB Docu-Drama Film
Feature-length entrepreneurial documentary based on Bolarinwa Emmanuel's journey. Sponsored by Africa No Filter, Heirs Life, and Heirs Insurance. Currently in distribution.
2023
Producer & Director — Jendol Annual Debate Championship (Season 1)
Sponsored by Jendol Superstores. Endorsed by Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. A Santab Productions original.
2024
Nigerian Emerging Leaders Award — West Africa Leadership & Empowerment Centre
2024's most prestigious recognition. Identifies and honours Nigeria's most transformational emerging leaders across sectors.
Emerging Leader Award 2024
03
Selected Productions
A Body of Work
Built for Impact
From award-winning drama series to social impact documentaries — every production demonstrates the craft, consistency, and commercial viability that underpins Good Samaritan.
TV Drama Series · DSTV Africamagic
Emerald Drama Series
Nigerian Broadcasters' Merit Award — Best TV Drama
TV Drama Series · DSTV
ThirtyMinutes Drama
Pay-TV Premiere Credit
TV Drama Series
Swing Drama
TV Drama Series
Tousled Drama
Reality TV Show
Stardom Nigeria
Educational TV Quiz Show · Multi-Channel
Cowbellpedia Maths Quiz
Award-Winning National Programme
Quiz Show · Santab Productions
TUMA Quiz Show
Documentary Film · Sponsored
Birth of Santab
Tony Elumelu Grant Project
Educational Programme · Lagos State
Jendol Annual Debate Championship
Government Endorsed
Short Film · Social Impact
Selfless Service
Culinary Show · Digital
Debbie's Kitchen Delight
Lifestyle TV Show
Ongacious TV Show
Viewers' Favourite
04
Clients & Partners
Trusted by Institutions
That Matter
From government ministries to multinational brands — Santab Productions has delivered content that moves audiences and drives results.
Retail & FMCG
Jendol Superstores
Annual Debate Championship (Season 1); brand content & marketing productions. Lagos State Ministry of Education endorsed.
Government Media
Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS)
State broadcaster — content production & broadcast licensing relationship.
Education & Schools
The Ambassadors Schools Ltd
TUMA Quiz Show (Seasons 1–3); SELFLESS SERVICE Short Film. Multi-year creative partnership.
Creative Agency
De White Wolf Limited
Creative media production & content development services.
Digital Marketing
Rousetta360 Limited
Content creation, digital strategy & audiovisual production.
Chemicals & Industry
Samking Chemicals Nig. Ltd
Corporate brand films & marketing content production.
Financial Services
FCMB (First City Monument Bank)
Bell Ringing Ceremony production & corporate content.
Health Technology
MYMEDICALBANK
Brand Introduction Video (2017) & TV Commercial (2019). Healthcare digital content pioneer.
Higher Education
McPherson University
TVC & Institution Introduction Video. Institutional brand content production (2022).
Media & Production
JustMedia Productions
COWBELLPEDIA Quiz Show (Seasons 1–3); ONGACIOUS TV Show (Seasons 1–2). Award-winning multi-season partnership.
Drama Production
Sevenseries Productions
THIRTYMINUTES, SWING, and TOUSLED Drama Series. Multiple seasons on DSTV and national TV networks.
Content Distribution
ARIYA Networks
Official Content Aggregator for ARIYA Networks Nigeria & Africa. Pan-African digital distribution partnership.
05
Awards & Recognition
Recognised for Excellence
Across Africa
2024
Nigerian Emerging Leaders Award
West Africa Leadership & Empowerment Centre · Most prestigious emerging leader recognition in Nigeria
🏆
2023
Best Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year
Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Awards (LAYE Awards) · Lagos State's premier entrepreneurship recognition
🥇
2023
Tony Elumelu Storytellers Grant
Africa No Filter · Top 17 of 3,600 applicants from 54 African countries · Heirs Life & Heirs Insurance co-sponsored production
🌍
2023
Fellow — Film for Impact Foundation (FFIF)
Film for Impact Foundation, Northern Nigeria · US Embassy supported · Social impact filmmaker fellowship
🎖️
2022
Best Media & Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year
Ekocity Business Conference · Ekocity Polytechnic Students Award Programme
🏆
2022
Young Entrepreneur of the Year — Nominee
The Entrepreneur Africa (TEA) Award · National shortlist recognition
🥈
2021
Production Designer — DILEMMA (Award-Winning Film)
Ebonylife Creative Academy Award · Nigeria's most prestigious film training institution
🎬
2013
Best TV Program — Drama Category (EMERALD Drama Series)
Nigerian Broadcasters' Merit Award · National broadcast industry's highest drama recognition
🏅
2010
Most Resourceful Nigerian Youth — South West Geopolitical Zone
National youth leadership recognition · Federal Government programme
⭐
06
Education & Training
World-Class Training,
African Vision
A relentless commitment to mastering every dimension of filmmaking — from art direction to the business of film.
Film Arts · Nigeria
Ebonylife Creative Academy
Art Direction for Film & Television · Founded by Mo Abudu · Nigeria's most prestigious film training institution · Award-winning graduate
Entrepreneurship & Writing
Tera Academy for the Arts
Scriptwriting & Entrepreneurship · Intensive creative industry professional development programme
Film Business · Nigeria
Pan-Atlantic University
The Business of Film · Understanding the commercial, legal, and financial dimensions of film production and distribution in Africa
Film Business · United Kingdom
UK Open University
The Business of Film · International film industry finance, distribution, and market dynamics — UK & global perspective
Social Impact Certification
HIV/AIDS Peer Education Facilitation
Certified Facilitator · Direct content authority for Good Samaritan's HIV/AIDS social impact mandate · PLWHA-focused curriculum delivery experience
Science & Technology Foundation
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Undergraduate foundation · Society of Fisheries & Wildlife Students (SOFAWSITES) · Most Resourceful Member Award 2010
The Flagship Project
Good
Samaritan
Drama Series
A 13-episode Pan-African TV drama series addressing HIV/AIDS stigma, gender-based violence, and humanitarian values — produced by Santab Productions Ltd for broadcast across cinema, pay-TV, and global streaming platforms. The culmination of 12 years of craft, network, and social impact conviction.
Utica Film Fund Application · March 2026
Total Production Budget
₦357,000,000
Requested from Utica Film Fund
₦200,000,000
Projected Revenue (Year 1)
₦1,000,000,000
Return on Utica Investment
5.5× over 3 years
Episodes / Runtime
13 × 30 mins
Distribution Reach
Pan-African
Santab
Productions
Ltd
Productions
Ltd
Producing Extraordinaire Audiovisual · Est. 2017
Email
santabproductionsltd@gmail.com
Phone
+234 805 758 5841 · +234 909 525 3344
Office Address
3, Kola David Street, County, Ogba, Lagos State
Office 2
Plot 2, Block G/J, Association Ave, VOERA Estate, Arepo, Ogun State
YouTube
Santab TV
Instagram / Facebook
@santab_productions_ · @Santab TV Production
Website
www.santabtv.blogspot.com
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