Exclusive: Showmax is prepping a Nigerian version of International Emmy-winning South African telenovela The River.

Set against the backdrop of the gold mining industry in the Nigerian Osun state and launching next month, Wura tells the story of Wura-Amoo Adeleke, a perfect wife, a loving mother of two, and the ruthless Chief Executive Officer of the fictional Frontline Gold Mine. In the eyes of her family, Wura is faultless and a saint, but when it comes to running her business empire, she is the ultimate ‘iron lady’ who doesn’t care whose ox is gored in her path to get what she wants.

Wura, which, at more than 200 episodes, Showmax is calling the “first and longest-running Nigerian telenovela,” features an all-star Nollywood cast including rising star Scarlet Gomez in the titular role, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Carol King, Ray Adeka, Iremide Adeoye, Ego Iheanacho, Martha Ehinome and Lanre Adediwura.

It is based on The River,...