by Adeoye Falade
Over the years Nigerians have, in the midst of subpar programming at times, been blessed with television soaps and series that brought some much-needed freshness. In the 80s and 90s, and even in this era, we’ve had riveting series and soaps keeping us glued to our screens. So for those of you who were very much around in the 80s , think of this as a feel good trip down memory lane. For the rest of us millennials *coughs, think of this as a form of lesson form TV history in Nigeria.
Cock Crow Dawn
Cock Crow At Dawn explored the life of a family that had to move from the city to the village and the changes they had to go through. It succinctly captured the scenario of the urban-meets-rural culture shock. The series had a talented cast which included- Sadiq Daba, the late George Menta, Ene Oloja and Tola Awojobi. A lot of people still have the the theme song by Bongos Ikwue in their heads till date – that’s one smashing piece of music.
The Village Headmaster
An adaptation of a book written by Dr Segun Olusola, who is also acknowledged as the creator, The Village Headmaster was set in rural Western Nigeria and basically follows the adventures of – well, the Village Headmaster. We saw Tedi Okoro, Femi Robinson and the Late Justus Esiri play the role of the Headmaster at different points in time. There was also Gorimapa – the bald-headed King’s attendant; Amebo (Ibidun Allison); the Oloja of Oja (Dejumo Lewis), Counselor Balogun (Wole Amele); teacher Garuba -Garus Garus (the late Joe Layode), Sisi Clara (the late Elsie Olusola), Eleyinmi (Funso Adeolu), and many others.
Things Fall Apart
This was an adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s internationally acclaimed novel and it gained a huge following while it was on air. Pete Edochie, who became one of the most prominent actors in Nollywood played the main character – Okonkwo. At the time, he was a staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, like many others and was allowed to express his talents. His was a performance to remember. Feels silly to admit this now but that theme song gave me the creeps back then.
The New Masquerade
This was one of the funniest shows to have ever aired on TV. The ensemble of characters in it were simply hilarious – Zebrudaya alias 4.30, Ovularia, Jegede Sokoya, Apena, the late singer Christy Essien Igbokwe who played Apena, Clarus and Giringori. It was an absolute moment of laughter when this came on air back in the day.
Behind the Clouds
Another great piece of work from the Jos crew. The fantastic Ene Oloja (also in Cock Crow at Dawn) acted in this series and it was set in Jos, Plateau State. Macarthur Fom played the role of a notable character, Nosa but he passed away due to illness. A lot of viewers were devastated by this and although his death was written into the script, the show was never the same after Fom’s passing and was cancelled shortly after.
Mirror in the Sun
Mirror In The Sun was an intriguing soap opera that
was very popular in the 80’s.
It aired on NTA and won the hearts of both
children and adult back then. It was created by Lola Fani-kayode and Nigerians basically got a first serving of the
talents of actors like Sola Fosudo, Babara Soky and Clarion Chukwurah.
Baba Sala
Not much I can remember here but Baba Sala was absolutely nuts – 30 minutes of rib-cracking comedy in Yoruba Language. The main character was Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala) who is fondly remembered for his humongous bowtie. The show can be said to be a pioneer in Nigerian comedy shows.
Aluwe
The show became synonymous with the comical Sunday Omobolanle, who played Aluwe in the series, so much that, he was made to retain the name in some other feature films and TV series. It became more than a show as Aluwe or PapiLuwe became a trademark character which could only be played by him as was the case of the other characters in the series – Oga Bello (Adebayo Salami), Awero (Lanre Hassan), Yinka Quadri, Alabi Yellow – the sharp-mouthed-tongue-twisting albino, and Jide Kosoko. I still refer to most of these people with their names from the series over two decades later. Props to Duro Ladipo (of blessed memory) for bringing these amazing actors together.
Samanja Mazan Fama
Popularly referred to as just Samanja, this show originally aired on NTA Kaduna and radio Kaduna in 1973 but was later placed on the national network in the late 1980s. The show’s main protagonist Samanja was a character played a popular writer and actor, Usman Baba Pategi. The show’s was set in the barracks and follows the various adventures of Samanja (meaning: Sergeant-Major) and what he got up to with his unit in the Northern part of Nigeria. Hugely entertaining was his verbal style which usually changed from Hausa and ‘soldier-speak’, mixed English and Hausa language to pidgin. The show gained popularity back in the day and its blend of comedy and drama was a joy to watch.
Basi And Company
Created by the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, Basi And Company told the story of Mr B, a millionaire. It’s theme was basically about the various get-rich schemes some Nigerians take part in without coming off any better. Mr B was first played by Albert Egbe, then Zulu Adigwe (then more famous for his stage roles). Other colourful characters are: Segi (Mildred Iweka), Dandy and Madam the Madam, popular for statements like, “Come in if you are handsome and rich”.
