by Augusta Òkon
Having an insight into the Creative economy will open the way for more creative projects and endeavours. With the plethora of books released year on year, Nollywood keeps feeding off these great works. In today’s article, we will continue with the adaptations that have taken place in the new millennium. Enjoy the article-
Thunderbolt (Magun) – (2000)
This classic was adapted from Adebayo Faleti’s 128 paged novel “The Whore: With The Thunderbolt AIDS” published in 1998. The classic movie unveils two lovers from two divergent tribes; Yinka, a Yoruba man and Ngozi, an Igbo lady. False allegations of infidelity are slammed on Ngozi by his friends due to the long period spent apart. Unwilling to take such lying down, he seeks out a native doctor (babalawo) who uses (Magun- don’t climb) a traditional charm used to catch and punish cheating partners, on his wife. The charm takes a toll on her and a probing research by a curious Dr Dimeji plummets. Movie stars Uche Obi- Osotule, Lanre Balogun, Ngozi Nwosu and Bukky Ajayi.
Partners at Large (2000)
An adaptation of the play/screenplay by Prof. Saviour Nathan Anari Agoro who directed/produced the movie with Teddy James Kamara and Alusine K. Alu-Conteh. It was shot on location in Freetown starring Miltona Eunice Momoh, Sia Mamah M’bayo and Mamie Konie Kamara, Mariatu Koroma and Mabel Gamaga.
It explores the dropout syndrome among female students in secondary school, HIV/AIDS among commercial sex workers, child abuse and how an understanding Principal shapes the destiny of his students.
Home To the River: A Play In Two Acts (2001)
Albert Egbe’s adaptation of Neville. M. Ukoli’s play of same name. The 58-page play by a former Editor of the Sunday Observer was published in 1975 by Ethiope Publishing Corporation.
Rere Run (Havoc is wrecked) (2002)
An adaptation of Oladejo Okediji’s play of same name published in 1973. The 2002 Political drama stars Peter Fatomilola, Kola Oyewo and Sunday Omobolanle. It tells the story of Lawuwo, the leader of the workers union who is fighting for better working conditions for them and his refusal to yield to the pressure from the ruling class in not fighting for what is right. The political themed movie unveils the high level of oppression from the ruling class and the revolution that will make things right.
Trees Grow In The Desert (2004)
A short film of same title by Albert Egbe based on Rasheed Gbadamosi’s play which was written three years before the civil war. Interestingly, the radio play adaptation on the NBC had a scene where the Head of the armed forces and chief of staff were being kidnapped. It sounded so real that the military government thought a coup was taking place. They swooped on them and despite being told it was a play they hunted for Gbadamosi who fled. His arrest made the news headlines but he was released two weeks later from prison making his literary works more popular.
Bashorun Gaa (2004) Adebayo Faleti wrote Itan Ibanuje ti Gaa: (Basorun Ile Yoruba ni Aiye Oba Abiodun) “Bashorun Gaa” which was published by Onibonoje Press in 1976. Sola Owonibi translated it into English as “Chief Gaa” and it was published in 2021 by Rasmed Publications Limited. Adebayo Faleti adapted his book for stage in 2010 via the students of Performing Arts, University of Ilorin before adapting it into a movie in 2004. He directed the movie and starred therein alongside David Ojedokun, Deji Aderemi, Lere Paimo, Tubosun Odunsi, Adewunmi Faleti and Gbemisola Faleti. Basorun Gaa was a legend albeit a fearsome Oyo warlord and Prime Minister who reigned between 1750 and 1774. The son of Basorun Yau Yamba, he rose to prominence, abused power, instigated the removal of four Alaafins, was ruthless, and his sons equally towed the same path.
Efunsetan Aniwura (2005) Produced and directed by Tunde Kelani, it is the remake of Ishola Ogunshola’s 1981 movie of same title adapted from Prof Akinwunmi Isola’s book. It stars Iyabo Ogunsola, Samson Eluwole, Saidi Balogun, Toyosi Adesanya, Moji Ogunsola, Laide Adewale, Yetunde Ogunsola, Adebayo Faleti and Kareem Adepoju. In 2020, Funmi Holder produced the movie of the same title, directed by Joshua Ojo, starring Sola Fosudo, Adewale Eleso, Funmi Holder, Jaiye Kuti, Yemi Solade, Adunni Ade and Binta Ayo Mogaji.
Owo Eje (Blood Money) 2005
1976 Murder mystery novel “Owo Eje” by Kola Akinlade was adapted into a Yoruba movie of same title released in 2005. Directed by Yemi Amodu and produced by Remi Ibitola under Remdel Communications Limited, it centers on the mystery of Sule’s death and the great detective, Akin Olusina’s attempt to solve it. It stars Lere Paimo, Lanre Balogun, Sola Fasudo and Baba Wande.
Narrow Path (2006)
Adapted from “The Virgin” written by Bayo Adebowale, the 95-minute film was produced and directed by Tunde Kelani. It stars Sola Asedeko, Segun Adefila, Ayo Badmus, Seyi Fasuyi, Khabirat Kafidipe, Joke Muyiwa, Olu Okekanye and Bukky Wright. It tells the story of Awero, a beautiful village maiden, who must choose between two suitors; Odejimi, a brave hunter, and Lapade a wealthy man. However, an unpleasant experience embodied in a secret against the backdrop of high expectations of family and culture in being de-flowered on her wedding night by her husband, turns out of be a nightmare when D-day arrives.
Akpakaland (2006)
Playwright Prof. Samuel Ukala adapted his play, Akpakaland, into a movie. He featured and directed it. It is a folkloric tale for the quest for unity and in a nation-state as seen through the eyes of a family.
To live Again (2010)
An adaptation of film producer, Uduak Isong Oguamanam’s short story of same title, published by Farafina magazine. It was the first film she directed which unveils the stigma faced by people living with HIV.
Ma’ami (2011)
A novella written by Femi Osofisan in 1987 and adapted by Tunde Kelani in 2011 starring Funke Akindele, Wole Ojo and Ayomide Abatti. It tells the story of Kashimawo Dare, an international footballer who returns home to sort out and lay to rest his past, amidst contemplating whether or not to answer the call-up to play for the country at the forthcoming World Cup. He relives memories of the hardship he and his mother endured, the sacrifices she made and of course is shocked to learn about the secret of his estranged father, Chief Bamisaye, and an elder brother he never knew about. The movie was shot in Lagos and Abeokuta.
The Perfect Church (2011)
Adapted by Wale Adenuga based on the book of same title written by Ebi Akpeti (author of Growing Pains and Castrated). The 60 paged book unveils the perfect church with perfect members; Pastor Benson (the perfect pastor), Mr and Mrs Ojo (the perfect Christian married couple), Sis Angela (the perfect single) and Bro. Tony (the perfect usher). However, they have secrets that come to the fore when Pastor Williams arrives. It is a story of deceit, repentance, and forgiveness. Movie was directed by Bambo Adebajo and stars Olu Jacobs, Ramsey Noah, Ngozi Ezeonu, Funke Akindele, Hakeem Rahman and Yinka Olukunga.
Married But Living Single (2012)
Based on the book of same title by Femi Fasheru, the film was directed by Tunde Olaoye (co-director of Funke Akindele’s 2024 box office shattering movie “Everybody Loves Jenifa”) and produced by Kalejaiye Paul. The romantic drama stars Funke Akindele, Joseph Benjamin, Joke Silva, Tina Mba, Kiki Omeili and Femi Brainard.
It tells the story of Kate, a career-driven woman excelling in her chosen field who is married to an understanding husband, Mike. Refusing to accompany him to India to treat a recently diagnosed medical condition due to work pressure from her office, he returns home a changed man and then has a side chick. Her marital and career life takes a turn for the worse and she must decide which to hold on to.
The Gods Are Still Not to Blame (2012)
An adaptation of Ola Rotimi’s play “The gods are not to blame” shot in Nigeria/Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon. Here, a Queen does all she can to save her new born baby (male) from being killed as suggested by the diviner based on the dark prophecy wherein, he would kill his father and marry his mother. 28 years after, it comes to pass. Directed by Funke Fayoyin, produced by Byron Ene, it stars Gabriel Afolayan, Carol King, Iretiola Doyle, Bayo Alawiye, Omowumi Dada, Akin Lewis, Gloria Anozie-Young and Seun Akindele.
In Iredu (2013)
It is a 12 minutes short film based on an excerpt of a scene from William Shakespeare’s Macbeth (the meeting of Macbeth with the three witches). Ogagun, the great General from West Africa meets three witches in Iredu to find out what the future holds for him. It stars Deyemi Okanlawon, Adenike Ayeni, Kemi ‘lala’ Akindoju, Ijeoma Grace Agu and was directed by Abiola Sobo.
Dazzling Mirage (2014)
An adaptation of Dr. Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare’s 2007 novel of same title by Tunde Kelani, tells the story of Funmiwo, a young woman living with sickle cell anemia. This health challenge constantly interferes with her work, love life and has become a stigma. She must brace all odds to find love again and live a life void of pain, pity and stigmatization. It stars Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Seun Akindele, Kunle Afolayan, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Bimbo Manuel, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Aderounmu Adejumoke, with special appearances from Adewale Ayuba and Sean Tizzle.
Half of A Yellow Sun (2014)
Half of a Yellow Sun is a historical fiction novel by multi-award winning novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which tells the story of the Nigerian Civil War through the perspective of different characters. The adaptation released in 2014, was produced by Andrea Calderwood with Yewande Sadiku as the Executive producer. Directed by the late Biyi Bandele, it stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandiwe Newton, Anika Noni Rose, John Boyega, Onyeka Owenu, Genevieve Nnaji, and OC Ukeje.
Yeepa! Solarin Bo! (2014)
It is based on “Who’s Afraid of Solarin”? the 1978 play written by Femi Osofisan in honour of Dr. Tai Solarin, the former Public Complaints Commissioner for the Western State of Nigeria. Who’s Afraid of Solarin? has also been said in some quarters to be based on the play “Okinba Launko” which is an adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s “The Government Inspector”.
Tunde Kelani adapted it as a filmed play titled “Yeepa!” Solarin Nbo! Starring Bayo Bankole, Ropo Ewenla, Ebun Oloyede, Joke Muyiwa, Ayo Mogaji, and Kayode Olaiya. It tells the story of Isola, a rascal, who is mistaken by corrupt officials of the Local Government Council to be Solarin, the feared Public Complaints Commissioner. He is heavily bribed by the officials and exploits this misidentify to enrich his pocket until the real public complaints Commissioner shows up!
The Encounter (2015)
It is an adaptation of the historian, Henry Onyema’s, short story of same title by Ekene Mekwunye which was directed by Tolu Ajayi. The historical drama is set during the Nigeria/Biafra civil war where an imprisoned Ifeajuna has been summoned by his friend Ojukwu to have the last conversation before his execution. It stars Gregory Ojefua and Amara Ono.
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
The film is based on the 2005 novel of the same name by Uzodinma Iweala and was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (“True Detective, Jane Eyre”). Title was based on Fela Kuti’s 1989 album of the same name. It was shot in Akwidaa, Ghana and stars Idris Elba, Abraham Attah, Ama K. Abebrese, Grace Nortey, David Dontoh, and Opeyemi Fagbohungbe. It tells the story of Agu, a boy who after his village has been destroyed in the ongoing civil war is forced to join a band of children soldiers under a ruthless commandant. Although it didn’t feature Nigerian stars, the author’s roots can certainly be traced to Nigeria.
Augusta Òkon is a Film adaptation advocate, story teller, Film Critic, lawyer, and author. She has served as member of the screening panel for AMAA, Inshort International Film Festival and Jury member, Lekki International Film Festival.
