Growing up, there were several TV shows and soap operas that characterised the Nigerian media space. These shows kept Nigerians in their various households stuck to their screens as they were not just a means of entertainment but also a means of correcting the ills in society and teaching moral conduct.
However, to the disappointment of many Nigerians, some of these TV shows and operas have stopped airing. In a bid to bring back memories of the good old days, this article highlights some of these shows and operas.
1. MTN Project Fame
“Project Fame…….What a feeling!”
MTN Project Fame is a music talent TV reality show sponsored by the telecommunications company – MTN Nigeria. It is a show that kept Nigerians glued to their TV and saw the rise of music artistes such as Chidinma, Iyanya, Praiz, Niniola, and Johnny Drille. The show featured contestants from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The show started in 2008 and ended in 2016.
2. Fuji House of Commotion
“…Number 1 is companion
The Number 2 is confusion
Number 3 is commotion…”
The Amaka Igwe-directed and produced comedy series – an offshoot of Checkmate – delightfully depicted the unusual experience of living inside a polygamous home. This series was one of the best comedies on Nigerian television, thanks to the hilarious skills of Kunle Bamtefa, Ngozi Nwosu, and the supporting cast.
The theme song of this movie was awesome. While it played, we all looked forward to the commotion and uproar that is typical of many polygamous marriages.
3. Nowhere to be Found
“Nowhere to be Found” is a 2016 Nollywood series produced by AKMEDIA TV. The plot of the series is about the incident that occurred after a neighbour’s daughter goes missing during a fun day at the beach. This plot showcases themes of mistrust, blackmail and extortion.
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4. Gulder Ultimate Search
With the adventurous feeling came Gulder Ultimate Search, a Nigerian reality television series, created and sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc in which a group of contestants in the wilderness must compete against each other to find a hidden treasure and claim their ticket to fame and fortune.
5. Papa Ajasco and Company
“Papa Ajasco and company…Manufactured by Wale Adenuga Production…”
Papa Ajasco and Company is a Nigerian family television sitcom created by Wale Adenuga in 1997. The story revolves around the Ajasco family and their comedic interpretations of major societal issues. Although there is a more recent series known as “Papa Ajasco and Company Reloaded” on the Wale Adenuga Production TV(WAP TV), however, this version can in no way compare to the original version.
6. Everyday people
“Everyday people, that’s you, that’s me…”
Everyday People will always be remembered as one of the greatest Nigerian TV shows of all time. Not only did it have a solid storyline about the daily lives of a middle-class family, but it also had one of the most memorable theme songs of all time!
7. Nǹkan ń bẹ (Strange things are happening)
“Àá ma bẹ ọ̀bẹ ní bẹsu, àtẹ́lẹsẹ̀ a bẹ̀nà wò. Ẹni bá ní a má bọ̀ nìkan làwa ò ní dé bá ńlé” (loosely translated as: we will always go out to work. It’s those that don’t want us to return that we won’t meet when we return).
Whenever it’s 8pm on Fridays in South West, Nigeria, it’s normal to see a lot of people huddled up around radio sets on street corners, homes, and electricians’ workshops as they listen to Kola Olawuyi’s program. It was a weekly ritual we all grew up to.
This program definitely sends chills down your spine as the host unravels quite a lot of deep spiritual-related mysteries.
The program ended when Kola Olawuyi, the host, died in 2007 at age 44.
8. Super Story Series (Nnena)
Super Story is a Nigerian anthology television drama series created by Wale Adenuga. It started airing in 2001 and a popular series is titled “Nnena”. Although this series is still airing, the Nnena series which was aired in early 2000 particularly stood out for many Nigerians compared to the current series being aired.
9. Clinic Matters
Paul Igwe’s “Clinic Matters” is another sitcom that Nigerians will forever miss. This show which ran from 2009 to 2013 chronicles the life of a doctor, his team of nurses, and the endless stream of patients who visit the clinic daily. The soap opera wasn’t just about medical drama but the antics, gossip, and peculiar behaviours that added spice to it.
10. Face 2 Face
“Face 2 Face is another way of life for this country, this faces me I face you must to cause katakata…”
The term “Face 2 Face” refers to apartments that have several rooms facing each other. This comedy-drama highlights the happenings in the “face me I face you” housing system that is common among the sub-urban people of Nigeria. Usually, the occupants are always many and fights would often break out.
Others include Soul sisters, Binta and Friends, Lábẹ́ ọ̀run, Dear Mother, and This Life.
