Shehu Uthman
Film actors, particularly those in Nollywood, wield significant influence over their audiences. They often reflect and shape contemporary ideas. However, it’s crucial to remember that true impact often begins at home. Those closest to us—our families and communities—are often the most appreciative recipients of our efforts.
As Africa’s largest film industry and the second-largest globally in terms of output, producing approximately 2,500 films annually, Nollywood has a profound responsibility. The industry must focus more on African traditions and cultures. This strategic shift will not only help preserve and promote our rich cultural heritage but also ensure its transmission to present and future generations.
Our ancestors diligently preserved cultural practices, sharing stories and traditions through oral narratives under the moonlight. In the absence of modern platforms, word of mouth was their primary medium for transmitting cultural values. Today, with the advent of social media and global digital reach, Nollywood has an unparalleled opportunity to showcase African traditions and cultures to a worldwide audience.
By emphasizing African cultures and traditions, Nollywood can promote a strong sense of identity and self-pride among Africans. For instance, what do you think will be my reactions while watching Nollywood movies that celebrate and portray local Hausa-Fulani cultures and their historical background? Like films resonating with Bayajidda, who was a well-known Hausa man and a central personality in Hausa mythology, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
According to history, Bayajidda was a prince from Baghdad who traveled to West Africa and played a significant role in the formation of the Hausa states.
Conversely, Bayajidda’s struggle began in Baghdad, where he fled after Queen Zidam conquered the city. He traveled across Africa with a group of warriors and arrived in the Kanem-Bornu Empire.
As time kept moving, he decided to marry Magaram, the king’s daughter, in Bornu, but traverse territories after traumas became the order of the day. He later married Daurama, the queen of Daura, after famously slaying a serpent that terrorized the town. He fathered sons with both women, including Bawo and Biram, who were credited with founding the seven Hausa states.
The progenies of Bayajidda are believed to be the founders of the seven legitimate Hausa states (Hausa Bakwai), which include: Daura, Kano, Katsina, Zaria (Zazzau), Gobir, Rano, Biram. Bayajidda also had seven sons with a concubine, Bagwariya, who founded the seven illegitimate states (Banza Bakwai). These states are: Kebbi, Nupe, Gwari, Yauri, Zamfara, Kwararafa, and Ilorin.
This history is one of its kind that thousands of Hausas are not aware of, let alone other tribes. And if I may ask why many film industries, including Nollywood, tend to forget African traditions while putting more effort into emulating Western cultures, which seems to me they resonate with the unauthentic assertions of the earlier colonialists that African cultures are perhaps “barbaric”.
To date, the firm industry in question has a lot of gaps to cover. Just like the genesis of Hausa states through Bayajidda, Yorubas, Igbos, and other minor ethnic groups had legends that they believed to be the core of their existence.
For instance, in the cultural heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria, where the histories of Ala, Amadioha, and Anyanwu play pivotal roles in terms of the community’s values, traditions, and beliefs.
Ala is the earth goddess, a powerful female deity associated with fertility, morality, and the earth. She symbolizes the python. Also, there exists Amadioha, the god of thunder and lightning, who is a complex deity representing the collective will of the people. He is believed to punish those who commit wrongdoings, ensuring justice and balance in the community.
It’s concerning how many Igbo people are oblivious to this rich cultural heritage. Indeed, an estimated 75% are unaware of these foundational aspects of their culture. This highlights a critical area where Nollywood should prioritize its focus: serving its nation by showcasing its diverse cultures before looking elsewhere
This will go a long way in shaping the Nollywood industry. To cut this short, there are many other stories of different ethnic groups that are worthy of mention like ‘Oru ile’ for the Yorubas in the southern part of Nigeria, and many more which will gradually progress not only to allow the Nollywood to climb the ladder but to be the leading film industry with a high level of recognition.
This can help counteract the negative stereotypes and misconceptions that have been perpetuated about African cultures. As Nollywood filmmakers, are an integral part of the African family, they are best positioned to showcase our cultures and traditions accurately.
The Benefits of Focusing on African Traditions
By focusing on African traditions, Nollywood can provide unique storytelling and plotlines that resonate with African audiences. This can lead to increased viewership and engagement, as audiences will be able to relate to the stories and characters portrayed.
Moreover, emphasizing African cultures and traditions can provide job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Africa. Our cultures are an inherent part of who we are, and by showcasing them, we can create a sense of pride and ownership among Africans.
In addition, by concentrating on African cultures and traditions, Nollywood can avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and misrepresentations that often come with emulating Western cultures. Instead, Nollywood can provide authentic representation and showcase the richness and diversity of African cultures.
Preserving Our Cultural Heritage
It is essential to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations. By showcasing African traditions and cultures, Nollywood can help keep our cultural practices alive. This can be achieved by incorporating traditional music, dance, and clothing into their films.
Furthermore, Nollywood can work with cultural experts and historians to ensure that their portrayals of African cultures are accurate and respectful. This can help to promote a positive image of Africa and counteract negative stereotypes.
Nollywood has a unique chance to promote African cultures and traditions with the capability of selling that to a global audience. By focusing on our rich cultural heritage, Nollywood can provide authentic representation, promote a sense of identity and self-pride among Africans, and encourage economic growth in Africa.
It’s time for Nollywood to take the lead in promoting African cultures and traditions. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for Africa and promote a positive image of our prominent cultures.With this focus, Nollywood can become a buoy of African pride, showcasing our rich cultural heritage to the world.