For a typically patriotic Igbo man,watching DSTV is becoming such a nightmare.Nay,seeing African Magic has become annoying.Not because they don't show any nice and interesting movies. But one very glaring thing is that you have African Magic 'Yoruba and African Magic 'Hausa,devoted to the two of the three majority tribes in Nigeria.The obvious question is,where is African Magic 'Igbo? That is a question we're yet to,and do not expect to,get answers to.But how did it go this bad?
I remember clearly,with due respect to the other tribes,what is today known as Nollywood started with an Igbo producer with Igbo actors bringing out an Igbo movie,Living In Bondage.At the moment,Igbo producers abound and Igbo actors are everywhere.But where are the Igbo movies?
Ngozi Nwosu,one of the stars in Living In Bondage,decried this when she suggested Igbo people in Nollywood were disunited.Uche Jombo once said Yoruba stars were unfriendly.Why wouldn't they be?They have a family,and they are united.You people aren't.I find it harder to take that Hausas have even got together in an industry they came into so late.
One of the Igbo entertainers,I gathered,said African Magic English is for the Igbos. Unbelievable and idiotic!!
A lot of Igbo viewers want Igbo movies back.It even helps teach the kids our language,culture and tradition.I remember,with nostalgia,the likes of Nkem Owoh from Enugu,Amaechi Muonagor from Anambra,Ngozi Nwaneto from Imo and Nnenna Nwabueze from Abia showcasing their various dialects.It helps a lot,at least to know our dialectal differences and how to approach them.
We yearn for the days of Taboo,Evil Passion,Betrayal and Beyond the vow.Let the Igbo producers,especially,come together.I'm sure Igbo actors,even Genevieve Nnaji,would want to take part.It doesn't make sense taking part in Yoruba movies while your culture dies - a case of chasing a rat outside while your house burns...don't call me tribalistic.I'm just being patriotic.