It’s Thursday, perfect time for a throwback. We go down memory lane and dig into Nigerian TV dramas, series and soap operas that were viewers’ favourites. Though presently, there have been numerous TV programmes now, the old ones formed part of history and paved the way for the new ones trending. They continue to represent a huge part of Nigerian entertainment and film industry’s culture.
Looking at them now, there is a lot of difference in terms of production and post-production. New school actors have also emerged. But they can’t take the credit because it was the old that made the new.
Here are the top Nigerian TV series/dramas about a decade or more ago, in no particular order, of all time:
- Checkmate
Created and written by the late Amaka Igwe, Checkmate was the tale of the aristocratic family Haatrope trying to survive attacks from enemies both inside and outside of the family. It starred Ego Boyo, the late Francis Agu, Norbert Young and Richard Mofe Damijo, Kunle Bamtefa (as Chief Fuji) among others.
- New Masquerade
This NTA Sitcom classic held viewers spellbound for 30-minute. It featured Chief Zebrudaya alias 4:30 played by Chika Okpala, his wife Ovularia (Lizzy Evoeme), late Chief Jegede Shokoya (Claude Eke), Giringori (James Iroha), and Clarus (David Ofor).
- Fortunes
Fortunes was a sensational soap opera that showcased the disparity between the middle and lower class Nigerians. The soap opera introduced Nigerians to a set of future legendary actors, Liz Benson, Ramsey Nouah, Pat Attah, Regina Askia and others.
Ripples
Ripples produced by ace movie producer, Zeb Ejiro was a hit in its day and ran for 5 years interrupted. Even though Patrick Doyle who played the role of Melvin Dehinde-Phillips left the show controversially, the TV series went on. In case you didn’t know, Ripples gave Genevieve Nnaji her first TV role.
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Basi and Company
Written and produced by the late Ken Saro Wiwa, Basi and Company aired on NTA. Filmed in Enugu state, the TV series touched on corruption and African folklore with 150 episodes. The comedy series starred Albert Egbe, Zulu Adigwe, Aso Douglas, Lasa Amoro.
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Palace
Palace portrayed a wealthy family alongside everyday Nigerians spiced with romance. It showcased elegance and opulence richly produced by Tunji Bamishigbin and Ralph Nwadike. It starred Liz Benson, Foluke Daramola and others.
- I Need to Know
The TV series was an educative show sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund which starred A-list actress, Funke Akindele. It dwelt on the lives of seven secondary school students dealing with life in their teenage years. HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancy were strong themes in the TV series. The very popular theme song was done by Kalamashaka.
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Things Fall Apart
This is another classic TV show produced by NTA. In 1987, the television authority adapted the novel written by Chinua Achebe.The lead character of Okonkwo was played by veteran actor, Pete Edochie. Other acts in the TV special were the late Sam Loco Efe and Nkem Owoh.
- Tales by Moonlight
Tales by Moonight, aimed promoting African folktales, was created by the Director of Programmes at NTA, Victoria Ezeokoli. The theme song for the show is perhaps one of the most famous in Nigeria.