Press Rewind - Saworoide, a Nigerian political masterpiece
In 1999, Tunde Kelani released Saworoide that took on Nigeria's political and corrupt system.
Welcome to the debut feature of 'Press Rewind' on The Naija Way. It is a new feature that celebrates the glorious (and inglorious) home video era. Think of all the classics, Idumota blockbusters and objectively wack home videos.
The Naija Way pays homage to the best of the best and worst of the worst.
What's the best Nigerian film ever made? If you ask me (and I admit that my knowledge of Nigerian cinema from the 1920s - 1980s is zero), I would have to scan through the pile of unforgettable (and forgettable) home videos.
At the top of that pile of VHS tapes and VCDs is Tunde Kelani's 1999 film 'Saworoide.' For the debut edition of Press Rewind, I decided to write on Saworoide and why it is in the conversation for one of the best films made in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I haven't watched this movie in probably twenty years, so I was going in with an understanding of what makes a film enjoyable and fresh throughout the years.
A bit of context here guys Tunde Kelani's filmography before Saworoide was mighty impressive. The filmmaker had directed notable films like 'Ti Oluwa Nile' - a trilogy, Ayo Ni Mofe & Ayo Ni Mofe 2, Koseegbe and Oleku.
What makes this spectacular was these Yoruba movies were released consecutively within four years.
Saworoide, released through Mainframe Productions, came at a transitionary period in Nigeria's history. Fourteen years after military dictatorships, Nigerians voted for a President.
Saworoide was timely and relevant. The film is about a town called Jogbo. The story starts when a new king ascends to the throne. However, Oba Lapite (brilliantly played by Kola Oyewo) skips the oath of office. Soon, Oba Lapite legitimizes corruption as he enjoys the spoils of his position. His chiefs also partake in this and live lavishly.
When the people of Jogbo begin to question Lapite and his chiefs, the king becomes a tyrant, locks up and persecutes those who dare him.
His reign of tyranny leads to the birth of a resistance movement that discovers a loophole in Jogbo's customs and tradition to make Oba Lapite go into exile. It sadly unleashes a more brutal force that makes Jogbo descend into darkness.
Saworoide's storyline is a metaphor for Nigeria's political history and system. Oba Lapite, the usurper, represents corrupt politicians who buy their way into power. When they get into office, they begin to loot the state coffers. There is no sense of accountability to the public.
Lapite's disregard for environmental pollution caused by logging companies speaks directly to decades of oil spillage in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The king's chiefs are sycophant ministers and commissioners who cut corners to make their corrupt deals. The resistance movement is similar to the early era of the Niger Delta opposition against environmental pollution and financial injustice - think Ken Saro Wiwa.
When both forces clash, it leads to the emergence of a darker and more brute force from the barracks.
This level of writing was rare in the home video days. As Nollywood bloomed in the 90s, filmmakers abandoned well-written scripts for shock and gore.
Of course, a well-written script does not ensure a good movie. Tunde Kelani's cinematography, a keen eye for location and a talented cast of veteran actors and newbies made Saworoide one of the stand-out films of the 90s.
Kola Oyewo, Bukky Wright, Lere Paimo, Larinde Akinleye, Peter Fatomilola, Kunle Bamtefa, Adebayo Faleti, and Kayode Olaiya all give strong performances.Â
It was nice to see movie director Kunle Afolayan in his debut role as the chosen prince Aresejabata. Interestingly, his epic tale 'Anikulapo' with an ensemble cast is out on Netflix.
Twenty years is almost a blur in Jogbo. Saworoide's pace is fast. I wished it slowed down a bit so we could see how some characters changed. In a scene with his orderly, Lagata is concerned about the state of affairs in Jogbo. His concern appears genuine. A few scenes later, he does a complete 180 without any inciting incident or explanation.
Saworoide pretty much still holds up today. A true masterpiece in every sense of the word, it is a marvel how Tunde Kelani produced this film during the era of cheap thrillers.
It is widely regarded as a great film and the standard for period films in Nigeria.
It is surely a contender for one of the best films made in Nigeria.
You can watch Saworoide for free HERE