You’re casting for a Nigerian but you have someone from another country - maybe an African country - who doesn’t sound authentically Nigerian. “I’ve seen how, in other climes, they’ve tried to represent Nigeria and they haven’t particularly done it well. “I think Nigeria has some of the most talented creatives, and specifically actors, in the world,” says Okanlawon. When people watch your project, it’s almost like a journey into understanding your culture and how your country works.”įor Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon, who plays the abusive and highly unlikable Kola (a challenging role that forced him to seek therapy during production), the global platform provided by Netflix has already drawn interest from producers around the world. “Or do you make it relatable and show the different facets of life? That’s what people want to see. “How do you present your community culturally? Do you make it just one-dimensional, like how Hollywood used to portray the upper class?” says Gyang. Gyang was also conscious of presenting a multi-dimensional portrayal of Nigerian culture and its different socioeconomic groups, particularly in the latter two episodes. The economic dynamics between the rich and the poor are very relatable internationally it was the same thing in ‘Squid Game.’” “This young girl’s parents want to make sure that their economic welfare is being taken care of just by marrying their daughter into this family. “The biggest thing is the class system,” says Gyang. Language, too, is a consideration: “Blood Sisters” is predominantly in English - which is Nigeria’s official language - with some lines of Igbo and Pidgin English strewn throughout.īut ultimately, director Kenneth Gyang, who helmed episodes three and four of the series, says it’s the relatability of the class tensions and domestic issues that will draw audiences in. Overseas audiences, however, can be “a little picky,” says Abudu, and break-out shows generally possess high production values mixed with “the right kind of sensibilities.” Even elements like audio, locations and costuming require a different level of attention, says the executive. She’s also got projects in development with AMC Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Will Packer Productions.īrothers Kola (Deyemi Okanlawon) and Femi (Gabriel Afolayan) aren’t exactly getting on as the latter took out a hit on Kola on his wedding day. She’s got a multi-title deal with Netflix in place, as well as a first-look deal with Sony Pictures Television and a development pact with BBC Studios. “It’s about what local stories can become global, and we believe this one can.”Ībudu, one of Africa’s leading media moguls, turned EbonyLife, the upscale Black TV network she launched in 2013, into a vast media empire that’s produced more than 5,000 hours of original content, including one of the highest grossing Nigerian films of all time, “The Wedding Party” (2016). “It’s a very important signpost for us to be doing this project at this point in time,” Abudu tells Variety. You only need to glimpse the week’s headlines to know that women’s rights and domestic abuse are still endemic global issues. The big day becomes a bigger nightmare, however, when Kemi discovers Kola beating her up and accidentally kills him while trying to defend her friend - all mere minutes before the wedding.Īn infectious mix of melodrama, dark humor and social commentary, the show serves up an authentic depiction of Nigerian culture that’s also telling a very universal story. What should be a happy day, however, is spoiled by groom Kola’s (Deyemi Okanlawon) abusive tendencies towards Sarah, and when she tries to call off the wedding, her family pressures her to stay in order to support their business. Set in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, “Blood Sisters” follows best friends Sarah (Ini Dima Okojie) and Kemi (Nancy Isime) as they prepare for the former’s grand wedding.
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