Like the musicians say, ‘Every song was a hit back to back‘. Would it be too much describing every scene a hit back to back in the much talked about Netflix Original Series, Shanty Town?
I know a few people have their reservations about these series but I think we need to ‘be calming down‘ about the industry. Let us give them some credit because the industry has evolved and still growing. I think Shanty Town is the next sweet tension drama that happened after the first King of Boys but Shanty Town went above and beyond to craft the reality of Naija using veterans who understand such stories. A story so pure, undiluted and thought provoking.
The series opened up with a crisis in a community – held me in that opening thriller and hit me with a bang as it establishes Scar (Chidi Mokeme), later receiving a sexual pleasure. Casting Chidi Mokeme as Scar is one of the best things about this Netflix Series. Call it a powerful comeback, rebirth or what. Chidi Mokeme definitely proves what is defined as a Veteran and an experienced one in the industry. He consumed the character with everything and it was very believable. Welcome back Chidi Mokeme. How did you balance throwing the subtle humors amidst the tension? You delivered lines poetically, convincingly and stayed in character till the very end, but wait… Did you rise again? Will Shanty Town pull a John Snow on us?
What a beautiful ensemble. When Dame Dabota (Shaffy Bello) said Chief Fernandez (RMD) is powerful but that she’s dangerous, I believed her with all my being. She embodied her character with class, poise, power and glam (…lovely dress by the way) and the camera did not forget to follow Scar (Chidi Mokeme) as we feel his tension while he pleads for mercy. That moment he realized he was taken by the first lady was brilliantly executed. RMD is a godfather already and needs no introduction. Other characters include; Mummy Tornado (Sola Sobowale), Detective Janice (Uche Jombo), Accountant (Ali Nuhu) and the one ‘Body Dey Pepper’ every time, Colorado (Zubby Michael).
I need to reemphasize the need for promoting our local languages using film, music and other art forms. The diversity in our languages as a nation is what makes us adorable before the world and to have largely used Ibibio language on a platform like Netflix, sheds light on the people who own it. I actually smiled every time Nse Ikpe Etim and Ini Edo conversed in this language.
(I actually watched their scenes several times. Lol).
Nollywood’s king of Special Effects, Hakeem ‘Effects’ Onilogbo should please begin to hold conferences and seminars about his impact in Nollywood – because he is a creative blessing to the industry. I know you are phenomenal but next time please tell us to brace up when working with a director like Dimeji Ajibola. The killing of Jackie (Mercy Eke) is just one of many brilliant scenes that might make you jump out of your seat – you better not be eating hot soup at this point. More like, another word for “gruesome murder” is Shanty Town. The transformation you gave Chidi Mokeme should be in a film institute’s library – to be studied by aspiring filmmakers.
The beautiful and well textured montages establishing life in Shanty Town and linking the scenes gives strong insights into what living in such hood feels like, and that’s the power of great cinematography. The editing, sound and visual effects came out beautiful as they helped shaped the story. Just like kemi Adetiba (King of boys) and Jade Osiberu (Brotherhood), this director, Dimeji Ajibola has definitely ignited a challenge to filmmakers as regards attention to details, especially in production design, special effects amongst other things in making this story worthwhile. What is the phrase out there now?
Just so you understand that some things also did not pass us by; let’s play a little devil’s advocate at the end here, as you truly can never have a perfect story… The degree of believability of Amanda (Inem‘s twin sister) who never lived in or experienced Shanty Town till as an adult and undercover agent being able to impersonate Inem impeccably without ever goofing, near goofing or at least one other character giving her that look of suspicion raises creative and believability questions.
Yet truth be told, there are too many merits to this body of work than to criticize. Hence, as they say now…
“Give them their flowers“.
ORIGINAL CREDIT: ‘Deyemi Olowa
ADDITIONAL TEXT: Remi Jones
