Since Nigerian soap operas don’t really exist, the closest entertainment my mother’s homeland makes are two-part movies on various subjects. When my Nigerian hairdresser gave me one named “Agan: None Shall be Barren,” I laughed over the inevitable cheesiness that was to come.
“Agan” is about a traditional Nigerian couple that tries to have a baby. Bola, the main character, and her husband, Lake Sanusi, endure a lot of pain, which includes going regularly to an occult master, facing a low sperm count (Lake) and fibroids (Bola), meeting shady doctors and running from a stalker.
In the second part of the movie, Lake’s pushy uncle takes Bola and Lake to a devil worshipper in his insane quest to have a nephew. Eventually, the couple moves to London to escape pressures of having a baby. The ending, though I won’t spoil it, is very predictable.
The DVD, like I thought, isn’t funny because of the plot, but because of the horrible sound and camera quality. Also, the subtitles don’t give the movie any justice. Unless you have a native speaker translating the script word for word (aka my mom), you’ll miss key events and dialogue.
Unlike American soap operas, where the drama ceases when the cameras stop, Nigerian “soaps” accurately reflect the life of Nigerians, according to my mom.
So going to a soothsayer to get pregnant, seeing a crazy man you’ve never met before in your dreams every night, and doctors who give patients expired drugs? Yeah. That can happen in Nigeria.
But before you decide never to set foot in Africa, know that “Agan” depicts the positive side of Nigeria, too. Characters wear the many gorgeous wraps and head scarves Nigerian women are known for, and the theme of love and family is constantly brought up.
If you are looking for a good excuse to laugh at over-the-top plots and characters or want a taste of Nigerian day-to-day drama, then “Agan” is definitely a great DVD to pop in on a boring Friday night. But if you actually want to watch a professionally made movie—American or otherwise—then this movie is one you can skip.
Tolu Taiwo
Managing Editor
