Entertainment

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’ disgraced Africa by using goats as antelopes

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2 years ago

April 4, 2024

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If not for being a movie reviewer, I wouldn’t have bothered going to the cinema to see ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’. This is due to the publicity stunt pulled by the producers to draw attention to the movie.

To bring you up to speed, the producers awarded crossdresser Bobrisky as the best-dressed woman at the movie’s premiere. This generated backlash as many Nigerians condemned them for doing such in a country with laws against LGBT.

As the backlash grew stronger, talks about the movie grew bigger. That’s possibly the motive of the producers now publishing fake epistles as an apology to Nigerians while probably smiling to the bank.

Many must have asked – Why involve controversy to promote your movie? After seeing the movie, I realized why – It is not worth one’s time. The movie’s story sounds like something culled from children’s books, more like stories from Tales By Moonlight that aired in the 80s on NTA 2 Channel 5. It is simply for simple-minded people.

‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’ is about King Towobola (Odunlade Adekola) who was surrounded by diabolic women, from his wives to his mother (Sola Sobowale). Faced with the threat of abdicating the throne for not having a male heir, he brought home a strange woman who spelt more trouble for him.

Who was the woman King Towobola brought home? Adaralewa, played by Eniola Ajao, the producer of the movie. Adaralewa was an antelope in the animal kingdom and a woman in man’s world seeking to avenge her murdered parents.

Firstly, I’d like to talk about the costume department. They disappointed me right from the first scene that showed King Towobola with a beard. The king looked like someone plastered with hair picked from the floor of a barbershop. I wondered why they made him have a beard in that scene when the other scenes had him without such.

Another thing I found awkward was one of the priests (Murphy Afolabi) with black powder on his face. If that was done to make him look old, I would say it was poorly done and there was no need for such.

I remember reading that Eniola Ajao spent all her money to produce this movie. That sounds like the same hype used by Femi Adebayo who claimed he sold all his property and used the money to produce his Netflix movie ‘Jagun Jagun’. Well, if Eniola Ajao spent much in creating the movie, how come she used goats instead of antelopes in a movie about antelopes? Are there no more antelopes in the Yankari Game Reserve in Nigeria and other places in Africa?

The money spent on hiring popular actors should have been spent on a trip to a game reserve to film antelopes. Or how do you explain the purpose of Lateef Dimeji and Yinka Quadri in the movie? I was even anticipating that Lateef Dimeji’s character would develop into some weird plot, only for him to disappear without fulfilling any sensible purpose.

Little-known actresses from theatre art schools should have played the roles of Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, and Fathia Balogun. That way, Nollywood would be certain of a bright future instead of having a consortium that features in each other’s movies, thereby killing creativity.

I stated that ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’ is for simple-minded people because it is capable of dumbing down society. That’s because of the way it ended.

Ajakaju was a shapeshifting demonic antelope that killed several hunters in King Towobola’s kingdom. To destroy the demon, the oracles of the land ordered the king to go into the forest and do the job.

However, the king struck a deal with Ajakaju after she promised to give him a male child if he spared her life. Ajakaju now became Queen Adaralewa.

After several weak plot twists by the directors of the movie, it became clear to citizens of the kingdom that Adaralewa was Ajakaju who killed their hunters.

Despite the horrific revelation, the king accepted her back, and they lived happily ever after, like in Disney cartoons. In what sane society does that happen?

I think Nollywood directors need to present their stories to psychologists so that they can examine them before they start shooting. This is because, in a sane society, Adaralewa would have been mobbed to death.

On his part, the king would have been dethroned and disgraced for elevating a murderous demon whom he was ordered by the oracles to kill. Sadly, in Nollywood, anything goes.

If Funke Akindele and Toyin Aimhaku could produce for cinema, I should be able to do the same. That’s the vibe I’m getting from Eniola Ajao, whose movie left no lesson.

Lastly, the sound department did a poor job because the soundtrack often overshadowed the voice of the characters, thereby totally stealing attention from their conversation.

Also, the soundtrack’s attempt to create an emotional mood failed because the movie was not emotional. As far as I’m concerned, the movie is a 5/10 and could have been better.

Entertainment

Chimsom Chuka emerges first Head of House in BBNaija S11

Published

13 hours ago

July 28, 2026

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Anambra-born pharmacist and actor, Chimsom Chuka, has emerged as the first Head of House in the 11th season of Big Brother Naija, earning immunity from eviction for the week in the show’s opening challenge.

Big Brother announced Chimsom as the winner after he recorded the fastest overall time in the inaugural Head of House task held on Monday, the first full day of the competition.

The challenge saw the male housemates compete against one another while the female contestants also battled separately before the best performers were compared to determine the winner.

Abi, a chef and model from Osun State who finished second overall, was named the Deputy Head of House.

Unlike previous editions of the reality show, the winner will not automatically occupy the luxurious Head of House loft this season.

Instead, Big Brother introduced a new twist, requiring Chimsom to pick a housemate through a lucky dip to enjoy the privilege.

After selecting from a yellow lucky dip box, Chimsom picked Tram, who was immediately granted access to the Head of House loft for the week. Tram subsequently chose Sheba to share the apartment with him.

Although he will not stay in the Head of House residence, Chimsom retains the major advantage of the position, immunity from this week’s eviction, alongside other leadership privileges and a special treat from Big Brother.

The development marks one of the biggest twists introduced in the newly launched season, separating immunity from occupancy of the exclusive Head of House quarters.

Before entering the house, the 27-year-old described himself as someone who remains calm under pressure and intended to stay authentic throughout the competition.

“The biggest strength I have is being myself,” he said in his pre-show introduction, adding that he hoped viewers would connect with his genuine personality rather than a manufactured game plan.

As of the time of filing this report, the housemates were still participating in the nomination process for possible eviction later in the week.

The 24 contestants are competing for the show’s grand prize of ₦160 million in the “Show Ya Sef” edition of the reality television programme.

Entertainment

BBNaija: Aikou gets traction as housemates seek to know more

Published

1 day ago

July 27, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Big Brother Naija 2026 housemate, Aikou, has continued to attract attention inside the house, with fellow contestants appearing eager to learn more about him.

A viral clip circulating on social media showed several housemates engaging Aikou in an extended conversation, asking him a series of questions about his background, experiences and personality.

The interaction sparked reactions online, with many viewers suggesting that Aikou’s unique personality and composure have made him one of the most intriguing contestants in the house so far.

In the video, the housemates appeared fully engrossed as Aikou shared details about himself, with some of them repeatedly seeking clarification and asking follow-up questions.

The moment has since generated buzz among BBNaija fans, many of whom described Aikou as one of the standout personalities of the season and predicted that his growing popularity could influence dynamics in the house.

Entertainment

FULL LIST: BBNaija Season 11 Kicks Off As 24 Housemates Battle For Record N160m Prize

Published

2 days ago

July 27, 2026

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Big Brother Naija officially returned on Sunday night with the launch of its 11th season. Twenty-four contestants, who will compete over the next 72 days for a record grand prize worth ₦160 million, were unveiled.

Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the new edition is themed “Everything Is For The Taking”, also known as “Show Ya Sef”, and promises bigger rewards, fresh twists and a redesigned house as contestants battle for the coveted title.

The eventual winner will walk away with ₦100 million in cash and an SUV, making it the largest prize package in the history of the reality television franchise.

The premiere introduced viewers to contestants drawn from different professions and backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, lawyers, creatives, broadcasters, students, engineers and business owners, all hoping to outwit one another in the coming weeks.

Housemates

Among the first housemates to enter the house was Tram, a 24-year-old streamer from Lagos, who made it clear that his focus was winning the competition rather than finding romance. He was followed by Temi Nkem, a 21-year-old model raised in London, who described herself as someone who lives life on her own terms.

One of the night’s biggest talking points came from Abi, a 25-year-old chef and model from Osun State, whose revelation that she is married quickly sparked reactions online.

Martins, a 30-year-old visual storyteller from Kogi State, also attracted attention after disclosing that he is in a relationship despite joining the show.

Other contestants include Chimsom Chuka, Keivo, Mercedes, Kamsi, Sultex, Aikou, Flora, Bells, Gerard, Oyin, Sheba, Araga, Ricky, Nomy, Barry, Neche, Yusuf, Goddessa, Bluethopia and Cassi.

Several housemates spoke about their plans and strategies ranging from forming alliances to embracing romance, while others insisted they would remain focused solely on winning the competition.

Beyond the contestants, this year’s edition also unveiled a newly redesigned BBNaija house featuring an “upside-down” concept with bold colours and luxury interiors intended to reflect the unpredictable nature of the season.

According to MultiChoice, constructing the house is a months-long undertaking involving concept development, design, sourcing and construction before an empty building is transformed into a fully equipped television production facility.

Located beside the live studio in Lagos, the house is fitted with 52 robotic PTZ cameras, seven handheld cameras, 59 microphones, 36 antenna blades and 19 speakers to enable uninterrupted coverage of activities throughout the season.

The organisers said the annual production employs more than 1,000 Nigerians, including engineers, carpenters, electricians, decorators, camera operators, technical crews, caterers and other support personnel.

The Executive Head of Content and Channels for West Africa, Atinuke Babatunde, said Season 11 builds on the programme’s legacy of authentic storytelling with higher stakes, new twists and a fresh mix of personalities expected to keep audiences entertained until the finale.
The launch generated immediate buzz across social media, with discussions centred on the contestants’ personalities, relationships and first impressions as viewers began predicting early favourites.

BBNaija Season 11 succeeds the 2025 edition, won by Imisi.

Full list of BBNaija Season 11 housemates

Tram – 24-year-old streamer from Lagos State.

Temi Nkem – 21-year-old model raised in London.

Martins – 30-year-old visual storyteller and model from Kogi State.

Abi – 25-year-old chef and model from Osun State.

Chimsom Chuka – 27-year-old pharmacist from Anambra State.

Keivo – 27-year-old web developer from Benue State.

Mercedes – 26-year-old massage therapist and concierge business owner from Delta State.

Kamsi – 24-year-old event planner from Imo State.

Sultex – 24-year-old dancer and choreographer from Lagos State.

Aikou – 25-year-old freelance teacher and web developer from Abuja.