Funke Akindele’s Nollywood film, “A Tribe Called Judah,” has made history as the first Nigerian movie to rake in an impressive 1.24 billion Naira ($1.29m; £1m) in local theaters within just three weeks. The film, directed by Akindele herself, narrates the compelling tale of five brothers plotting a mall heist to save their mother’s life. Akindele, who not only stars but also co-directs the film, now holds the title of Nigeria’s highest-grossing director.
Expressing her gratitude on Instagram, Akindele thanked God, Nigeria, and Ghana for this remarkable milestone. FilmOne Entertainment, the film’s distributor, praised Akindele’s storytelling prowess, hailing the movie as a “cultural gem.”
What You Should Know About the Main Characters.
Shifting our focus from the movie’s box office success at Adore Women, we aim to explore a crucial social theme depicted in “A Tribe Called Judah”—the challenges of single motherhood, poverty, and their impact on young adults. Right from the movie’s start, Jedidah Judah, the main character, emerges as a resilient woman managing a small Keke business and other ventures to support her family. As a single mother with five sons, she works tirelessly.
Emeka Judah, her eldest son and the brightest among them, faces the reality of putting his education on hold. He takes on the responsibility of being the man of the house, working as a Customer Representative in a furniture showroom to support his siblings. Despite the modest pay, he shoulders this responsibility. Adamu Judah, the second son, also contributes by working as a security officer in the same establishment.
Jedidah Judah’s third son, Pere, driven by financial difficulties and an unbridled desire for more, resorts to street activities like pick-pocketing and stealing valuable items. He believes the streets offer better financial prospects than spending time in school. Shina Judah, the fourth son, becomes involved with street gangsters, participating in armed robbery and organized crimes. The youngest, Ejiro Judah, partners with his girlfriend, Testimony, to beg for alms on the streets.
(This video is best displayed as picture in picture mode. Click on the three vertical dots in the right corner of the video. All Images and Video Source: Funke Akindele’s-IG.)
The Rising and Falling Action.
In the movie, the storyline takes a twist when Emeka loses his job, and Jedidah, the mother, faces a serious illness needing immediate surgery with a hefty price tag. To raise the money, Emeka reveals his boss’ money laundering scheme to his brothers, and they decide to take some of that money to cover their mom’s medical bills and secure their futures. Despite their successful attempt, the outcome is tragic, as Emeka doesn’t survive the ordeal. The movie navigates through ups and downs, blending suspense and emotion to keep viewers engaged.
Social and Moral Issues.
Jedidah’s sons’ lifestyle mirrors the experiences of many boys raised by single mothers. They are susceptible to the allure of materialistic things and peer pressure. This tendency may arise from the mothers’ demanding schedules, leaving little time to bond with their children. While striving to make ends meet and cover household expenses is understandable, the unintended consequence is a lack of meaningful connection with their children. As a result, the children become vulnerable to social vices as they grow up without the guidance and support needed from their mothers.
The movie portrays the harsh realities that force these young adults into challenging paths. Also, the movie sheds light on the potential consequences of the demanding circumstances faced by single mothers and the importance of nurturing a strong parent-child relationship.
How To Tackle These Issues.
To help single moms and their kids, both communities and individuals should join hands. Local programs can aid single moms by providing support and connections for a better work-life balance. Encouraging moms to spend quality time with their kids and organizing workshops on effective parenting can strengthen family bonds.
For young adults, scholarships and job training programs offer educational opportunities and practical skills, keeping them away from negative influences. Employment initiatives, community policing, and mental health support are crucial for creating a safer and more supportive environment.
Public awareness campaigns can highlight the challenges of single-parent households, and government policies should provide financial support and resources to build a comprehensive support system. By working together, these actions can bring positive change to the lives of single mothers and their children, creating stronger communities.
Conclusion.
A Tribe Called Judah” is a must-watch, earning a 4.5 out of 5 stars from us. If you haven’t experienced it yet, what are you waiting for? Head to a cinema near you today and enjoy the captivating storyline and stellar performances.
