I haven’t seen many African films, but I’m quite certain that Nigerian Prince is the best I’ve watched yet. Featuring a down-to-earth realism minus all the extra melodramatics of my previous experiences of Nollywood filmmaking, I’m glad to say I was quite pleasantly surprised.

Nigerian Prince is a well-told story that starts with a Nigerian-American teenager named Eze, who reluctantly arrives in Nigeria and soon learns that his beloved mother has cancelled his return ticket. As a result, a desperate Eze teams up with a local internet scammer to finance a flight back to the States.

Director Faraday Okoro’s film isn’t a perfect movie, but I enjoyed the tension-filled moments; a fair amount of which came from Eze’s naivete. Particularly his cluelessness when it came to not fully grasping the risks he was actually taking by getting involved in criminal activity in Nigeria. Risks with consequences that the audience is cleverly shown throughout, therefore heightening our very deep concern for young Eze.

Chinaza Uche’s performance as the scammer is a personal highlight – and not just because it wasn’t extra dramatic. I found it interesting to learn about the life of a ‘Nigerian scammer’ and Uche sold it well. The cleverness in the way the story is told, especially towards the end is probably my favourite moment overall.

There are all kinds of tough situations people experience all over the world, and the focus of Nigerian Prince really had me feeling grateful for my own set of problems and challenges, perceived or otherwise. 

As for whether it’s worth it to watch this movie, it may just be me and me alone but the fact that by the end of Nigerian Prince, I actually found myself wanting a sequel must mean there’s something good here. As such, if you’re curious, I say do it.

Happy Film Loving,

G