With the recent adaptation of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’, it has become apparent the need for more book adaptations in Nollywood. Literature has always been a rich source of inspiration for cinema and Nigerian literature hosts a wealth of stories waiting for their big screen moments.
In the past, Nollywood has adapted books like ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, ‘Swallow’ by Sefi Atta and more recently, ‘I Do Not Come to You by Chance’ by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani. Thus, the industry is no stranger to book adaptations.
Nollyphiles also want to see more books reborn on screen and they have a list they would happily go to the cinema for. From Frank Ogodo Ogbeche’s satirical explorations of Nigerian politics to Damilare Kuku’s hilarious analysis of body image, here are five book adaptations Nollyphiles would like to watch.
Tomorrow Died Yesterday by Chimeka Garricks
Chimeka Garrick’s debut tells the story of four lives in the Niger Delta who are reconnected after a kidnapping goes awry. Nifemi Olayemi found the story quite complex to read: “I had to start all over at some point because the story is sort of interwoven and I needed to understand each person’s POV.”
Olayemi posits that an adaptation would offer a fresh interpretation of the original material, providing new insights and perspectives.
Harvest of Corruption by Frank Ogodo Ogbeche
It will be an absolute delight for Zainab Daud to watch Ogbeche’s Harvest of Corruption on screen. The play centres on a corrupt government and its key players whose morals are decayed.
Daud wants it adapted because it is a poignant exploration of corruption in the country. “It sheds light on the pervasive corruption in society, highlighting its effect on individuals, groups, and institutions.”.
She believes the story has the ability to impact Nigerian society. She fan casts Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Ademoye, Mercy Johnson, and Lateef Adedimeji for the film.
A Very Gidi Christmas by Tomilola Coco Adeyemo
As a romance aficionado, nothing will bring Ethel Gere more joy than seeing A Very Gidi Christmas on the big screen. At the heart of the story are Biodun and Kunle, estranged lovers who are given another shot at love when a scandal breaks out.
“I thought the book was very Nigerian and we don’t get a lot of romance media that feels Nigerian.” Gere also thinks the hilarity of the book would make it a good watch. She would love to see Vine Olugu take on the role of Kunle and Genoveva Umeh fit into the shoes of Biodun.
Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku
Damilaire Kuku’s sophomore book trains its eye on Temi, the latest graduate whose sole aim in life is to enlarge her buttocks, move to Lagos, and find the love of her life. Her announcement throws her family into chaos. As they try to talk her out of it, buried secrets unravel, revealing that Temi might be the most clear-headed of them all. Humulkhair Abdulmumeen asserts that it is a Nigerian story that explores the expanse of body shaming—a habit common with Nigerians—and that is the reason it belongs on screen.
The book’s neutral stance on cosmetic surgery impressed her. “The story has an unbiased ending; it does not judge or condemn ladies who have gone under the knife to change their bodies.”. For the cast, she wants Detola Jones to play Temi. Jumoke George as Temi’s mother and Richard Mofe Damijo as the patriarch of the family.
The Last Days of Forcados High School by A. H Mohammed
Beloved by many, The Last Days of Forcados High School follows Jimi Solade, a student of Forcados High School and his experiences. It also centres Efua Coker, the new withdrawn student at Forcados. Joseph Jonathan is a fan of book adaptations so when he read the book—before it became a sensation—he longed to see it adapted simply because he enjoyed it.
Jonathan also wants it adapted because of the scarcity of YAs in Nollywood. “I think Nollywood is due for a good YA story.”.
As Nollywood continues to attain new heights, book adaptations could open up a whole new bank of unique Nigerian stories. With the right director, screenwriter, and actors, these books could become Nollywood classics, proving that literature and film are a match written in the stars.
