Abimbola Craig has made a name for herself in the Nigerian film industry as an actor and producer. Her impressive filmography includes standout performances in ‘Isoken,’ ‘My Wife & I,’ ‘Who Lived at Number 6,’ and ‘Rumour Has It.’ In 2022, Craig’s exceptional storytelling earned her the AMVCA award for Best Short Film or Online Video for ‘Fractured.’
However, Craig is most renowned for her role in the beloved web series ‘Skinny Girl in Transit.’ Launched in 2015 by Ndani TV, the series chronicles the life of Tiwalade, a plus-size woman navigating adulthood and societal expectations, including pressure from her mother to find love. The show has garnered immense popularity, particularly among female viewers, cementing its place as one of Nollywood’s leading web series on YouTube.
In a candid conversation with Nollywire, Craig dives into the making of the acclaimed web series. She passionately discusses the themes and philosophies that underpin the show, offering insights that reveal new dimensions of the beloved series.
The show’s title might initially suggest a focus on a weight-loss journey, but as you watch, it becomes evident that its narrative extends far beyond this premise. “When we talk about ‘Skinny Girl in Transit,’ we’re focused on the various aspects of Tiwa’s life: her love life, work life, and most recently, her struggles with childbirth. Each season, Tiwa faces new challenges,” Craig explains with the fervour of her deep connection to her work.
Before gaining fame in Nollywood, Craig practiced law for five years before she was diagnosed with a life-altering brain tumour. She considers this challenging period to be a blessing. “First of all, I was fortunate for the tumour to be identified and operated on by one of the best neurosurgeons in the United States,” Craig recounts. Despite the lengthy process and financial strain on her family, the successful surgery paved the way for her unexpected career shift.
Returning to Nigeria after her recovery, Craig secured a position at Ndani TV, marking the beginning of her journey in filmmaking. As she reflects on her story, there’s a moment of quiet reflection. “It was after the surgery that I returned to Nigeria and landed a job at Ndani TV as an associate producer, and that marked the beginning of a new career path for me. Despite this new career being completely different from law, I was excited and hopeful about the journey ahead.”
Craig also emphasises the importance of reshaping societal perceptions of plus-size women through ‘Skinny Girl in Transit.’
“We created the show to challenge stereotypes and present multi-dimensional characters like Tiwa, focusing on their personal and professional growth rather than just their body size. I’m tired of stereotypes. Your size is only a fraction of who you are as a person. It’s crucial to emphasise that you’re much more than your body size. So when I developed Tiwa’s character, I didn’t focus solely on her weight.”
In her daily interactions, Craig often faces questions fixated on her weight, which she promptly dismisses. She emphasizes that a person’s identity should not be overshadowed by physical appearance.
Growing up with Nigerian classics like ‘The Village Headmaster,’ ‘The New Masquerade,’ and ‘Tales by Moonlight,’ Craig was inspired to tell simple yet profound stories. Initially, she didn’t envision ‘Skinny Girl in Transit’ as more than a surface-level narrative.
However, as the series progressed, it evolved to deliver deeper messages that resonated with global audiences. “I felt there was more we could explore with the show beyond surface-level storytelling,” Craig reflects.
Addressing Societal Issues Through Characters
With the latest season seven, Sharon Ooja’s character, Shalewa, undergoes significant development, including therapy. This demonstrates the show’s commitment to spotlighting and addressing critical societal issues while entertaining viewers.
Shalewa’s therapy journey highlights the importance of prioritising mental health and releasing trauma, especially from past relationships. Craig reiterates the significance of spotlighting issues such as therapy and counselling to underscore their importance.
Craig explains, ‘When planning this new season, addressing Shalewa’s past relationship trauma was crucial.’ This approach mirrors previous seasons, where the show tackled various themes like marriage counselling, emphasising the importance of guidance in romantic relationships.
In the final fan question round, when asked about her favourite ‘Skinny Girl in Transit’ season, Craig hesitates to choose. However, she fondly recalls the fourth season, featuring Mide and Tiwa’s wedding, praising the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew.
“To be honest, ‘Skinny Girl in Transit’ is a project dear to my heart. I’m grateful for Ndani TV’s support in allowing me to develop this show the way I envisioned it. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to film those wedding scenes, which was a humbling experience for me.” The support from her team, many of whom have been with the show since its inception, particularly touched her and highlighted the strong bonds forged during production.
Finally, Craig’s philosophy is rooted in the beauty of experimentation and spontaneity. “Everything I have done in the creative space, I did without hesitation,” she shares. “It was the team’s willingness to try new things that brought ‘Skinny Girl in Transit’ to life.”
Currently streaming on Ndani TV’s YouTube channel, ‘Skinny Girl in Transit’ continues to captivate audiences, embodying Craig’s vision of telling impactful, relatable stories that challenge societal norms and celebrate personal growth.
