The premiere of ‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee’ was more than just a glamorous evening; it offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the pressures of modern society, as explored in the film. Produced by FilmOne Studios and written and produced by Toyin Abraham, who continues her legacy with the ‘Alakada’ film series.
Directed by Adebayo Tijani, ‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee’ brings a fresh lens to its exploration of societal themes. While the red carpet dazzled with Nollywood’s finest, the movie’s deeper themes resonated with cast members and attendees alike, sparking conversations about authenticity in a world driven by appearances.
At its heart, ‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee’ tells the story of a young woman, Yetunde, played by Toyin Abraham, navigating the allure of a double life, caught between her true self and the facade she presents to fit in.
For actress Ini Edo, the project offered a chance to dive into relatable societal dynamics. “We live in a world where social media and societal expectations put so much pressure on people to appear a certain way,” Ini shared. “This story reminds us to stay true to ourselves because, at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.”
Her sentiment was echoed by Chimezie Imo, who described the film as a humorous yet poignant exploration of societal pressures. “People want to be accepted, to fit in, and sometimes that means creating a facade,” he reflected. “It’s funny to us, but it’s also a sign of the pressure people feel.”
Aisha Lawal, who recently starred in ‘Queen Lateefah,’ chimed in, emphasising how the film captures the essence of this struggle. “It’s something we see all the time—people trying so hard to belong. This film captures that struggle in a way that’s both funny and thought-provoking.”
The cast brought their A-game to bring these themes to life. Chimezie Imo’s character, understated yet comical, provided moments of levity. “He was simple, didn’t have much to do, but he was funny in his own way. I loved playing him,” he remarked. He also fondly recounted working with Toyin Abraham, whom he calls “mom,” reflecting on their shared history from ‘Nimbe.’
Adebayo Tijani highlighted the care that went into crafting an emotionally resonant experience. “We wanted to create a world that’s both relatable and vibrant, a reflection of the society we live in.” This sentiment was echoed in the vibrant production design, which served as the perfect backdrop for the story.
The movie doesn’t just entertain—it challenges viewers to confront the realities of peer pressure and the lengths people go to fit into societal moulds. Chimezie Imo shared a personal anecdote about a high school acquaintance who fabricated stories to fit in. “We knew she didn’t go to the UK for holidays, but she kept up the act. It’s comedy to us now, but it’s also a reminder of how far people can go to feel accepted.”
‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee’ offers more than just laughs—it’s a timely conversation starter about the pressures of modern living. The film’s blend of humour, heart, and cultural commentary makes it a must-watch. In the words of Chemezie Imo, “Fun will be had.”
