OBARA’M: A MUSICAL WITHOUT HARMONY
Joseph Omoniyi
Obara’m is a Nollywood musical that promises a ray of sunshine, warmth, and a gripping chair with a lollipop in our hands, but does it deliver on these promises? Loosely translated as my blood, Obara’m tells the story of a promising musician, Oluchi, who tries to reconcile with the daughter she abandoned many years ago, but some things cannot be forgiven. Directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Stephen Okonkwo, the movie was released to the cinema on 16th August, 2022 but released on Netflix in June 2023. The project boasts of many beautiful faces like Nancy Isime, The Cavemen, Sydney Talker, Bolanle Ninalowo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bolaji Ogunmola, legendary Nkem Owoh, Onyeka Owenu, the wonder kid Darasimi Nadi.
It must be said that Nollywood is blessed with oceans of ideas but plagued with execution. That’s why it will always be flawed when they try to do a Hollywood or Bollywood wannabe.
CDP
One of the spines of every good story is the Central Dramatic Problem or what some call Question and how it creatively weaves into the story’s engine to hook the audience. It is the single driving force of the narrative. What is the central character’s objective, and will they succeed in getting or achieving it? This question must be known to the audience from act one and should not be easy to answer. When a movie cannot successfully establish this element in its story and plot, it will struggle to stand the test of the audience’s attention. Obara’m sets up with an arguably interesting opening with music and dance – “a promise of a ray of sunshine”, remember? But we will come back to the music in a bit. The central dramatic problem of this movie is about Oluchi reconciling with her past. Will she or will she not? It must be said that most Nollywood films either fail or struggle to create this story spine. Though weak and crooked, Obara’m’s spine is there and visible. Her father’s death forces her to reconnect with the daughter she abandoned many years ago and the past she is running away from.
Plot/Sub-plot/Plants
The plot progression is simple and descent, but again with holes and unanswered questions. It must be said that Nollywood is blessed with oceans of ideas but plagued with execution problems. That’s why it will always be flawed when they try to do a Hollywood or Bollywood wannabe. They need to start focusing on doing simple storytelling at this point. One filmmaker whose effort must be applauded in this regard is Biodun Stephen. Simple story, simple telling, not trying to pull any stunt beyond the story’s potential.
Now, let’s come back to the music element we paused earlier. A successful and enjoyable musical movie is often the result of several key components working together harmoniously. These elements include:
Engaging Storyline: A well-crafted and compelling narrative forms the foundation of a successful musical movie. The story should have depth, exciting characters, and meaningful conflicts that can be explored through music and dance.
Example: “La La Land” (2016), directed by Damien Chazelle, tells the story of two aspiring artists who fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. The film’s engaging storyline and musical numbers captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Obara’m’s storyline lacks strong engagement, and the conflict is non-existent. There is a point in that opening series of scenes with music that ends with Fidelis stalking Oluchi’s performance, sneaking out displeased, and Oluchi running after him. The next time they meet, Fidelis convincingly does not want to see or have anything to do with Oluchi (I stop here to leave out spoilers). So, why is he at the bar to watch her perform? Is it a one-off, or does he come here often? What is he looking for? We will never know.
Again, the music cannot help what is not in the scene that follows the opening scenes. At this point (while watching), I was already bored out of my skin. Ihunaya walks into the church to join the choir, already performing a song and then takes the lead after the power supply goes off. Where is she coming from? This is not a music video, for Gawd’s sake. Tell a god*mn story first.
Memorable Music and Lyrics: Catchy and memorable songs with well-written lyrics are essential to the success of a musical movie. The music should not only enhance the storytelling but also can stand alone as an enjoyable piece of music. Example: “The Sound of Music” (1965), directed by Robert Wise, is a beloved musical that features iconic songs such as “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things.” The film’s timeless music and lyrics have become cultural touchstones and contribute to its enduring popularity.
The scene where Oluchi takes a moment in her late father’s house after her aunty revealed the sacrifices he had made for her and Ihunaya, her daughter. One would expect the music to elevate the mood of soberness, remorse, and a prodigal ‘daughter’ back home. Instead, we get a gospel song’ telling us about the love of God, “bhet why?” No memorable song. No catchy lyrics.
Talented Cast and Performances: A talented ensemble of actors and performers brings the musical movie to life. The cast should possess strong singing, dancing, and acting abilities, creating memorable characters and delivering captivating performances. Example: “Moulin Rouge!” (2001), directed by Baz Luhrmann, showcases the talents of Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor as they portray characters in a vibrant and passionate love story. Their performances, combined with the film’s energetic musical numbers, elevate the overall viewing experience. But Obara’m just decided to waste the talent of the singing actors it cast – Onyeka Onwenu, Cavemen, with needles voice effects, bad lip-syncing, and terrible performances. What in God’s name is Sydney Talker doing with the guitar?
Ihunaya singing at the bar comes with no consequences? Charity, an adult would help a child travel interstate?
Visually Stunning Production Design is one of the elements that helps a good musical. The visual elements of a musical movie play a crucial role in immersing the audience in the story.
Character and Characterisation
Obara’m is plagued with poor characterisation—one-dimensional characters like Fidelis and Emeka. Casting Ninalowo as an Igbo character is a shameful disaster. I had to confirm in the end credit. “Emeka bawo?” With his Yoruba accent. Also, the character development is shamefully terrible. Fidelis, Emeka, and Oluchi do not change physically, and then, how Fidelis and Emeka are demonised for Oluchi’s paternity fraud is unbelievable in this age and time.
However, one performance that helps this movie is Darasimi Nadi’s. Gosh! She is a tremendous gift to this movie. She eats and eases into her role well. Her performance is a thousand miles away from the child actors’ performances we are used to.
Directorial Prowess/Production Design/Post-production
Visually Stunning Production Design is one of the elements that helps a good musical. The visual elements of a musical movie play a crucial role in immersing the audience in the story. Creative and visually appealing production design, costumes, and choreography enhance the film’s aesthetic and musical numbers. Example: “Chicago” (2002), directed by Rob Marshall, employs a visually striking production design and choreography to recreate the glamour and intrigue of 1920s Chicago. The film’s distinctive visual style adds to the storytelling and makes the musical numbers visually captivating. What choreography performance, costume design, or visual element can we say pull us into the story at any point? “ko maar o gba lokan yin!”
The direction, cinematography, and editing of Obara’m are not that bad. It maintains a simple flow between dialogue, music, and ‘dance’. Nothing exceptional or recallable could create a benchmark – a cohesive, engaging experience.
Lesson Learnt
Obara’m teaches about the role of family, a parent’s love, and sacrifice. But it is a shame how it fails to address Oluchi’s paternity fraud.
Conclusion
I read somewhere that Kayode Kasum wanted to make a movie his grandmother could watch. Well, there you have it! This movie is an okay-watch with the elderly, maybe with some friends who don’t mind a couple of smiles. It is a bold attempt at a Nollywood musical but has no business at the cinema. YouTube should have been fine. At best, Africa Magic.
Verdict
40/100- You can do better, up your game.
Shoots.ng Score Guide
Every Item is 10 marks and 100% in all.
71- 100%= you are the bomb, be ready for Oscar
51-70%= thank you for ‘repping’ quality
31- 50%= you can do better, up your game
11-30%= Return to film school
01- 10%= Filming is not for you, look for another job
Picture credit: Internet
