Nigerian home movies are moving

Nigerian home movies and music are best sellers in many African
countries including the Sudan. Some songs by artists who are relatively unknown in Nigeria
are on radio very often here in Yei. some Nigerians in countries awash with
Nigerian entertainment products are thought of as talented entertainers. They
see us as very gifted artists. The name, “Oga” which means Boss or Master in
Nigeria is now used freely in other African countries.

I continue to be amazed at how far my language and culture
has traveled because of the growth of the Nigerian movie industry in the past
10years.

I was taking a walk sometime ago here in Sudan and from a
distance I could hear a dialogue in my very own local Igbo language from a load
speaker.

At first, I was shocked; then it dawned on me when I got
closer, that a certain movie center built with bamboo sticks and a grass roof
was showing a popular Nigerian movie. I was thoroughly amused when I arrived
there to see over 50 people crowded in that small “theater” watching “my
people” perform. The screen was a 14 inch colored television and the movie was
not even sub-titled.

I knew I had made an important discovery. The power of
audio visuals in a place like this is huge. This people love to see the
“outside” world, the world of their dreams and hopes. They also love to be amused
and entertained. It seems my jokes as a Nigerian are funnier. As they listen to
me preach, they always long for the comical moments. I try not to disappoint
them.

By the way, I learned very quickly that as a Nigerian
traveler within Africa, aside being correct; you’re better off being a bit
comical than critical. I’ve survived the heat and hate of other nationals that
way in the course of my international travels.

The people of Yei love entertainment, so I plan for that
in all my trips to Sudan. I always travel with my projector, much thanks to
Archie and Trina Wilson for gifting this projector to my ministry. I buy many Nigerian
Christian Home Videos especially from the Mount Zion film ministry. The influence of this movie
ministry and now many others like it has been tremendous. So many people have come to Jesus through their works,
broken lives and homes have been healed too. I have seen many viewers weep as
the movies played-out either their present hurtful situations or exposed their
secret sins, follies etc.

The opportunity to teach, counsel, pray for the sick and
lead sinners back to Jesus is ever present after the shows. We relish the
moments.

Can you imagine Osuofia, Aki and Pawpaw in Yei, with a
message from Jesus? I once traveled on the same flight from Nairobi with
Chinedu (is he Aki or Pawpaw?) and we sat in close proximity. As many
passengers came around to take photos with him and chat him up, I wondered what
it would be like to have them in Yei on God’s terms.

To all those Kingdom-minded actors, actresses and their
sponsors, I say THANK YOU for your great ministry to the Body of Christ and the
nations. May your efforts continue to honor Jesus and expand the scope of His
reign and lordship. May He delight in your sacrifices and append His seal to
them on that Day.

Do I have an AMEN in the house?

Author: Uche Izuora

I'm inspired by God’s passion for His name in every generation, which provokes global worship through Jesus Christ. Becoming an emotionally healthy and transformative disciple, I aim to mobilize the Church to engage in cross-cultural missions and raise other like-minded disciples who discover themselves in Christ and seek to present and represent Him as Savior and Lord among the nations northward of Uganda. View all posts by Uche Izuora