Film & TV

Top 10 Nigerian soap operas that were popular in our childhood

Top 10 Nigerian soap operas that were popular in our childhood

If you grew up in the 1990s and the first decade of the 2000s, you probably have fond memories of hanging out with the adults in the living room while you waited for your favourite soap operas to start. Additionally, the theme songs were always fire too. Fun times.

Some of these TV programs are more than just entertainment; they are ingrained in our culture.  They stand for a significant portion of Nigerian TV history and culture. There wouldn’t be anything to watch on our TV screens without them. 

Top 10 old Nigerian soap operas

We’re going back in time today and ranking the most popular shows from the early 2000s. Listed below are the top 10 Nigerian TV programs of all time, in no particular order.

Checkmate (1991 -1994)

Checkmate series

Nigerians were charmed by this Sunday night soap opera for three nights. The late Amaka Igwe devised and wrote Checkmate, a tale of the noble Haatrope family struggling to fend off enemies within and without the family. Thanks to the soap opera, many people were familiar with Ego Boyo, the late Francis Agu, Norbert Young, and the charismatic Richard Mofe Damijo, who played Segun Kadiri. Additionally, Checkmate tackled societal issues, including polygamy and cultism.

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Things fall apart (1987)

Things fall apart series

This is another classic TV program from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). NTA adapted the classic work of Chinua Achebe in 1987. The film’s lead character, Okonkwo, was played by Pete Edochie. The late Justus Esiri, Sam Loco Efe, and Nkem Owoh also had roles in the classic. The adaptation was one of the NTA’s finest achievements in terms of making a flawless television program that has appealed to several generations.

I Need To Know (1997-2002)

I need to know series

The TV program, which starred Nigerian A-list actress Funke Akindele, was an educational program supported by the UN Population Fund.

The TV show focused on the lives of seven secondary school students through adolescence. Teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS were prominent themes in the program. Kalamashaka created the incredibly well-known theme song. I Need To Know was a television program aimed at young people.

Everyday People (early 2000s)

Everyday people series

Everyday People was created by a media entrepreneur and exclusively focuses on the lives of middle-class Nigerians. The late Sam Loco Efe, Carol King, Ify Onwuemene, Seun Soremi, Juliet Martin-Abazie, and Ignis Ekwe were among the actors. The theme song was very popular too.

Binta and Friends (1990s)

An episode on Binta and friends

Don’t compromise; just be yourself. Binta and Friends, reveal your inner beauty. Whenever I saw Binta, I felt like the bad kid because she was such a good kid. The protagonist’s young age was also a huge selling point for me. I’ll definitely show my kids this show.

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Fuji House of Commotion (early 2000s)

Fuji house of commotion series

The comedy series, which was a spinoff of Checkmate and was produced, directed, and written by Amaka Igwe, brilliantly depicted the peculiar experience of residing in a polygamous home. 

One of the best comedies on Nigerian television, this series was made even better by the comedic prowess of Kunle Bamtefa, Ngozi Nwosu, and the supporting ensemble.

Super Story (2001-present)

Super story series

TV producer Wale Adenuga, who also created Papa Ajasco for print and television, is the creator of Super Story. Super Story is a novel format that has drawn interest from the Nigerian audience for 21 years. 

The show’s first season told the story of Suara and Toyin Tomato (played by the brilliant Sola Sobowale). Since the first season was a success, the next seasons have also been successful.

The lives of middle-class Nigerians are the focus of a unique story told throughout each season.

Papa Ajasco (1996-present)

Papa Ajasco cast

This is yet another work by Wale Adenuga. In the 1980s, Papa Ajasco first appeared as a comic strip and was hugely successful. Wale Adenuga adapted the 1983 film for television in 1996, featuring the well-known actors who played the roles of Papa Ajasco, Mama Ajasco, Bobo Ajasco, Boy Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Pa James, and Pa Jimoh. 

Papa Ajasco, a comedian, known for his use of slapstick humour, has been making Nigerians laugh for more than 20 years.

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Ripples (1988-1993)

Ripples cast

The soap opera Zeb Ejiro, the Sheikh of Nollywood, produced was popular in its day and ran for five years without a break. 

Even though Patrick Doyle, who played Melvin Dehinde-Phillips, controversially left the show, the show’s momentum continued. Genevieve Nnaji received her debut television role from Ripples.

The Village Headmaster (1968-1988)

The village headmaster cast on set

The Village Headmaster is one of Nigeria’s most well-known television programmes. With two decades of broadcasting, it was the National Television Authority’s longest-running program. Stars of The Village Headmaster included the late Justus Esiri, Dejumo Lewis, Funsho Adeolu, and Enebeli Elebuwa. The television program focused on, among other things, trans harmony, problem-solving and engagement in public issues, health education, and family fun.

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Esther is versatile writer who thrives in writing top-notch long-form articles. She enjoys research and has an eye for details. She's currently a writer at BlackDot Media.
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