Afamefuna Review: Unveiling The Nigerian Model For Stakeholder Capitalism

Our Afamefuna review dwells on the rare story of the Igbo apprentice system. ‘Afamefuna’ is a cinematic masterpiece that intricately weaves together themes of culture, entrepreneurship, love, and growth, offering audiences a captivating experience filled with valuable lessons.

Directed by the talented Kayode Kasum, this film shines a spotlight on the rich Igbo culture and the Igbo Apprenticeship System, prevalent in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Streaming on Netflix, ‘Afamefuna’ transports viewers into a world brimming with positive energy and pride in Igbo heritage. 

It tells the story of  Afamefuna Played by Stan Nze, a billionaire business mogul, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is accused of a crime during a remembrance party for his late father. As the story unfolds, we delve into Afamefuna’s past as a young apprentice under the tutelage of Odogwu, a renowned businessman. The film beautifully captures the dynamics of the apprenticeship system, emphasizing values such as respect, hard work, and unity within the Igbo community.

Now, let’s dive into the Afamefuna review;

Plot

The opening scene of the film captivates viewers with its stunning portrayal of Igbo cultural heritage, introducing us to billionaire business mogul Afamefuna hosting a lavish remembrance party for his late father. However, the festivities take a dark turn when the body of Afamefuna’s former friend and co-apprentice, Paul, is discovered. Accused of Paul’s murder, Afamefuna’s arrest sets the stage for a gripping narrative that delves into his past as an apprentice at Odogwu’s building materials shop in Lagos. Within the Igbo community, it is customary for parents to send their male children to the city to apprentice under a skilled businessman, with the expectation that the master will eventually “settle” the apprentice, enabling them to start their own business and continue the cycle with younger apprentices. This unfolds the tale of Afamefuna’s journey and the traditions that shape his fate.

Upon arriving in the city to commence his apprenticeship under the guidance of his new master, Odogwu, portrayed by Kanayo O Kanayo, Afamefuna is immersed in the intricacies and hierarchy among the apprentices, known as “nwa bois,” within the community. Odogwu lays down three fundamental rules for Afamefuna: absolute respect for customers, zero tolerance for stealing and womanizing. These rules serve to refine Afamefuna’s work ethic and foster a strong bond with his master.

Paul, the senior apprentice at Odogwu’s shop, assumes responsibility for managerial duties and ensuring the smooth operation of the business. He leads and directs the younger apprentices, who are expected to show him the respect he deserves as per the established rule.

Afamefuna quickly noticed the master’s young and beautiful daughter and immediately fell in love with her upon laying eyes on her. However, he couldn’t act on his feelings due to the strict rules and warnings from his master. On the contrary, Paul, a hardworking apprentice, prioritized his master’s business growth but was carefree and didn’t adhere to rules, leading to a relationship with Amaka, Odogwu’s daughter.

A scene depicting young Paul assisting a customer who requested for a towel in their building material shop vividly showcased the brotherhood among Igbo businessmen. As years passed and they matured, their master could settle them at any time. Each apprentice’s actions determined their settlement timeline, with the senior apprentice expected to be settled first, leading to an unexpected twist in the movie.

Their master faced a daunting challenge in clearing his goods from customs, which posed a significant threat to his business. Moved by loyalty and compassion, Afamefuna took it upon himself to seek assistance from the Nigeria Customs to aid in clearing his master’s goods. Fortunately, luck favoured him as he gained favour from a disciplined customs officer. Without delay, he relayed the good news to his master, who was greatly relieved and happy.

Meanwhile, Paul encountered a customer at the shop attempting to swindle them with fake currencies. Paul’s sharp wit enabled him to detect the deception just as the culprit was attempting to flee. To Paul’s delight, his master arrived at that moment and, impressed by his quick thinking, instructed him to purchase the special Igbo Kola Nut and Gin used for blessing apprentices, a sign that Paul was on the verge of being settled.

However, when they joyfully procured the special ingredients, they were shocked to find that the settlement ceremony was meant for Afamefuna and not Paul. Their master, recognizing Afamefuna’s unwavering loyalty and dedication, decided to settle him with a shop and a substantial sum of money. This unexpected turn of events left Paul feeling disheartened, leading to a rift between the two Nwa brothers. This twist in the plot would certainly leave the audience questioning why Paul wasn’t settled first, perhaps highlighting life’s unpredictable nature and its tendency to favour certain individuals like Afamefuna.

Driven by jealousy and hurt, Paul, who had used his relationship with Amaka to pilfer money from Odogwu, left his master, breaking Amaka’s heart in the process as Odogwu discovered the theft. Aligning himself with a group of money launderers known as the ‘Danladi Brothers’, whom his former master had previously rejected for partnership, Paul received a loan to establish his own company, unwittingly becoming entangled in money laundering. However, Paul found himself in dire straits when he accrued a debt of over 300 million naira, prompting threats from the Danladi Brothers.

Years later, when Paul encountered Afamefuna after a prolonged absence, he emotionally manipulated him into agreeing to pay off his debt to the Danladi Brothers at a rate of 5 million naira monthly. Amidst this turmoil, a subplot unfolded as a romance blossomed between Afamefuna and Amaka, years after their chance encounter at a shopping mall where Paul was present. Summoning courage, Afamefuna professed his love for Amaka and sought Odogwu’s blessing for their relationship.

However, Paul’s greed escalated as he demanded more money from Afamefuna, compounded by the revelation that the child Amaka bore was Paul’s biological son, not Afamefuna’s. Despite this revelation, Afamefuna’s love for his son and Amaka remained unwavering. Ultimately, Paul’s insatiable greed led to his downfall.

The movie ‘Afamefuna’ is rich with lessons, entertainment, and insights into Igbo business culture, offering a compelling narrative filled with some twists and turns.

Cast

In this captivating movie, one aspect that truly shines is the impeccable casting. Each actor brings their A-game, delivering performances that are nothing short of exceptional. 

Stan Nze’s exceptional portrayal of Afamefuna in the film provides audiences with a satisfying glimpse into the nuances of character development. Through his nuanced performance, Stan Nze brings Afamefuna to life on screen, allowing viewers to truly understand and appreciate the evolution of the character throughout the story.

Kanayo O. Kanayo’s portrayal of Odogwu’s character is unmissable, capturing the essence of a caring business CEO who shares a healthy bond with his apprentices. One standout moment is when he explains the term “Apiriko” to young Afamefuna, showcasing his most commendable performance. Kanayo O. Kanayo infuses richness into his dialogue delivery, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Chidera David’s portrayal of  Young Paul delivered a stellar performance, capturing the essence of a street-smart Igbo apprentice with commendable authenticity.

Amaka’s character portrayed by Atlanta Bridget Johnson adds emotional depth and a sweet charm, embodying the essence of a beautiful young Igbo woman with grace and sincerity.

Segun Arinze’s attempt to depict a detective with a Northern accent was not entirely satisfactory.

However, ‘Afamefuna’  is the epitome of a well-rounded movie experience, incorporating all the essential elements of a compelling narrative. From the outstanding cast performances to the vibrant setting and captivating cinematography, ‘Afamefuna’ offers a perfect blend of richness that every great movie should possess. From start to finish, the talent on display is remarkable, captivating audiences and adding depth to the story. Whether portraying complex characters or bringing moments of levity to the screen, the cast’s chemistry and dedication are evident, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.

Language

The extensive utilization of the Igbo language throughout ‘Afamefuna’ enriches the film, infusing it with an undeniable cultural authenticity and depth. This linguistic choice not only adds vibrancy to the storytelling but also fosters a strong sense of cultural pride and identity. As a testament to Nigeria’s diverse heritage, ‘Afamefuna’ stands as a noteworthy contribution to the nation’s cinematic landscape, showcasing the richness and beauty of Igbo culture to audiences worldwide.

This film is not just a cinematic experience but a celebration of culture and tradition, leaving audiences proud to be associated with the Igbo clan.