A Naija Christmas

Globally, the Yuletide season is synonymous with the exchange of gifts. So, In this Christmas-themed narrative by Kunle Afolayan, Kunle Remi, Abayomi Alvin, and Efa Iwara are brothers faced with the task of gifting their mother, played by the late Rachel Oniga, her Christmas request of bringing home a bride-to-be in order to save her from both scorn and sickness. 

Adding to the traditional gift-giving, their mum promises a family heirloom as a reward to the first brother who fulfills her wish by getting married. So, in true Christmas spirit, this weaves a story where the act of giving becomes a reciprocal exchange, benefiting both parties involved. The brothers engage in a spirited race to outwit one another, realizing that success requires not only finding the right lady but also navigating the challenge of convincing their skeptical mother.

Ugochukwu Agu, (Kunle Remi), is a music producer and determined to claim the family heirloom as the eldest son. However, his lust is a problem, and this leads to him worsening the health struggles of his mum.  In the end, he finds himself entangled with a church girl and the leader of the church’s music department. 

Simultaneously, his brother Obi, (Efa Iwara), is the stereotypical nerd who grapples with a choice between an assertive “user” colleague, Vera (Linda Osifo), and the girlfriend of a gangster loan-shark. 

The third brother, Chike (Abayomi Alvin), navigates a complex affair with a married church member, Mrs. Samantha Bliss (Mercy Johnson Okojie), hoping she’ll leave her estranged husband.  The entire of  this story is basically how the Agu brothers strive to disentangle from their complicated relationships, how they unwittingly delve deeper into chaos, affecting their mother and those in their space.

Emerging from the creative mind of Kemi Adesoye, known for notable works like “The Figurine” and “Phone Swap,” “A Naija Christmas” offers a seemingly straightforward glimpse into the lives of the Nigerian upper class. This unfolds through various scenarios, ranging from the intriguing Ladies of Undiluted Destiny to the elitism evident in the Agu brothers. Yet, what truly endears this film to many is not merely the exploration of these ideas but the charming simplicity that defines its overall presentation. The film gracefully navigates through familiar tropes inherent in its genre, maintaining an engaging and refreshing appeal. Despite the prevalence of elements commonly associated with films of this kind, “A Naija Christmas” stands out by delivering an entertaining and light-hearted experience that resonates with the audience.

The film’s success lies not only in its thematic exploration but in the execution of its simplicity, offering a delightful departure from the ordinary. The performance in “A Naija Christmas” captivates on all fronts, showcasing a notable blend of talent. The directorial prowess, particularly under the guidance of Afolayan, shines brightest when infused with a touch of levity, demonstrating that the film benefits from not taking itself too seriously. Perhaps Afolayan’s direction works better when it doesn’t take itself too seriously. 

In adhering to the expectations of its genre and chosen theme, “A Naija Christmas” accomplishes precisely what a film of its kind is meant to do: evoke a sense of joy and light-heartedness, and this achievement marks a significant triumph for the film.