Representation of Japa (Emigration) and Bad Leadership in Selected Nollywood Films

Abstract

Background:  In recent times, emigration in Nigeria has become popular in global migration discourses. This emigration is reflected in Nollywood films, and as a result, this research hinges on the fact that Nollywood is an effective tool for mirroring japa (emigration) among Nigerian youths.

Objective: The study's objective was to establish the connection between emigration, bad leadership, and postcolonial theory in the selected Nollywood films.

Methodology: This study applies a postcolonial theory in a descriptive research design that employs qualitative data collection and analysis, using the four films as the data sources. The films were The Esiris’ Eyimofe, Dika Ofoma’s A Japa Tale, Kola Olatunji’s Kanaani, and Kunle Afolayan’s Ijogbon.

Results: This paper successfully correlates Nigerians’ harsh living conditions caused by bad leadership with their motivation to Japa (emigrate). The study reveals that selected films reflect the harsh realities of the country's downturn, which fuels the postcolonial hangover that drives young Nigerians to their destinations, Europe and America, despite realising the master-servant relations that Africans must endure in developed nations.

Conclusion: The conclusions drawn underscore that Nollywood filmmakers are storytellers and social critics adept at articulating the motivations that fuel the japa syndrome among Nigerian youths.

Unique contribution: The study comprehensively analyses the selected Nollywood films, connecting bad leadership and the penchant for Japa.

Key recommendation: The study recommends actively engaging Nollywood films' range of emigration narratives and examining how they mirror and influence Nigerian youths’ perceptions of Japa.