''Man of God'' is a 2022 Nigerian film produced and directed by
Bolanle Austen-Peters
Bolanle Austen-Peters (born 4 February 1965), is a Nigerian lawyer, a multiple award-winning movie director, producer, theater director & producer and cultural entrepreneur. She is the founder and artistic director of BAP Productions and the arts ...
and starring
Akah Nnani,
Osas Ighodaro
Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro (born 26 October 1990), better known as Osas Ighodaro, is a Nigerian-American actress, television host and philanthropist. She won the 2010 Miss Black USA Pageant and founded the ''Joyful Joy Foundation'', ...
,
Dorcas Shola-Fapson
Dorcas Shola Fapson () best known as Ms DSF, is a Nigerian actress, DJ and presenter, known for her role as Sophie in MTV's '' Shuga''. In 2020, she returned to the ''Shuga'' series as it dealt with coronavirus issues, with the actors doing the f ...
, Prince Nelson Enwerem, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Jude Chukwuka,
Olumide Oworu,
Mawuli Gavor
Mawuli Gavor is a Ghanaian accountant turned actor, model, television presenter, entrepreneur, and producer.
Early life
Gavor was born in Ghana. He studied business and finance at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
...
and many others.
Based on the biblical story ''
The Prodigal Son The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a parable of Jesus in the Bible.
The Prodigal Son or Prodigal Son may also refer to:
Film
* ''L'Enfant prodigue'' (1907 film) (The Prodigal Son), by Michel Carré, based on his play
* , a short silent film by ...
'',
''Man of God'' was released on
Netflix
Netflix is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service. The service primarily distributes original and acquired films and television shows from various genres, and it is available internationally in multiple lang ...
on 16 April 2022 as
Bolanle Austen-Peters
Bolanle Austen-Peters (born 4 February 1965), is a Nigerian lawyer, a multiple award-winning movie director, producer, theater director & producer and cultural entrepreneur. She is the founder and artistic director of BAP Productions and the arts ...
first
Netflix
Netflix is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service. The service primarily distributes original and acquired films and television shows from various genres, and it is available internationally in multiple lang ...
branded film.
Plot
After growing weary of his strict religious upbringing, Samuel Obalolu leaves his parents' household for university where he completely deviates from
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion, which states that Jesus in Christianity, Jesus is the Son of God (Christianity), Son of God and Resurrection of Jesus, rose from the dead after his Crucifixion of Jesus, crucifixion, whose ...
and fronts an
Afrobeat
Afrobeat (also known as Afrofunk) is a West African music genre, fusing influences from Nigerian (such as Yoruba) and Ghanaian (such as highlife) music, with American funk, jazz, and soul influences. With a focus on chanted vocals, complex i ...
band. His friends include backing singer Rekya with whom he has the occasional
no-strings dalliance, and childhood friend Teju. Samuel falls for Teju's close friend Joy, and the pair grow close after he regularly attends fellowship group to impress her, infuriating Teju who is secretly in love with him.
Joy is angry and confused after campus chaplain Pastor BJ reveals that Samuel's father is
televangelist
Televangelism (from ''televangelist'', a blend of ''television'' and ''evangelist'') and occasionally termed radio evangelism or teleministry, denotes the utilization of media platforms, notably radio and television, for the marketing of relig ...
Josiah Obalolu, but Samuel gradually wins her back. She graduates a year before him and begins her
youth service
Youth service refers to non-military, intensive engagement of young people in organized activity that contributes to the local, national, or world community. Youth service is widely recognized and valued by society, with minimal or no compensation ...
in
Abuja
Abuja (; , ) is the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, strategically situated at the geographic midpoint of the country within the Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria), Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As the seat of the Federal G ...
, but promises their relationship would endure the distance. When her emails become less frequent, Pastor BJ reveals Joy is now married to Zach, an
Abuja
Abuja (; , ) is the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, strategically situated at the geographic midpoint of the country within the Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria), Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As the seat of the Federal G ...
-based preacher Joy had first met at her fellowship's graduation event. Samuel is depressed and heartbroken, and with Rekya no longer present having dropped out of university, he finds solace in Teju.
Nine years later, Samuel - now in a
rebound marriage with Teju - is a worship leader at their new church, but constantly clashes with the bishop's wife who disapproves of his
secularity
Secularity, also the secular or secularness (from Latin , or or ), is the state of being unrelated or neutral in regards to religion. The origins of secularity can be traced to the Bible itself. The concept was fleshed out through Christian hi ...
. After the bishop questions his promiscuity with female church members, Samuel heatedly resigns from his position. Teju later discovers that Josephine - Samuel's secret mistress from church - has aborted her pregnancy, and the revelation places a strain on their marriage. When Rekya returns to Nigeria after a sojourn abroad where she has dealt in
drug trafficking
A drug is any chemical substance other than a nutrient or an essential dietary ingredient, which, when administered to a living organism, produces a biological effect. Consumption of drugs can be via inhalation, injection, smoking, ingestion, ...
and
organ trade
Organ trade (also known as the blood market or the red market) is the trading of human organs, tissues, or other body products, usually for transplantation.(Carney, Scott. 2011. "The Red Market." Wired 19, no. 2: 112–1. Internet and Personal C ...
, Samuel reinvents himself as a Christian minister under the moniker "Sammy King" and joins Rekya's business; both ventures established to reap financial gain.
Samuel's estranged brother Daniel informs him that their mother, who had spent her last years pining for her prodigal son, has died, but warns him to repent. Samuel also reconnects with Joy when her husband Zach joins his church as a sound engineer. Samuel begs her to leave Zach for him, but she refuses, and he is devastated when the
police
The police are Law enforcement organization, a constituted body of Law enforcement officer, people empowered by a State (polity), state with the aim of Law enforcement, enforcing the law and protecting the Public order policing, public order ...
inform him that Rekya has died. After Teju discovers her husband plans to leave for
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
without her, she takes revenge by reporting his illegal involvement in Rekya's criminal activity to the authorities. Josephine's sister had previously informed the police of the abortion which had led to her death, and Samuel is finally arrested.
After his release from prison, Samuel walks into his father's church and finds the latter preaching. Josiah recognises his son, and along with Daniel, welcomes him home with open arms.
Selected cast
*
Akah Nnani as Samuel Obalolu/Sammy King
*
Osas Ighodaro
Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro (born 26 October 1990), better known as Osas Ighodaro, is a Nigerian-American actress, television host and philanthropist. She won the 2010 Miss Black USA Pageant and founded the ''Joyful Joy Foundation'', ...
as Teju Williams
*Bridget Atlanta Johnson as Joy
*
Dorcas Shola-Fapson
Dorcas Shola Fapson () best known as Ms DSF, is a Nigerian actress, DJ and presenter, known for her role as Sophie in MTV's '' Shuga''. In 2020, she returned to the ''Shuga'' series as it dealt with coronavirus issues, with the actors doing the f ...
as Rekya
*Jude Chukwuka as Josaiah Obalolu
*
Ayo Mogaji as Mummy Samuel
*
Olumide Oworu as Daniel Obalolu
*
Patrick Doyle
Patrick Doyle (born 6 April 1953) is a Scottish composer and occasional actor best known for his film scores. During his 50-year career in film, television and theatre, he has composed the scores for over 60 feature films. A longtime collaborato ...
as Bishop Asuquo
*
Eucharia Anunobi
Eucharia Anunobi, (born 27 May 1965) is a veteran Nigerian actress, producer, and pastor. She is best known for her role in the movie '' Abuja Connection''. She was nominated at 2020 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actre ...
as Mummy Bishop Asuquo
*
Mawuli Gavor
Mawuli Gavor is a Ghanaian accountant turned actor, model, television presenter, entrepreneur, and producer.
Early life
Gavor was born in Ghana. He studied business and finance at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
...
as Pastor Zach
*
Prince Nelson Enwerem as Pastor BJ
*
Shawn Faqua
Shawn Faqua ( ; born 6 June) is a Nigerian actor, model and presenter with multiple award nominations. He is best known for playing the role of Vincent in '' Lagos Cougars,'' as Rambo in Dare Olaitan's Ojukokoro and Chuks in Emem Isong's Co ...
as Brother Nonso
*Bunmi Aboderin as Mummy Tobi
*Toluwalashe Adeleke as Sister Josephine
*Boluwatife Aderogba as Diane
*Nifemi Lawal - Young Samuel
*
Bolanle Austen-Peters
Bolanle Austen-Peters (born 4 February 1965), is a Nigerian lawyer, a multiple award-winning movie director, producer, theater director & producer and cultural entrepreneur. She is the founder and artistic director of BAP Productions and the arts ...
as herself
Premiere
''Man of God'' was premiered on Sunday, 10th April 2022 at the
Terra Kulture
Terra Kulture is an arts and culture center located in Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria with an attached restaurant. The story has it that film-makers are indicating interest in producing plays and other entertainment at the Terra Kulture be ...
Arena in
Victoria Island, Lagos
Victoria Island (VI) is an affluent area that encompasses a former island of the same name neighbouring Lagos Island, Ikoyi and the Lekki Peninsula by the Lagos Lagoon. It is the main business and finance, financial centre of Lagos State, Niger ...
, the theme of the premiere was "Heavenly Glam" as the premiere saw the cast, friends, celebrities dress in line with the selected theme. The premiere was star-studded as it was anchored jointly by broadcaster, Laila Johnson-Salami, and OAP Olisa Adibua, in attendance was the former
First Bank of Nigeria
First Bank of Nigeria is a multinational bank and financial services company with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. First Bank was founded in 1894 by Sir Alfred Jones and is currently owned by First HoldCo PLC, which in itself has diversified own ...
's Chairman,
Ibukun Awosika
Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika (born Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola on December 24, 1962) is a Nigerian businesswoman and author. She is the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria. She was appointed as a member of Binance G ...
, Former Lagos State Commissioner for Information Tourism and Culture, Steve Ayorinde popular actresses,
Joke Silva
Joke Silva () MFR is a veteran Nigerian actress, director, and businesswoman.
In 1998, she had a major role, starring opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film ''The Secret Laughter of Women''. In 2006, she won "Best Actre ...
,
Hilda Dokubo
Hilda Dokubo is a Nigerian award-winning film actress, author, social justice advocate, and politician who once served as special adviser on youth affairs to Peter Odili, a former Governor of Rivers State. She is currently the Chairman of Labou ...
,
Ireti Doyle
Iretiola Olusola Doyle (born 5 May 1967) is a Nigerian actress, entertainer, TV presenter, writer and a public speaker.
Early life and education
Doyle was born on 3 May 1967 in Ondo State but spent her early years with her family in Boston, Un ...
. Nigerian Actors and Actresses such as
Daniel Etim Effiong
Daniel Etim Effiong, also Daniel Etim-Effiong is a Nigerian Nollywood actor and film director.
Life and education
He was born in Jaji, Kaduna State, Nigeria and had lived in Benin City, Edo State; Lagos State and Abuja. His dad was in the Niger ...
, Erica Nlewedim,
Deyemi Okanlawon
Deyemi Okanlawon (born 19 April 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian film, television, theatre, and voice actor. He is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic talents in the Nigerian film industry, earning the distinction of being the hig ...
, Tade Ogidan,
Denrele Edun among others also graced the premiere occasion.
Awards and nominations
References
{{reflist
2022 films
Netflix original films
English-language Nigerian films
2020s English-language films