By Mercy Dauji
When TikTok content maker Prescious Ubani published a 5 minute 33 second video skit on detailing an entire list of items a prospective suitor is expected to provide in order to seek the hand in marriage of an Ibo woman from Abia state in south eastern Nigeria, little did she know that an entire movie will be dedicated to expanciating on the intricacies of this matter she hoped to thrash out. Issues of bride price have long been a matter of contention amongst potential suitors to south eastern brides as much negotiation is usually involved with both families taking positions like warring parties. Visiting a meeting of two families whose children are getting married (generally known as the ‘introduction‘) and observing the negotiations that take place between the men, the scenery wouldn’t be out of place in the boardroom of a fortune 500 company were a hostile corporate takeover is about to take place.
So when producer Trinity Ugonabo decided to shoot the movie ‘Bride Price’ it became obvious that finally someone has decided to put this matter to bed. The movie tends to portray a typical setting of the Nigeria Igbo culture in the south eastern part of the country and what a grown up man has to pass through when seeking the hand of a woman in marriage. “The bride price” features Aloysius (played by Zubby Michael) who is the groom and the principal character in the movie. He fell in love with Adanna (The name Adanna/Ada is a name given to the first daughter of the family in the Igbo culture). Hence, it is believed that whoever will get married to the first daughter has to be prepared financially which is typical of what is been featured in the movie “The bride price”. The expensive list of items drafted by the kinsmen of the bride which is mandatory for Aloysius the groom to provide before the marriage can happen becomes a source of torture for Aloysius.
This movie was properly dissected, thus revealing the pains, stress and effort Aloysius faced and was ready to pass through just to have Adanna. Things become so tense that at some point in the movie we see him telling a friend that “… if it means me selling my kidney i am ready…”. This alone shows the strength of love of Aloysius going the extra mile to pay the ultimate price for what he wants.
Ada is a young lady who went to study outside the country and came back to her mother land Nigeria, to get married. To achieve this she is faced with the culture and tradition of her people which must be respected before she can be married out. She had several choices of suitors to pick but went for Aloysius. Even though her ex-boyfriend kept coming back seeking for her hand in marriage bearing gifts, but she declined and went for her choice ….her one and only Aloysius, despite being questioned by her mother as to why she chose him.
This movie is thrilling and educating making us understand the culture and difficulties bachelors face when they want to get married. The movie opens in cinemas across Nigeria on the 5th of May 2023.
The bride price is a Nigeria movie written by a nigerian for Nigerians. The writers are @theclauzozie and @Uche.atelier. Produced by @Trinity-uyonabo and directed by Okey oku.
