Two titans clashed on Prime Video this past Friday, May 10th, 2024. In one corner, we had the Afrobeats queen, Tiwa Savage, with her movie “Water and Garri.” In the other, the seasoned Nollywood filmmaker Biodun Stephen offered “Momiwa.” While Tiwa Savage’s star power might have initially stolen the spotlight, whispers soon emerged that “Water and Garri” was, well, a bit like burnt food – all hype and no flavor. Which, left many wondering if perhaps music was Tiwa’s true calling.
Biodun Stephen Redeems Herself with Momiwa
Thankfully, Biodun Stephen swooped in to save the day!. Remember the thrashing her last film, “Hotel Lambaba,” got for its failed attempt at comedy? Well, consider “Momiwa” her glorious comeback. Stephen, a Nollywood veteran known for her captivating dramas, returns to familiar territory, think “Breaded Life” (2021), “A Simple Lie” (2022), and “Big Love” (2023) for romance, or “Introducing the Kujus” (2020) and “Sista” (2023) for family drama. Speaking of “Sista,” Kehinde Bankole delivered an award-worthy performance, but the film itself got snubbed at the AMVCAs. Still, Bankole bagged a Best lead Actress award for another movie – As we all know????
Momiwa: A Housekeeper, a Family, and a Storm
The story revolves around Naetochukwu, his adorable children, and their beloved housekeeper, Momiwa. Everything is sunshine and rainbows until Naetochukwu’s wife, Kiki, waltzes back into the picture and disrupts the peace. Flashbacks become breadcrumbs, leading us to understand the complex dynamics at play. Was Momiwa just a housekeeper, or something more? Why did Kiki leave in the first place?
A Masterclass in Storytelling (Unlike Water and Garri)
Unlike “Water and Garri,” where the plot resembled a toddler’s drawing, “Momiwa” is beautifully simple. Flashbacks seamlessly blend with the present, unraveling the mysteries bit by bit. We understand Naetochukwu’s simmering resentment towards Kiki, and the depth of the bond he shares with Momiwa.
There’s a delicious irony here – the woman who abandoned her family years ago is the one causing chaos upon her return.
One tiny critique: the movie leaves Momiwa’s past a little blurry. We never quite understand why she doesn’t want to reconnect with her own family.
Performances That Shine
The performances in “Momiwa” are phenomenal. Uzor Arukwe as Naetochukwu deserves all the awards (seriously, how did he miss out on a nomination for “A Tribe Called Judah”?). He makes you feel every single emotion. Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze as Momiwa? She embodies the character. Her accent, her expressions – it’s pure magic. We are truly blessed with acting talent in Nigeria!
And let’s not forget Iyabo Ojo as Kiki. It’s been a while since we’ve seen her, but she absolutely nails the role of the villain we all love to hate. Bonus points for her rocking a killer flat tummy, by the way.
Momiwa: A Must-Watch After the Water and Garri Debacle
Biodun Stephen is known for turning simple stories into powerful films, and “Momiwa” is no exception. The cinematography is beautiful, complimenting the emotional journey of the characters.
“Momiwa” is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories are the most profound. It explores the true meaning of family, the complexities of love, and the power of forgiveness. It’s the perfect antidote to the disappointment that was “Water and Garri.”
