As a child, I watched a lot of cartoons and shows like any other kids. As a teenager, I moved away from the cartoon phase and I'm still that way today. I don't find typical cartoons like Tom & Jerry amusing, and all my friends think that is so strange. I won't spend my money going to see a new animated movie that was just released. The last animated film I saw was 'Up' (2009) and I watched it because I was in a long flight. I really enjoyed it though. With my cartoon phase being over, I occupied myself with movies that my parents let me watch, I also really love watching the news, world news to be exact. I don't like listening to local news although I probably should do so more often. News reports of crime and violence on the local news is scary because it seems so close to home. I hope that makes sense.
Here are a few of the shows that kept me entertained for the first 14 years of my life:
Super Story
Super Story was definitely Nigeria's most popular drama series. I do not know if it is still popular as it was back then, but Thursdays at 8pm were great thanks to SS. The opening theme song was so catchy too, "this is Super Story, a life of strife and sorrow". I remember spending the first few minutes of school on Friday chatting with friends about Super Story and getting updates or giving updates to friends that missed it.
I Need to Know
Starring a young Funke Akindele, I Need to Know focused around a group of teens in high school dealing with issues such as peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, etc. It was a really good show.
AM Express
I looked forward to weekends just so I could watch AM Express because I would only be able to watch the first hour of it before heading to school. Imagine how happy I was when a former teacher at my school was invited to do his stand-up comedy act on AM Express in 2006. I'm not exactly sure what it was about this show that I loved but I'm guessing there were a few reasons. The presenters had really good chemistry, interesting topics, interesting guests and interesting news stories.
Today's Woman with Adesuwa & New Dawn with Funmi
I credit a few people for making me interested in journalism. Adesuwa Onyenokwe and Funmi Iyanda are among the few. I loved watching them interview guests so passionately and effortlessly. I remember thinking "if she can do it, so can I". Thanks ladies.
Reminiscing Mondays is a weekly post by Pearlle Magazine's contributors, sharing their memories about growing up in Africa.
