Oga Bolaji (2018) - full transcript
Oga Bolaji is a story that is centered around the simple happy go lucky life of a 40-year-old retired musician "Gold Ikponmosa". His life takes a drastic turn when he crosses paths with a young girl. Perhaps it leads to the worst or best part of his life. Oga Bolaji showcases the resilient, ingenuity of the Nigerian spirit. The way we live, our pain, our limitations, yet we continue to strive, we continue to hope and we continue to dream.
[rooster crows]
[lively Afrobeat music playing]
[rooster crows]
[slow Afrobeat music playing]
[woman in distance] Bolaji!
Bolaji!
-[Bolaji] Ma!
-[slow Afrobeat music stops abrubtly]
[bamboo curtains rattling]
-Ma?
-Have you swept the parlor?
Yes, ma.
[afrobeat music continues…]
♪ Sa-ta-ra-be-da ♪
The balcony?
Yes, ma.
[afrobeat music continues…]
Have you washed the plates?
Yes, ma.
[afrobeat music continues…]
[utensils clinking]
[mom chuckles]
And the windows?
Yes, ma.
[afrobeat music continues…]
Aren't you going to work?
I'm going.
[mimics Bolaji]
Yes.
[hisses]
[in Yoruba] Go away!
[fast-paced afrobeat music playing]
[in Pidgin] Mr. Bolaji, what's up?
I'm all right.
-Anything for your boy?
-You're cool.
-All right, take care.
-All right.
-[man] Mr. Bolaji, hello.
-[Bolaji] Brother, how's it going?
-[in Yoruba] Good morning, sir.
-Hey babe, how are you?
[fast-paced afrobeat music continues…]
[in Pidgin] Why don’t you take
that one sir, I will add two more
and you can pay me 50 naira.
[in Pidgin] Please patronize me.
[bus driver] Bolaji!
Bolaji!
Sorry ma’am, you can’t sit there,
it’s reserved for someone.
[in Pidgin] I don't see
anyone sitting here.
Is it your car? I said the seat has
been reserved for someone.
-I don't see anyone sitting here, please.
-Really?
-[in English] It's okay.
-[ignition clicks off]
[passengers] What’s going on?
Why aren’t you moving?
[in Pidgin]
Can’t you hear what's going on?
If this woman doesn’t get down,
we're not going anywhere!
-[passengers] Madam, please get down!
-[woman] I'm not going anywhere!
[passenger] Madam, please get down,
what’s your problem?
-[woman] I didn't meet anyone here.
-[passenger] You're delaying us!
[woman] No one can make me get down.
[driver] I've been calling you
but you did not hear me.
-[Bolaji] I'm sorry.
-[indistinct woman chatter]
This is the person that
the seat is reserved for.
[Bolaji] Didn’t you tell her the
seat was reserved?
-I did not see anyone here.
-I told you!
Madam, get down so we can leave.
[passengers] Madam please get down,
what’s your problem?
[woman] You guys are lucky.
I am in a good mood
this morning, otherwise…
[driver] You should have stayed.
We would have all been stuck here.
-[woman]I would have stayed there.
-[driver] How are you, bro?
[upbeat music playing]
[in Pidgin]
What’s your day going to be like?
As usual we will meet up in the evening.
And I will buy the drinks.
[laughs]
You buy drinks? That’s impossible!
That will mean you stumbled on money.
No, I did not.
Just believe me, I will buy drinks.
[driver] It’s okay.
[driver] Who is the girl you were
talking to at the bus stop?
[Bolaji] Which girl?
[driver] The young girl selling oranges
or are you now a pedophile?
-God punish you!
-[laughs]
-Don’t you get jokes anymore?
-Get lost!
[laughs]
Don’t drive past my stop.
What’s it going to be? Tonight as usual?
As usual, you know where to find me.
I know.
We’ll see later then.
-All right then.
-Salute!
[lively afrobeat music playing]
Kafilat, morning.
Mr. Bolaji, morning.
You are getting lighter every day,
I’d like to buy your body cream.
What’s up?
I’m good, you?
You’ll buy some beer today, right?
Do you trust me now?
You know I like to make my own drinks.
Your love for freebies won’t kill you!
Thank you. [chuckles]
Kafilat! Where is my jug?
Why would you ask me such a question?
[hisses]
[whistles]
[singing] ♪ Haters ♪
-[whistles]
-[lively music playing]
[Bolaji chuckles]
[in Pidgin] What is wrong with him?
[singing] ♪ That’s your business ♪
You are disturbing me.
[Bolaji humming a song]
The fun has just begun.
[chuckles]
[Bolaji hums]
All right!
[humming]
Tidy up thoroughly, unlike the other day…
[Bolaji] Osas!
Osas!
[Osas in Edo] What?
Osas!
[in Pidgin] What is it?
You just keep shouting me name.
You might as well
make the name yours, loudspeaker!
You've come
to burst my eardrums with your noise.
-[Osas] How's it going?
-I'm okay.
-[Osas] What's up?
-Where's my…
Where is my stuff?
Not I.
Go get me my stuff.
That’s the reason you’re shouting
and disturbing me this early?
I’m coming, I’ll go get it for you.
Aren’t you going to work today?
Brother, I’ll go.
I just want to have a bath.
-Okay.
-[Osas yawns]
[mumbles] Let me drop this thing.
[whistles] Hmm, too much.
[Bolaji clears throat]
Now I feel fresh.
I’m coming, I’ll go get that stuff.
Was that a bath?
[sarcastically] No, I didn’t.
If that’s how humans bathe,
wouldn’t people be long dead by now?
Are you crazy?
Well, I've been bathing this way.
Am I dead yet?
Please, I’m going to wear my uniform.
I'll get your stuff for you right away.
Just wait.
If you don’t bathe today,
you’d be dead by tomorrow.
[Osas] See how you look,
you’re the dead one!
-Same to you.
-[Osas hisses]
-[chuckles]
-[Osas] You just came here to shout at me.
[mimics Bolaji's words] Trying to…
You can’t insult me in my own house.
Not possible.
Not even possible. Don't try it.
That’s your food.
Thank you.
I’m leaving for work.
[singing along to music on headphones]
[in Pidgin] Honestly,
some Nigerians are not smart, I tell you.
Okay, so you’ve hit it big, why don’t
you show Nigeria some love?
Instead you buy clothes, shoes
and food from foreign countries.
-[driver] Mr. Bolaji, food?
-[Osas] Food?
Yes, food! I tell you
Some Nigerians aren’t sensible.
But what about the ones
who don’t want Nigeria to grow?
The ones who produce fake product?
Did you forget about them?
As long as the products are Nigerian,
gradually we would improve our industries,
Nigeria will grow.
Look, let me tell you,
If you buy products made in Nigeria,
the money is paid to a Nigerian.
That Nigerian spends the money
and gives another Nigerian.
The other puts it in a bank and
the money then builds up interest.
As the money grows, we build
Nigeria, and the country grows.
This way the money circulates
amongst Nigerians.
But when you use our money
to buy products from foreigners,
you help their own industries,
economy and people grow.
So buy made-in-Nigerian goods!
That’s my point!
Mr. Bolaji, the drink is finished.
Really?
Well, if that’s the case,
then there’s only one thing left.
-Home!
-[driver] Home!
That’s fine, I’m already home.
We’d see tomorrow, yeah?
[driver in English] Yeah, definitely.
Please remember to have a bath tomorrow.
You’re one of the people spoiling Nigeria.
-Mr. Bolaji,
-Hmm?
[Bolaji] What?
You're stupid.
-[Bolaji] Same to you.
-Get lost!
[driver] He does not bathe?
[Bolaji] Yes, he doesn’t.
[driver] No wonder my cigarette
smells like insect repellent.
[driver laughs]
[Bolaji] Okay brother, see you tomorrow.
-[driver] Okay, later.
-All right, then.
[food vendor in Yoruba]
It’s hot and it’s spicy!
[Bolaji] Mama T!
Mr. Bolaji.
-[mama T in Pidgin] You are here?
-[Bolaji] Yes I am.
[mama T in English] God bless you,
my brother.
-Thank you. Please take.
-Welcome.
Thank you.
Please where is my package?
Wasn’t it just now you arrived?
Don’t you want it to be hot?
You know me, I like it as hot as the sun.
[chuckles]
[mama T] Give him the ones that are
very hot.
[assistant] Okay.
[Bolaji whistles]
[Bolaji] Put extra, put extra!
-Mr. Bolaji.
-[Bolaji] Yes?
[in Yoruba] What exactly is the problem?
[in Pidgin] What's going on?
[in Pidgin] I'm giving you free puff-puff
and you're asking for extra?
Mama T, why are speaking that way?
Don’t I bring paper for you?
[mama T] What do you mean, paper?
How much is the paper?
[Bolaji] Please I’m leaving.
[mama T] That’s your business.
If you’re leaving, leave.
-We’ll see tomorrow.
-[mama T] All right.
Mama T.
[in Pidgin] I’m leaving for the place
we discussed earlier.
[mama T] See you tomorrow.
[in English] No, I'll still come back
this night.
-[mama T in pidgin] Alright… Be safe.
-Okay
[mama T in Yoruba]
Fool, he wants to put me in debt.
He never pays for his puff puff.
[gentle music playing]
[in Pidgin] The fare is 100 naira.
What?
The fare is 100 naira.
To where? To heaven?
To Mushin, of course.
Sir, why would the transport
fare to Mushin be 100 naira?
Since when?
It's not my first time of going to Mushin.
Madam, aren’t you aware of
the fuel price increase?
Why are you mad at me?
Be mad at the people
who increased the price of fuel.
What increase? The price has been reduced.
And it’s because I spoke up!
Why are you looking at me
that way? Don’t look at me
Focus on the road so we don’t have
an accident. Don’t look at me!
Madam, you’re giving me too much trouble.
I’m not.
Just pay the money, please.
I didn’t say I won’t pay the money.
I’ll pay, but not the price you asked for.
Everyone knows the transport
fare to Mushin.
Even in Lekki and Ikoyi,
they all know the fare price to Mushin.
[laughs] This woman, you’re funny.
-You're funny, too.
-You're really funny.
Brother, aren’t you listening to her?
Seeing as I look stressed, aren’t you
supposed to give me a free ride today?
And then next time I ride, I’ll pay.
Especially because I'm like
a sister to you in this Nigeria.
Nigeria is hard. Sir, I'll find
your change when I get to the junction.
This country has been hard
for a while now. Leave me.
I’ll give you the 50 naira.
I can't give you 100 naira.
If I don’t, will you beat me?
Is it my money you’ll use to build
a house in your village?
[lively afrobeat music playing]
[assistant] Take your 50 naira.
[newscaster chants headlines in Yoruba]
The second page of the Telegram newspaper
says that cattle herders have converted
the football stadium in Abuja
The second page of the Telegram
newspaper reads this morning that,
"Some cattle herders
have converted the football stadium,
built in the town of Abuja
which belongs
to the entire Nigerian federation,
into a grazing ground for their cattle,
despite the fact that the federal
government has come out with a law
stating that anybody who…"
[mom] Bolaji!
[in Yoruba]
What do you intend to do with your life?
Bolaji!
[mumbling sleepily] Ma?
[mom] Ah!
[chuckles]
Okay.
[in Yoruba] Make sure you tidy up the
house before you leave.
It’s not right for me to do house chores
while you live in my house.
Should a responsible child
be sleeping at this time?
-[mom] Okay. Bolaji!
-[Bolaji] Ma!
[upbeat music playing]
Really? Oh!
[in Yoruba] Even if you think I’m stupid,
I’m not blind.
Start picking the dirt,
one after the other.
Ah!
-Ah!
-[in Yoruba] Mom, sit down.
-[lively music playing]
-[Bolaji grumbles]
[in English] Hey! Take it back!
-[grumbles]
-[mom] Ah!
[mom in Yoruba] Excuse me, am I the one
to wash the rest?
Mom, it's enough. I’ll wash them now.
You’ll wash them now. Didn’t you know you
were supposed to wash them initially?
Are you so brainless?
An adult like you.
I said wash those plates
right in front of me!
[in English] Come back!
So am I to bring this upstairs for you?
[in Yoruba]
Mom, weren’t you on your way out?
Come on, pick it up! [mimics Bolaji]
[in Yoruba]
Was I blessed with such a child?
[lively afrobeat music]
Good morning, sir.
[in Pidgin] If I add two
to the one you’re holding,
you can have it all for 50 naira.
[in English] Thank you.
[saxophone solo playing]
[in Pidgin] Seems like you don’t want
to go to work today.
You wasted my time at the bus stop.
Now you’re seated like a CEO,
spreading yourself all over like a virus.
Is it because I always pick you up?
[in Pidgin] You want to start
with this your tantrums this morning?
I was looking at someone
and you just got in my way.
What do you mean, I got in the way?
Are you--
-[passenger1] Driver, will be sleep here?
-[passenger2] I wonder. Let's go.
You guys should calm down.
[passenger1 in English ] Move this!
Why are you rushing
as if you just got a new car engine?
Calm down! Aren’t we moving already?
Don't give me trouble.
[upbeat music playing]
The reason you wasted my time was because
you were looking at a woman, right?
Omoh, what's wrong with you? If you
had seen the pretty woman I saw…
She is so beautiful and
you just got in the way.
The girl is so beautiful?
I hope you weren't looking at
the little girl who sells oranges.
Are you crazy?
You are the crazy one.
Why would I do that sort of thing?
I was looking at the woman the girl met
before you blocked my view.
Leave me alone, you’re not sensible.
[Omoh laughs]
You get angry easily. What’s up?
How is it going to be this evening?
Would it be the usual?
Yes, the usual.
I was thinking I’d buy some suya
so we’d enjoy the beer better.
-Very true!
-[laughs]
You’re just awesome.
You too. [laughs]
No worries.
Bolaji, wait.
What is it?
Are you sure you were looking at a woman
this morning,
or you now do little girls?
Omoh! God punish you.
-[in English] Same to you. [laughs]
-[woman indistinct chatter]
Can’t I just ask a question?
Your face looks like a knocked out engine.
[lively afrobeat music playing]
-Mr. Bolaji.
-[Bolaji] Yes!
-[in English] Morning.
-Morning.
[girl in Pidgin] How was your night?
[Bolaji] Normal, we slept and now we
are awake, we thank God.
[humming]
[in English] My jar! [chuckles]
-[Bolaji humming]
-Hmm!
-[in Pidgin] What?
-Mr. Bolaji, you love freebies!
And you don't?
Don’t tell me that nonsense!
You're not in my league.
[singing] ♪ Story, story, yeah ♪
♪ Story, story, yeah ♪
[humming]
♪ …Thank you, came from the bottom ♪
♪ Papilo will make it one day
That is my word ♪
♪ I mean I came from the ghetto
I was selling marijuana, that is my word ♪
♪ If you could speak about a male child
You could be smart… ♪
The suya was absolutely delicious!
You’ll buy it again tomorrow, right?
Your big mouth.
[in Pidgin]
Well, let’s see how tomorrow goes.
You know, everyday isn’t Christmas,
-True.
-[laughs]
-[in English] My guy.
-All right.
[Bolaji whistling]
[in Pidgin]
...so that one can avoid trouble.
-[Bolaji] Mama T!
-Huh?
[mama T] Mr. Bolaji, you're here?
-I’m here.
-[mama T] Welcome.
Thank you. Please take.
[assistant] Welcome.
This is a lot.
-[Bolaji] That's right.
-Thank you.
[in Yoruba] Please give me my doughnut.
[in English] How much?
No, I don’t collect money from him.
-Really?
-[mama T scoffs]
[in Yoruba] He came to beg.
[assistant] Really? For free?
How many should I give him?
-[in Pidgin] Give him five.
-[assistant in English] Five.
-You give him free?
-Unbelievable. [scoffs]
My paper that… [hisses]
[mama T] God said,
''give to the less privileged.''
-Really?
-[mama T] Yes.
[in Pidgin] I give him for free.
So, that’s how it is.
Mama T, she didn’t put extra.
-Put extra.
-What's the matter?
Let her put extra!
I was watching her, she didn’t put extra.
-Are we fighting? Who are you angry at?
-I'm not fighting.
-[mama T] Just because of an extra one?
-I thought you were giving him free.
Should I put one extra?
Add one more for him.
[mama T] Why are acting like a hungry man?
I don’t get it.
-[mama T] My sister…
-Do you want a nylon bag?
-Give me!
-Okay.
That was the reason she left Ghana.
Her husband died in Ghana
and so she came back to Nigeria because
she’s a citizen here.
She takes up little jobs here and
there to take care of herself.
Like cleaning, washing plates, washing
clothes, and stuff like that.
-Mama T, this isn’t enough.
-[mama T] It’s not enough?
It’s not, let her put another extra.
[assistant in Yoruba] This man is a thief.
Pay her 100 naira. If you want more,
pay her and she'll give you.
Should I sell 100 naira worth to you?
[upbeat music plays]
[mom] Bolaji!
[mom coughs]
Bolaji!
[Bolaji] Ma!
[mom] You’re still sleeping.
All your mates are counting money.
[chuckles]
[mimicking mom]
All your mates are counting millions.
So if I want to count millions
like my mates, I should be sweeping?
Can't you just let me be?
[afrobeat music playing]
-Mr. Bolaji.
-How are you?
I’m fine.
-[fast-paced afrobeat music playing]
-[neighbors greet Bolaji]
[boy in Yoruba] How much are your oranges?
[yelling in Pidgin] What is your problem?
Leave my oranges!
[in Yoruba] Hey, are you crazy?
Come on, give her back her oranges!
[spluttering] Come…
Come back here!
[Bolaji] Sorry, my dear.
Sorry, don't worry, don’t be annoyed okay?
Don’t worry,
your mother won't be mad at you.
How much do the missing oranges cost?
Oranges worth 350 naira.
Don’t worry, I'll give you the money.
You don’t even buy an orange,
how can you pay me 350 naira?
What is your name?
-Ajua.
-Ajua?
Do you know where Paradise Bar is?
It’s close to Olude market.
So when you get Olude market,
ask for the location of Paradise bar.
Once you get there,
ask for Mr. Bolaji that’s my name.
Once you come,
I’d give you the money, okay?
Thank you, Mr. Bolaji. God will bless you.
Amen. Don’t worry, you mother
won’t be angry, okay?
I’m leaving now. Don’t forget.
Come to Paradise bar
near Olude market okay?
Bye-bye!
[afrobeat music playing]
Omoh, what’s up?
Please I need a favor from you.
And I don’t want you to say no.
You haven’t asked for what you
want but you want me to say yes.
What if you ask me to go murder someone?
Why would I ask that?
What is wrong with you?
Okay. What do you want to ask?
[Bolaji]
Please I need you to lend me 350 naira.
Why are you staring at me?
I know you have the money.
How do you know that?
Am I some sort of bank?
So I should go
to a bank to borrow 350 naira?
Don’t you earn salary? Use it.
It’s not the end of the month yet,
that’s why I asked you.
If it were, I wouldn’t have asked.
[Omoh] What do you need the money for?
[Bolaji] Really?
If I don’t tell you,
you won’t give me 350 naira?
-I won’t.
-Forget it!
Please move, the road is now free.
[car engine starts]
[lively music playing]
And you call yourself my friend.
What’s up? Would you lend me
the money or not? [hisses]
Bolaji!
[in Pidgin] When would you pay me back?
I told you, at the end of the
month when my salary is paid.
I’m asking because I know you are lazy.
If you don’t pay back I swear,
I’ll never pick you up again.
-Cool off, man!
-[laughs]
I don’t blame you. I’ve given you the
money so you can now talk back.
[Bolaji teasing] Omoh-ski!
[afrobeat music playing]
-[afrobeat music continues]
-[inaudible]
[in Pidgin]
Why are you running like a thief?
You stole something?
[in Pidgin] You are foolish! I know
that’s what you do every morning.
Mr. Bolaji, you’re sick.
[laughs]
Didn’t you know that already?
Don’t pour out any drink.
Why?
Why would you tell me that?
Try to stop me!
Must you take things for free every day?
Can’t you just pay for your beer?
Be like your mates.
Man up and buy your beer.
Do you know what your mates
do? Buy beer for me then.
[mimicking] Buy beer!
[whistling]
I feel pity for those who work with you.
If they’re not careful, they'll die soon.
-Mr. Bolaji?
-What?
[in Pidgin]
Why would you utter such nonsense?
It’s you who will die soon.
-Take this.
-Oh.
Oh.
I’m leaving.
This is my dinner. Awesome.
[mobile phone ringing]
[in Yoruba] Who is it now?
Hello Omoh, what’s up?
Your bus broke down? Where?
That means you’d be here early.
Okay, no worries.
Of course!
I’ll supply the drinks, as usual. [laughs]
Okay.
[upbeat afrobeat music playin]
[humming]
[in Pidgin] So where are all the hawkers
you spoke about today?
I told you consistently not to
come here but you refused.
That’s my problem
with you, you never listen.
Wait…wait! What Is wrong with guys?
Why are you acting like an amateur
government official?
[man] Start the bus
Calm down! You all are impatient.
Guys look, just be vigilant.
We’ve been vigilant since we got here,
we've not seen anyone.
-Cool down. They'll show up soon.
-[man] We've been here for a while.
Didn’t I tell you guys?
[man1] Look, here they come.
[tense music playing]
[afrobeat music playing]
[man1] But why is she frowning?
That’s true.
Madam, look.
Thank God it’s your lucky day,
or else we’d have arrested you
with your goods.
And you know what?
You’d face the court of law.
You've all been warned by the
government not to hawk on the streets.
They don’t listen.
But you've refused
to heed simple instructions.
Look around, look how dirty this place is!
-Do you like it?
-Do you like it?
Today is your last warning
We don't want to see you at…
[phone rings]
Who is this?
[man 2] The lady we saw yesterday
is already calling you.
[man 2 laughs]
-[man 2] You love to have fun!
-[man 3] He loves women more than work.
Hello?
[man 3] You should see
the lady I am talking about.
[man 1] Hello?
[man 2] I'm the only one who knows
where he saves his money.
[man 1] What did you say?
[in English] Where?
Olude market.
[afrobeat music playing]
[Omoh] But Osas,
why don’t you bathe?
[sniggers]
[Bolaji] Why are you staring at me?
Answer the question!
-[Bolaji laughs]
-Look at his face.
-[Bolaji] Dirty person!
-[laughs]
-[softly] I know you're the person.
-[Omoh laughs]
-Can you smell something?
-What's the matter?
-Don’t contaminate my drink! [laughs]
-What?
-Hold on, bring the drink.
-[Bolaji and Omo laugh]
-Let me…
-Are you crazy?
-Shameless! What?!
-[laughs]
This country is not moving forward at all.
The same news every day,
poor people, poor people.
Next thing, workers are on strike.
Tomorrow, another strike.
What’s the reason?
They are not paying salaries.
What’s all this nonsense about?
Very true.
Go online, check Facebook. Check it now.
You will see stories about countries
producing young millionaires.
But in Nigeria, the only thing
we produce is poor people.
[Bolaji] Poor people!
[Osas] Wait! I have a question to ask.
The poor people you are talking about,
are you not one of them?
[Osas]
How much do you have in your account?
[Osas]
Why are you staring away? Am I lying?
The three of us are part of the
poor people in this country.
And that’s the reason.
No no, it is because there are
no jobs. That's why we are poor.
Not just lack of jobs. Schools, too.
Mr. Bolaji wants to brags again.
You are the most educated of us all.
I am not bragging.
Think about it. Do you how many good
schools are there in America?
But here they don’t pay the teachers,
they don’t pay the professors.
But how many good schools
do they have in foreign countries?
If you want to get a job here,
you must have schooled in a foreign
country before you can get a job.
Yes that’s why I like you.
You're my friend
because you always speaks the truth.
If you start looking for a job in
Nigeria with a Nigeria BSc,
you won’t get the job.
But if you go the company with a BSc from
a foreign country,
even if it is a
country where blacks are suffering,
the company will make you
the manager right away,
Students don’t even want
to go to school anymore.
It’s only music and internet they want
to do and it’s not like they can sing.
They are all singing nonsense.
Meanwhile do you know how many CDs I've
taken to producers so they can support me?
But no they don’t.
The only thing we need right
now in this country is God.
[Bolaji protests]
Don’t bring churches into this matter.
because they
-are just the worse.
-How?
-[Omoh] Really? How?
-How?
Don’t be ignorant.
[upbeat music playing]
[tense music playing]
[little girl whimpering]
Jesus, no, no!
[in Pidgin] Didn’t you hear
the M-force alarm?
Why didn’t you run?
You just stood there looking like a fool.
Are you mute?
Auntie, my oranges.
You have to wait
for M-force to leave the scene
before you can go to pack your oranges.
[Bolaji]
This country’s situation is frustrating.
If you take it to heart,
it will put you in your grave.
Wait, I told one little girl to come see
me here and she hasn’t showed up.
Ah!
Why are you surprised?
Bolaji, is it that little girl you talk
to at the bus stop every day?
I have been warning you. That girl is too
young for you. You can’t date her!
Who is the girl? [laughs]
And he keeps telling me I don’t bathe.
-Your case is different.
-[Osas] How old?
How old is that girl anyway?
I don’t want to talk about it.
I don’t want to get arrested. Ask him.
I have been warning him for some time.
It's when he is sent to jail, that’s
when he'll heed to my warning.
Does one beg shit to stink?
[laughs] Leave him.
Let him do as he likes with the girl.
He will know the Nigeria police force is
efficient when they want to be.
Leave him. It’s in prison he will
get a producer to make his record.
[both laugh]
Please quickly get beer for us.
What beer? The beer is finished.
[soft instrumental music playing]
Okay, okay, you can go now.
The mad M-force men are gone. Okay go now.
Move, move!
[tense fast-paced music playing]
[newscaster]
Thank you for staying with us.
More update on yesterday's incident.
A young girl named Ajua
was killed when a bike rider hit her
while trying to flee
from market regulator inspectors
AKA M-force.
M-force was set up to tackle
street trading and hawking on busy roads.
The incident happened in the evening
between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
at Olude market.
More updates to come.
The Joint Admission and Matriculation…
You killed someone?
What nonsense are you saying?
[newscaster] …story of a snake swallowing
36 million naira from one of the…
[mom] Are you going to church?
Don’t worry. I'll come and meet you there.
[chuckles]
[in Yoruba] Idle man.
[newscaster] An account clerk in the
office is currently answering the queries.
[slow afrobeat music playing]
[Bolaji] Mama T!
Mama T!
Mama T.
[man] Oh, what a shame.
Sorry.
[in Pidgin]
Don’t be angry, I did not see you coming.
Brother, please excuse me.
Sorry again, I heard people crying, why?
One woman’s child died
around Olude market.
Die? Oh, what happened?
They said one bike rider
hit the little girl.
The M-force officers were rounding up
people selling goods by the road side
and people hawking goods too.
So the little girl carried her oranges
and started heading home
when one bike rider being chased by the
M-force officers charged at her
and hit the little girl.
The little girl fell
to the ground, dead on impact.
When did this happen?
Not long ago, maybe yesterday.
It was yesterday.
The girl’s mother has been
crying all day. Only God can console her.
Yes, only God can console her.
Did you come to see the mother?
[Bolaji] No I don’t know them.
I came to see Mama T.
[man] Don’t you know today is Sunday?
Mama T doesn’t sell on Sundays.
[Bolaji] Thank you, brother. Thank you.
[man] Don't worry, Stay safe.
[Bolaji hisses] [heaves heavy sigh]
[indistinct chatter]
Give me a beer.
[in Pidgin] Please, let me call you back.
[sighs]
Mr. Bolaji, why are you frowning?
We both know you don’t pay for your beer.
What happened today?
Kafilat, give me beer!
[ethereal voices singing]
Stop staring at me.
-You asked for… [voice fades]
-[ethereal voices continue singing]
Mr. Bolaji, what is wrong?
You've been like this since you came.
What happened?
Mr. Bolaji!
[upbeat music playing]
I am really tired
[whistles]
Man, I'm tired.
Really tired.
What’s all this nonsense?
Go to the market to buy your own
cotton wool and methylated spirit.
[in Edo] This is a miracle.
Mr. Bolaji.
You always mock me that I don’t bathe.
Why are you not taking a bath
and using your perfume?
Don't leave that thing there!
I don’t know what’s going on in your head.
Kafilat told me that you have been acting
like you murdered someone.
Look at you,
just [splutters] messing up my home.
Messing it like…
I can't understand it this morning.
Take!
You just came to my house.
You are not even polite enough
to greet me.
Look at his head,
-[phone rings]
-like a wooden ladle!
[hisses]
-[mom] Bolaji!
-[Bolaji] Ma!
[Bolaji] Mama T!
Mama T!
[Mama T in Pidgin] What is it?
[Bolaji] Mama T, yes.
-[mama T] Hello.
-[Bolaji] Hello.
[in Pidgin] Why are you shouting my name?
[Bolaji] I'm sorry.
I brought newspapers for you.
Thank you.
But you know
I start cooking in the evening.
I'm not here to see you.
[mama T] Who did you come to see?
Victoria lives here, right?
How do you know Victoria?
Mr. Bolaji, Victoria is a decent lady.
Mama T, I know.
[mama T] How do you know?
I heard she lost her daughter,
so I came to see her.
That’s true.
But how you you know her daughter?
A colleague at work
told me about the incident
and he directed me here.
Where can I find her?
I don’t believe what you're saying.
But it’s true.
Are you sure you came
to console her and nothing else?
The reason I am here is to console her.
Go that way.
Okay.
I will come for my puff puff
in the evening.
I have heard you.
[melancholic music playing]
[Kafilat] Mr. Bolajia,
what's all this nonsense?
What do you mean, nonsense?
If you want me to do your job,
then I should be paid your salary,
Please don’t be angry.
I was ill yesterday, that’s the reason.
You? Sick?
Yes.
But you bought a bottle of beer yesterday.
The beer was for the sickness.
It was sickness of the mind, not the body.
[laughs]
Mr. Bolaji.
You are crazy.
Get out of my way and leave me alone.
Your family is crazy.
[expresses surprise]
Is this guy crazy?
[percussion music playing]
Where are you going?
[Bolaji] Mama T!
-[Mama T] Mr. Bolaji.
-I've come back.
That was fast!
-What can I say?
-You're back so fast!
You know I don’t play with my stomach.
I am aware.
-My good friend!
-That's right!
-Sit down.
-Okay now.
-Really?
-[Bolaji] That's right.
-This is a lot.
-Right?
Don’t worry, I will whip up a
special dough just for you.
-[laughs]
-Really?
So you're just noticing
that I am a special person.
You are a special person.
[laughs] Okay, I will wait.
-[Bolaji] Let me learn how you do it.
-Yes.
[gentle urban music playing]
-[mama T] Do you like it?
-[Bolaji] Yes.
I told you so!
I'm cooking something special
for you today.
-Hmm. Mama T!
-Yes, I'm the super cook.
-[laughs]
-It's nothing new.
-Very true.
-Been doing this for a while.
-Mr. Bolaji,
-Hmm
how come you're here early today?
Is there a problem?
I want to talk to you about something.
Okay.
What is happening
to the lady who lost her child?
-Victoria?
-[Bolaji] Yes.
[scoffs][hisses]
-My brother, her life has changed.
-Huh?
She is very sad.
She's so sad. She does not eat.
She has stopped working.
I have tried to console her
but she does not say a word.
It is a terrible thing to lose a child.
-What a shame!
-Oh, she's very sad.
But Mr. Bolaji,
your mother is not a poor woman.
Talk to her, so Victoria can come
work for her at your house.
Your mother can pay her small wages.
It will be good for a start.
Or what do you think?
I'm not sure my mother can afford that.
But I can help her look for a job.
-Mr. Bolaji, you will be blessed.
-[Bolaji] Amen.
-You will be blessed.
-[Bolaji] Amen.
Anything you touch will prosper
in Jesus's name.
Amen!
-You are a good man.
-I always try my best.
-God bless you.
-Thank you.
-I’ll give you another one.
-Hmm!
When you eat it, you will love it!
-Mama T!
-Yes, that’s me.
-[Bolaji] Mama T!
-Yes, that’s me.
[yelps, groans]
What is wrong?
Why are you acting weak?
Are you not a man?
So I should burn my skin
because I’m a man?
Stop it, you can’t get hurt.
-Mama T!
-[mama T] Yes, that’s me.
-Mama T!
-[mama T]Yes, that’s me.
[afrobeat music playing]
[Omoh] What's up?
I'm all right.
Where is my money?
I told you I'd pay you back. Calm down.
I have not seen you for two days.
Where is my money?
I already told you I was going to pay back
I was a bit ill.
[Omoh]
Sickness has nothing to do with money.
When will you pay?
Cool down. I will pay your money
by the end of the month.
Get in, let’s go.
[gentle afrobeat music]
[man] Wow, Mr. Bolaji.
Sir? Mr. Manager.
[in Pidgin] What's the problem?
Nothing. I just came
to ask for a small favor.
What kind of favour?
Um…
Why are you turning your neck?
Is something wrong with it?
No, no no sir. No, no manager.
Please, I want to ask you for…
What do you want to ask?
[Bolaji] Please, Mr, Manager, I need you
to help a friend of mine.
[manager in English]
And why would I do that?
[Bolaji] She lost her child last week.
So I was thinking
maybe if she got a small job here,
it could help her with her loss.
-[manager] Small work?
-[Bolaji] Yes.
[maanager in English]There is no
such thing available for now.
[Bolaji] Okay, Mr. Manager.
Sir, what if my friend and I
take turns in clearing the tables,
then at the end
of the month, we split the salary.
This friend of yours,
is she your girlfriend?
Mr. Manager,
[laughing] she is not my girlfriend.
I don't understand your desperation
with this friend of yours.
I told you she lost her daughter.
Since then, she's stopped eating or…
I thought getting a job here
could help her become herself again.
[in Pidgin]
Can you share you salary with her?
[in English] Why not? Yes.
Okay, I will think about it.
My boss!
Thank you very much, sir.
I said I will think about it.
I am thanking you in advance
for thinking about it.
My boss!
[melancholic music playing]
[silently] Ajua.
[gentle afrobeat music playing]
[in Yoruba] Hot puff puff for sale!
It’s hot and spicy!
[Bolaji in English] My one and only
mama T!
-Hey, Mr. Bolaji!
-Yeah?
-How're you?
-[Bolaji] I'm good.
Welcome, my brother.
How are sales?
Going fine. I thank God.
[in Yoruba] Hot puff puff for sale!
It’s hot and spicy!
Mama T!
[in English] My brother, God bless you.
[in Yoruba] It's hot and spicy!
Hot puff puff for sale!
Please, where is Victoria?
I already told you she is decent lady.
Mama T, that’s not why I want to see her.
So what exactly do you want?
Remember the job I was going to get
for her? I got it for her!
Are you serious?
[Bolaji laughs in assent]
-You got a job for her?
-Yes I did.
Your mother agreed?
No, not my mother.
I told my manager at work.
He agreed to let her work with us.
-Mr. Bolaji, God bless you.
-Amen.
-God will solve all your problems.
-Amen.
-In Jesus's name.
-Amen.
-Thank you so very much, my brother.
-Thank God.
I pray she’s smart
about her decision once I tell her.
-These days, she doesn't leave her home.
-Really?
She has stopped talking to people.
So should I go tell her?
I will tell her myself.
Okay.
-More papers for me?
-You know me.
I trust you to deliver [laughs].
-My G!
-Mama T!
God bless you.
So tell her to meet me at the bus stop
in the morning at seven o'clock.
-She will be there.
-I will take her to see the manager.
She will be there.
-That’s fine.
-Thank you very much, Mr. Bolaji.
Give me my puff puff.
You still want some?
-You're kidding!
-I thought you had forgotten.
-I don’t joke with my stomach .
-[laughs]
Please.
-Oh my God.
-Yes.
It is very hot.
That's no problem.
-This is not ready.
-Okay.
[Bolaji] Put extra.
[mama T] Don’t worry, you are my friend.
This is your extra.
-Yay!
-[mama T laughs]
-God bless you, my brother. You did well.
-Give me a nylon bag.
-You did well.
-Yes.
[in Yoruba] It’s hot and spicy!
Hot puff puff for sale!
-[mama T] God bless you.
-[customer] Mama T!
-Hey! How are you? How are you my G?
-Mama T!
Give me 100 naira worth of puff puff.
Okay.
[customer in Yoruba] It must be hot.
[in Pidgin, Yoruba]
You know it’s always hot and spicy.
[upbeat music playing]
[mom coughs, mumbles]
[mom coughs, mumbles in Yoruba]
"If you listen to your Lord carefully,
and weigh what I say…"
By Your Special Grace,
may my child listen to my advice.
-Um, mom?
-Huh?
[in English] I hope everything
is all right.
-[in English] I'm okay. Thank you, my son.
-Really?
-I see you packing all the dirty things.
-Yes, ma.
-And you washed the plates.
-Yes, ma.
[mom coughs]
Mom, you have a very bad cough.
Maybe I should stay with you today
and go to work tomorrow instead.
-No, go to work.
-Really?
Did I tell you I'm dying?
No! Mom, you're not dying.
[both laugh]
[in Yoruba] Twenty, thirty years from now,
Heaven for sure!
Amen, ma.
-There is no death.
-Amen.
-[in English] Go to work.
-[in Yoruba] Thank you, mom.
[in English] Thank you, mom.
[in Yoruba] You're now acting responsibly.
[coughs]
[upbeat afrobeat music playing]
[in Pidgin] ♪ It is not by man's power
It is not by black magic ♪
♪ It is not by man's power
It is not by black magic ♪
♪ Grace of God ♪
♪ Grace of God ♪
[Omoh] Bolaji, get in, let’s go.
[Bolaji] Bro, somebody is joining
us today, cool down.
-[passengers] Why're we waiting? Let's go!
-[Bolaji] Somebody is coming, relax.
[passengers] Time is money. Hurry up.
[Omoh]
So that's the girl he is waiting for.
Good morning.
-[passenger] Good morning, indeed.
-[Omoh] Maybe it's his sister.
[Omoh] Where would you sit?
Don’t worry, I’ll hang.
Omoh, this is Victoria.
Victoria this is my friend, Omoh.
You remember that little girl
that used to sell oranges?
-[passenger] What's all this introduction?
-This is her mom.
-Cool down.
-[Omoh] Get in. They're always in a hurry.
[passenger] Let’s go.
It's enough already.
[upbeat music playing]
Take.
[softly] Madam, don't worry.
Thank you.
No worries.
-See you later.
-Yes, later.
-Bye-bye.
-Okay.
Paco bus stop?
You don't need to be bothered
about anything, because the job is easy.
-[Osas] Oh!
-[Bolaji] Oh, hey!
-Mr. Bolaji
-Osas.
-What’s up?
-I am good and you?
-I'm okay.
-Where're you going?
I want to go and but bathing soap
and sponge down the street.
Vicky, he is also one of my friends.
But you see this friend
of mine he doesn’t--
He doesn’t what?
Mr. Bolaji, I could give
you a resounding slap.
Your dinner is upstairs.
-We’ll see later, right?
-Okay.
All right, later.
[Bolaji] He is a silly guy.
[Bolaji] This is the place.
[Kafilat humming]
[Bolaji] Kafilat, how are you?
Good morning, Mr. Bolaji, what’s up?
[Bolaji] I am okay. Good morning You good?
Vicky, meet my coworker, Kafilat.
Kafilat, my friend. Her name is Victoria.
Thank you. So, basically it's very simple.
Once you come in the morning,
you set all the chairs.
And for the bottles with left over drinks,
I will give you a jug
where you can pour the drinks into
and keep in the fridge.
That’s all. So, let's just start.
[highlife music playing]
-[Victoria laughs]
-[Bolaji] I'm serious.
-[Victoria] Really?
-[Bolaji] Yes!
[Victoria]
So you used to be a highlife musician?
[Bolaji] Er…
[Bolaji] Hold on, I've been telling you
all about me but
you haven’t said anything about yourself.
You must tell me something about you.
-[Victoria] Ah, there's nothing--
-[Bolaji] No!
[Bolaji] Tell me something about you.
[Victoria] I don’t really have anything
to say about myself.
[Victoria] Well what I know
is that I can't sing.
-[Victoria] I can make hair.
-[Osas] [inaudible]
-[Victoria] Sometimes, I sew clothes,
-[Omoh] [inaudible]
-with needle and thread, so…
-[Omoh and Osas] [inaudible]
I am trying to save up
to learn more about fashion design.
[Bolaji] That’s great.
[Victoria] Then hopefully, soon
I will have my own fashion design outfit.
-[Victoria] I will also have a salon.
-[Omoh] [inaudible]
-[Victoria] That’s my plan.
-[Omoh and Osas] [inaudible]
-[Bolaji] That’s not bad at all.
-[Victoria] Thank you.
[Bolaji] Very soon you will be walking
on the runway like this.
[both laugh]
[Victoria] I just keep pushing.
-[Victoria] I'm…
-[Bolaji] We are all pushing
-waiting on God’s blessings.
-[Bolaji] It's gradually.
[Omoh clears throat]
-Please sit down.
-Thank you.
[Osas in Edo] Oh, wow.
[Omoh] I'll be right back.
Go on.
Er, [whispers inaudibly]
[Bolaji clears throat]
Where's my own glass?
[highlife music playing]
-[highlife music continues]
-[inaudible]
-[highlife music continues]
-[inaudible]
-[highlife music continues]
-[inaudible]
[coughing]
[Bolaji] Mom!
Mom!
[in English] Let me take you to the…
…to the hospital.
-[in English] My son.
-Ma?
Don’t worry.
Blood of Jesus will heal me.
-Amen.
-[coughs]
But mom,
let me still take you to the hospital.
Please.
Are you doubting Jesus?
No, I am not.
[in Yoruba] God has me.
[coughs] Nothing can go wrong.
[coughs]
-Mom…
-[coughs]
[coughs, wheezes]
[melancholic music]
-Vicky, Good morning.
-Mr. Bolaji, Good morning.
-How are you?
-Good.
I did not see you at the bus stop,
I was waiting for you.
Mr. Bolaji, everyday is not Christmas.
I am uncomfortable with your friend
not taking money for the fare.
So today I found my way here.
[laughs] You don’t need to worry,
Omoh is my friend.
I know he is your friend.
[laughs]
You don’t need to worry
about all those things.
Everyday isn't Christmas.
He does not take my money.
Everyday is not Christmas. I'm heading to
pack more bottles.
Okay.
-Vicky.
-Hmm?
I want to tell you something,
but I don’t want to say it here.
Really?
Mr. Bolaji, what's on your mind?
It’s not a big deal.
[teasing] Really?
Like, "I love you." Now your turn.
[chuckles in embarrassment]
No.
Okay, me too.
[both laugh]
All right, I will tell you later.
Okay.
[highlife music playing]
-Vicky.
-Hmm?
Please…
Promise me you won’t get angry
when you hear what I have to say.
Why would you say that? I have
not heard what you want to say.
Mr. Bolaji, it doesn't work that way.
You have tell me first.
My reaction depends
on what you are about to say.
Say it.
Mr. Bolaji, talk!
This is really…
Sit down.
Are you okay?
The place where your child died…
What about it?
Didn’t you notice it’s quite close
to where we work?
That’s true.
That’s true.
What could Ajua have been
looking for around here?
[sighs deeply] Only God knows what she…
Ah, Ajua.
It's close by.
She came looking for me that day.
There was a certain day some
little boys stole her oranges.
I couldn’t stand her crying so…
I told her to…
[slowly] What did you tell her?
[threatening] What did you tell her?
I told her to come.
I told her to come meet me here.
Vicky, don’t be angry.
I have been trying to tell you.
-[Vicky grunts]
-[Bolaji groans]
-[Bolaji] Don’t be mad, I was just…
-[screaming] You killed my child!
[screaming] You killed my child! [sobbing]
-No, Vicky, don't be mad.
-[wails]
I just wanted to help her, don’t be angry.
[screaming] You killed my child!
[sobbing] You killed my child!
I was just trying to help her.
-Vicky!
-[whimpering] Come near me, I'll kill you.
Vicky, don't be mad.
I was just trying to help her.
Vicky, please.
-[sobbing]
-[Bolaji] Vicky!
[sobbing]
Oh God! [sobs]
[melancholic saxophone solo playing]
[sobbing] God, why? Why?!
-[mom] Bolaji.
-Mommy.
[mom in Yoruba] What happened?
-Bolaji.
-[sobbing] Mommy.
Please, my son, what’s the problem?
[sobbing]
[mom] Bolaji.
Talk to me, what is the problem?
Do you want me to cry?
You already know I am unwell.
[in English] I'm just managing my health.
[in English] I am sorry, mommy.
-[tearfully] Bolaji.
-Ma?
[in Yoruba] What's that matter?
Talk to me. Tell me what's wrong.
I am the only one you have.
[Omoh in Pidgin] How is her mother doing?
[Omoh] That beautiful lady,
what’s her name again?
[Bolaji] Victoria.
You both had a quarrel over this?
-Have you spoken to her?
-[Bolaji] No.
Because she's crazy about you.
I haven't see her since that night.
She’s not picking my calls.
I went to her house
and Mama T said she has moved.
Sorry, my brother.
And you kept all this from me.
My mother is very ill.
She can’t stop coughing.
I've begged to take her to the hospital.
She says the blood of Jesus will heal her.
And I should not doubt the blood of Jesus.
When did all this start?
It’s been going on for two months now.
And you did not reach out to me, Bolaji?
What type of friends are we
when you keep this things from me?
-Please forgive me.
-What a shame.
Don’t worry.
God will take control.
Amen.
It will get better.
No wonder I don’t see you anymore.
We don’t hang out anymore.
[highlife music playing]
Brother, how much for a studio session?
[in Pidgin] Are you a musician?
Yes, I’m a music artist.
Well it’s 20,000.
From one brother to another.
Based on how you approached me, otherwise…
It’s 20,000, yeah.
Okay, no problem.
All right, I will keep in touch.
-Great, cool.
-Cheers, thanks.
[urban music playing]
[Omoh] Bolaji,
be strong!
Everyone loses his or her
mother at a point in time.
Life is not that hard.
It can only get better, don’t be scared.
-What do you think, Osas?
-[Osas] I agree.
[Omoh] Your girl friend is here.
[nostalgic music playing]
Victoria.
[emotional] Sorry.
Thank you.
[in Pidgin]
I also wanted to apologize but…
Mama T told me…
It's all right.
[sobbing] I also wanted to apologize for
what happened that day.
I don't know why…
It's okay.
Don’t worry, I understand.
Do you still work at Paradise?
No, I stopped working
there a long time ago.
I am trying to put my old band together.
So we can start performing
small music shows.
Most of them
are already married with kids.
[laughs]
That’s good.
I am also learning
to be a fashion designer.
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
I will soon graduate.
I plan to get my own fashion outfit.
I will also make it a beauty salon.
I made this dress I am wearing.
Really?
-Yes, I did. [laughs]
-You did a good job.
-Good.
-[laughs]
Don’t worry. We will keep knocking.
What do you mean? What are you knocking?
Behind the door is our
dreams and aspirations.
As we work hard and hustle,
one day the door will open.
-Oh. [laughs]
-Yeah. [laughs]
Mr. Bolaji.
Do you know how many years some people
have been looking for opportunities
and haven’t found any?
[Bolaji] No problem, we'll keep knocking.
Thanks for coming.
I had to meet you and apologize.
Thank you.
-I will call you.
-Okay.
-Bye.
-Bye.
-[Omoh clears throat]
-Mr. Bolaji!
You are a player.
So you are going to let that
beautiful damsel walk away.
You are empty-headed.
Have you forgotten we are
at his mother’s funeral?
Would you leave
your mother’s funeral to pursue a lady?
You are brainless.
-[laughs]
-Same to you.
[Omoh] But she is very beautiful.
[Osas] She looks very soft.
[Omoh and Osas laugh]
Promising…
What is behind your door?
I just want a better life.
What is behind your door?
-Music!
-[Victoria laughs]
[upbeat music playing]
Love is sweet.
[Osas] Fine girl.
[Osas] Mr. Bolaji,
you should be called Love.
[Omoh] Love in Tokyo.
[Omoh and Osas giggle]
[both laugh]
["Sweet Mother" instrumental playing]
I miss you, mom.
[sighs deeply]
[groans]
[Bolaji in flashback] So brother,
how much for a studio session?
[record producer]
Well, it’s twenty thousand.
[Bolaji] From one brother to another.
[record producer]
Based on how you approached me, otherwise…
It’s twenty thousand, yeah.
Let's go there!
["Sweet Mother" instrumental playing]
♪ It is not by man's power ♪
♪ It is not by using black magic ♪
♪ It is not by man's power ♪
♪ It is not by using black magic ♪
♪ It is just the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is not by power or by might ♪
♪ It is not by struggle
It is not by muscle ♪
♪ It is not by hustle ♪
-♪ I am just dancing ♪
-♪ Grace of God ♪
Translated by HIVENTY
[lively Afrobeat music playing]
[rooster crows]
[slow Afrobeat music playing]
[woman in distance] Bolaji!
Bolaji!
-[Bolaji] Ma!
-[slow Afrobeat music stops abrubtly]
[bamboo curtains rattling]
-Ma?
-Have you swept the parlor?
Yes, ma.
[afrobeat music continues…]
♪ Sa-ta-ra-be-da ♪
The balcony?
Yes, ma.
[afrobeat music continues…]
Have you washed the plates?
Yes, ma.
[afrobeat music continues…]
[utensils clinking]
[mom chuckles]
And the windows?
Yes, ma.
[afrobeat music continues…]
Aren't you going to work?
I'm going.
[mimics Bolaji]
Yes.
[hisses]
[in Yoruba] Go away!
[fast-paced afrobeat music playing]
[in Pidgin] Mr. Bolaji, what's up?
I'm all right.
-Anything for your boy?
-You're cool.
-All right, take care.
-All right.
-[man] Mr. Bolaji, hello.
-[Bolaji] Brother, how's it going?
-[in Yoruba] Good morning, sir.
-Hey babe, how are you?
[fast-paced afrobeat music continues…]
[in Pidgin] Why don’t you take
that one sir, I will add two more
and you can pay me 50 naira.
[in Pidgin] Please patronize me.
[bus driver] Bolaji!
Bolaji!
Sorry ma’am, you can’t sit there,
it’s reserved for someone.
[in Pidgin] I don't see
anyone sitting here.
Is it your car? I said the seat has
been reserved for someone.
-I don't see anyone sitting here, please.
-Really?
-[in English] It's okay.
-[ignition clicks off]
[passengers] What’s going on?
Why aren’t you moving?
[in Pidgin]
Can’t you hear what's going on?
If this woman doesn’t get down,
we're not going anywhere!
-[passengers] Madam, please get down!
-[woman] I'm not going anywhere!
[passenger] Madam, please get down,
what’s your problem?
-[woman] I didn't meet anyone here.
-[passenger] You're delaying us!
[woman] No one can make me get down.
[driver] I've been calling you
but you did not hear me.
-[Bolaji] I'm sorry.
-[indistinct woman chatter]
This is the person that
the seat is reserved for.
[Bolaji] Didn’t you tell her the
seat was reserved?
-I did not see anyone here.
-I told you!
Madam, get down so we can leave.
[passengers] Madam please get down,
what’s your problem?
[woman] You guys are lucky.
I am in a good mood
this morning, otherwise…
[driver] You should have stayed.
We would have all been stuck here.
-[woman]I would have stayed there.
-[driver] How are you, bro?
[upbeat music playing]
[in Pidgin]
What’s your day going to be like?
As usual we will meet up in the evening.
And I will buy the drinks.
[laughs]
You buy drinks? That’s impossible!
That will mean you stumbled on money.
No, I did not.
Just believe me, I will buy drinks.
[driver] It’s okay.
[driver] Who is the girl you were
talking to at the bus stop?
[Bolaji] Which girl?
[driver] The young girl selling oranges
or are you now a pedophile?
-God punish you!
-[laughs]
-Don’t you get jokes anymore?
-Get lost!
[laughs]
Don’t drive past my stop.
What’s it going to be? Tonight as usual?
As usual, you know where to find me.
I know.
We’ll see later then.
-All right then.
-Salute!
[lively afrobeat music playing]
Kafilat, morning.
Mr. Bolaji, morning.
You are getting lighter every day,
I’d like to buy your body cream.
What’s up?
I’m good, you?
You’ll buy some beer today, right?
Do you trust me now?
You know I like to make my own drinks.
Your love for freebies won’t kill you!
Thank you. [chuckles]
Kafilat! Where is my jug?
Why would you ask me such a question?
[hisses]
[whistles]
[singing] ♪ Haters ♪
-[whistles]
-[lively music playing]
[Bolaji chuckles]
[in Pidgin] What is wrong with him?
[singing] ♪ That’s your business ♪
You are disturbing me.
[Bolaji humming a song]
The fun has just begun.
[chuckles]
[Bolaji hums]
All right!
[humming]
Tidy up thoroughly, unlike the other day…
[Bolaji] Osas!
Osas!
[Osas in Edo] What?
Osas!
[in Pidgin] What is it?
You just keep shouting me name.
You might as well
make the name yours, loudspeaker!
You've come
to burst my eardrums with your noise.
-[Osas] How's it going?
-I'm okay.
-[Osas] What's up?
-Where's my…
Where is my stuff?
Not I.
Go get me my stuff.
That’s the reason you’re shouting
and disturbing me this early?
I’m coming, I’ll go get it for you.
Aren’t you going to work today?
Brother, I’ll go.
I just want to have a bath.
-Okay.
-[Osas yawns]
[mumbles] Let me drop this thing.
[whistles] Hmm, too much.
[Bolaji clears throat]
Now I feel fresh.
I’m coming, I’ll go get that stuff.
Was that a bath?
[sarcastically] No, I didn’t.
If that’s how humans bathe,
wouldn’t people be long dead by now?
Are you crazy?
Well, I've been bathing this way.
Am I dead yet?
Please, I’m going to wear my uniform.
I'll get your stuff for you right away.
Just wait.
If you don’t bathe today,
you’d be dead by tomorrow.
[Osas] See how you look,
you’re the dead one!
-Same to you.
-[Osas hisses]
-[chuckles]
-[Osas] You just came here to shout at me.
[mimics Bolaji's words] Trying to…
You can’t insult me in my own house.
Not possible.
Not even possible. Don't try it.
That’s your food.
Thank you.
I’m leaving for work.
[singing along to music on headphones]
[in Pidgin] Honestly,
some Nigerians are not smart, I tell you.
Okay, so you’ve hit it big, why don’t
you show Nigeria some love?
Instead you buy clothes, shoes
and food from foreign countries.
-[driver] Mr. Bolaji, food?
-[Osas] Food?
Yes, food! I tell you
Some Nigerians aren’t sensible.
But what about the ones
who don’t want Nigeria to grow?
The ones who produce fake product?
Did you forget about them?
As long as the products are Nigerian,
gradually we would improve our industries,
Nigeria will grow.
Look, let me tell you,
If you buy products made in Nigeria,
the money is paid to a Nigerian.
That Nigerian spends the money
and gives another Nigerian.
The other puts it in a bank and
the money then builds up interest.
As the money grows, we build
Nigeria, and the country grows.
This way the money circulates
amongst Nigerians.
But when you use our money
to buy products from foreigners,
you help their own industries,
economy and people grow.
So buy made-in-Nigerian goods!
That’s my point!
Mr. Bolaji, the drink is finished.
Really?
Well, if that’s the case,
then there’s only one thing left.
-Home!
-[driver] Home!
That’s fine, I’m already home.
We’d see tomorrow, yeah?
[driver in English] Yeah, definitely.
Please remember to have a bath tomorrow.
You’re one of the people spoiling Nigeria.
-Mr. Bolaji,
-Hmm?
[Bolaji] What?
You're stupid.
-[Bolaji] Same to you.
-Get lost!
[driver] He does not bathe?
[Bolaji] Yes, he doesn’t.
[driver] No wonder my cigarette
smells like insect repellent.
[driver laughs]
[Bolaji] Okay brother, see you tomorrow.
-[driver] Okay, later.
-All right, then.
[food vendor in Yoruba]
It’s hot and it’s spicy!
[Bolaji] Mama T!
Mr. Bolaji.
-[mama T in Pidgin] You are here?
-[Bolaji] Yes I am.
[mama T in English] God bless you,
my brother.
-Thank you. Please take.
-Welcome.
Thank you.
Please where is my package?
Wasn’t it just now you arrived?
Don’t you want it to be hot?
You know me, I like it as hot as the sun.
[chuckles]
[mama T] Give him the ones that are
very hot.
[assistant] Okay.
[Bolaji whistles]
[Bolaji] Put extra, put extra!
-Mr. Bolaji.
-[Bolaji] Yes?
[in Yoruba] What exactly is the problem?
[in Pidgin] What's going on?
[in Pidgin] I'm giving you free puff-puff
and you're asking for extra?
Mama T, why are speaking that way?
Don’t I bring paper for you?
[mama T] What do you mean, paper?
How much is the paper?
[Bolaji] Please I’m leaving.
[mama T] That’s your business.
If you’re leaving, leave.
-We’ll see tomorrow.
-[mama T] All right.
Mama T.
[in Pidgin] I’m leaving for the place
we discussed earlier.
[mama T] See you tomorrow.
[in English] No, I'll still come back
this night.
-[mama T in pidgin] Alright… Be safe.
-Okay
[mama T in Yoruba]
Fool, he wants to put me in debt.
He never pays for his puff puff.
[gentle music playing]
[in Pidgin] The fare is 100 naira.
What?
The fare is 100 naira.
To where? To heaven?
To Mushin, of course.
Sir, why would the transport
fare to Mushin be 100 naira?
Since when?
It's not my first time of going to Mushin.
Madam, aren’t you aware of
the fuel price increase?
Why are you mad at me?
Be mad at the people
who increased the price of fuel.
What increase? The price has been reduced.
And it’s because I spoke up!
Why are you looking at me
that way? Don’t look at me
Focus on the road so we don’t have
an accident. Don’t look at me!
Madam, you’re giving me too much trouble.
I’m not.
Just pay the money, please.
I didn’t say I won’t pay the money.
I’ll pay, but not the price you asked for.
Everyone knows the transport
fare to Mushin.
Even in Lekki and Ikoyi,
they all know the fare price to Mushin.
[laughs] This woman, you’re funny.
-You're funny, too.
-You're really funny.
Brother, aren’t you listening to her?
Seeing as I look stressed, aren’t you
supposed to give me a free ride today?
And then next time I ride, I’ll pay.
Especially because I'm like
a sister to you in this Nigeria.
Nigeria is hard. Sir, I'll find
your change when I get to the junction.
This country has been hard
for a while now. Leave me.
I’ll give you the 50 naira.
I can't give you 100 naira.
If I don’t, will you beat me?
Is it my money you’ll use to build
a house in your village?
[lively afrobeat music playing]
[assistant] Take your 50 naira.
[newscaster chants headlines in Yoruba]
The second page of the Telegram newspaper
says that cattle herders have converted
the football stadium in Abuja
The second page of the Telegram
newspaper reads this morning that,
"Some cattle herders
have converted the football stadium,
built in the town of Abuja
which belongs
to the entire Nigerian federation,
into a grazing ground for their cattle,
despite the fact that the federal
government has come out with a law
stating that anybody who…"
[mom] Bolaji!
[in Yoruba]
What do you intend to do with your life?
Bolaji!
[mumbling sleepily] Ma?
[mom] Ah!
[chuckles]
Okay.
[in Yoruba] Make sure you tidy up the
house before you leave.
It’s not right for me to do house chores
while you live in my house.
Should a responsible child
be sleeping at this time?
-[mom] Okay. Bolaji!
-[Bolaji] Ma!
[upbeat music playing]
Really? Oh!
[in Yoruba] Even if you think I’m stupid,
I’m not blind.
Start picking the dirt,
one after the other.
Ah!
-Ah!
-[in Yoruba] Mom, sit down.
-[lively music playing]
-[Bolaji grumbles]
[in English] Hey! Take it back!
-[grumbles]
-[mom] Ah!
[mom in Yoruba] Excuse me, am I the one
to wash the rest?
Mom, it's enough. I’ll wash them now.
You’ll wash them now. Didn’t you know you
were supposed to wash them initially?
Are you so brainless?
An adult like you.
I said wash those plates
right in front of me!
[in English] Come back!
So am I to bring this upstairs for you?
[in Yoruba]
Mom, weren’t you on your way out?
Come on, pick it up! [mimics Bolaji]
[in Yoruba]
Was I blessed with such a child?
[lively afrobeat music]
Good morning, sir.
[in Pidgin] If I add two
to the one you’re holding,
you can have it all for 50 naira.
[in English] Thank you.
[saxophone solo playing]
[in Pidgin] Seems like you don’t want
to go to work today.
You wasted my time at the bus stop.
Now you’re seated like a CEO,
spreading yourself all over like a virus.
Is it because I always pick you up?
[in Pidgin] You want to start
with this your tantrums this morning?
I was looking at someone
and you just got in my way.
What do you mean, I got in the way?
Are you--
-[passenger1] Driver, will be sleep here?
-[passenger2] I wonder. Let's go.
You guys should calm down.
[passenger1 in English ] Move this!
Why are you rushing
as if you just got a new car engine?
Calm down! Aren’t we moving already?
Don't give me trouble.
[upbeat music playing]
The reason you wasted my time was because
you were looking at a woman, right?
Omoh, what's wrong with you? If you
had seen the pretty woman I saw…
She is so beautiful and
you just got in the way.
The girl is so beautiful?
I hope you weren't looking at
the little girl who sells oranges.
Are you crazy?
You are the crazy one.
Why would I do that sort of thing?
I was looking at the woman the girl met
before you blocked my view.
Leave me alone, you’re not sensible.
[Omoh laughs]
You get angry easily. What’s up?
How is it going to be this evening?
Would it be the usual?
Yes, the usual.
I was thinking I’d buy some suya
so we’d enjoy the beer better.
-Very true!
-[laughs]
You’re just awesome.
You too. [laughs]
No worries.
Bolaji, wait.
What is it?
Are you sure you were looking at a woman
this morning,
or you now do little girls?
Omoh! God punish you.
-[in English] Same to you. [laughs]
-[woman indistinct chatter]
Can’t I just ask a question?
Your face looks like a knocked out engine.
[lively afrobeat music playing]
-Mr. Bolaji.
-[Bolaji] Yes!
-[in English] Morning.
-Morning.
[girl in Pidgin] How was your night?
[Bolaji] Normal, we slept and now we
are awake, we thank God.
[humming]
[in English] My jar! [chuckles]
-[Bolaji humming]
-Hmm!
-[in Pidgin] What?
-Mr. Bolaji, you love freebies!
And you don't?
Don’t tell me that nonsense!
You're not in my league.
[singing] ♪ Story, story, yeah ♪
♪ Story, story, yeah ♪
[humming]
♪ …Thank you, came from the bottom ♪
♪ Papilo will make it one day
That is my word ♪
♪ I mean I came from the ghetto
I was selling marijuana, that is my word ♪
♪ If you could speak about a male child
You could be smart… ♪
The suya was absolutely delicious!
You’ll buy it again tomorrow, right?
Your big mouth.
[in Pidgin]
Well, let’s see how tomorrow goes.
You know, everyday isn’t Christmas,
-True.
-[laughs]
-[in English] My guy.
-All right.
[Bolaji whistling]
[in Pidgin]
...so that one can avoid trouble.
-[Bolaji] Mama T!
-Huh?
[mama T] Mr. Bolaji, you're here?
-I’m here.
-[mama T] Welcome.
Thank you. Please take.
[assistant] Welcome.
This is a lot.
-[Bolaji] That's right.
-Thank you.
[in Yoruba] Please give me my doughnut.
[in English] How much?
No, I don’t collect money from him.
-Really?
-[mama T scoffs]
[in Yoruba] He came to beg.
[assistant] Really? For free?
How many should I give him?
-[in Pidgin] Give him five.
-[assistant in English] Five.
-You give him free?
-Unbelievable. [scoffs]
My paper that… [hisses]
[mama T] God said,
''give to the less privileged.''
-Really?
-[mama T] Yes.
[in Pidgin] I give him for free.
So, that’s how it is.
Mama T, she didn’t put extra.
-Put extra.
-What's the matter?
Let her put extra!
I was watching her, she didn’t put extra.
-Are we fighting? Who are you angry at?
-I'm not fighting.
-[mama T] Just because of an extra one?
-I thought you were giving him free.
Should I put one extra?
Add one more for him.
[mama T] Why are acting like a hungry man?
I don’t get it.
-[mama T] My sister…
-Do you want a nylon bag?
-Give me!
-Okay.
That was the reason she left Ghana.
Her husband died in Ghana
and so she came back to Nigeria because
she’s a citizen here.
She takes up little jobs here and
there to take care of herself.
Like cleaning, washing plates, washing
clothes, and stuff like that.
-Mama T, this isn’t enough.
-[mama T] It’s not enough?
It’s not, let her put another extra.
[assistant in Yoruba] This man is a thief.
Pay her 100 naira. If you want more,
pay her and she'll give you.
Should I sell 100 naira worth to you?
[upbeat music plays]
[mom] Bolaji!
[mom coughs]
Bolaji!
[Bolaji] Ma!
[mom] You’re still sleeping.
All your mates are counting money.
[chuckles]
[mimicking mom]
All your mates are counting millions.
So if I want to count millions
like my mates, I should be sweeping?
Can't you just let me be?
[afrobeat music playing]
-Mr. Bolaji.
-How are you?
I’m fine.
-[fast-paced afrobeat music playing]
-[neighbors greet Bolaji]
[boy in Yoruba] How much are your oranges?
[yelling in Pidgin] What is your problem?
Leave my oranges!
[in Yoruba] Hey, are you crazy?
Come on, give her back her oranges!
[spluttering] Come…
Come back here!
[Bolaji] Sorry, my dear.
Sorry, don't worry, don’t be annoyed okay?
Don’t worry,
your mother won't be mad at you.
How much do the missing oranges cost?
Oranges worth 350 naira.
Don’t worry, I'll give you the money.
You don’t even buy an orange,
how can you pay me 350 naira?
What is your name?
-Ajua.
-Ajua?
Do you know where Paradise Bar is?
It’s close to Olude market.
So when you get Olude market,
ask for the location of Paradise bar.
Once you get there,
ask for Mr. Bolaji that’s my name.
Once you come,
I’d give you the money, okay?
Thank you, Mr. Bolaji. God will bless you.
Amen. Don’t worry, you mother
won’t be angry, okay?
I’m leaving now. Don’t forget.
Come to Paradise bar
near Olude market okay?
Bye-bye!
[afrobeat music playing]
Omoh, what’s up?
Please I need a favor from you.
And I don’t want you to say no.
You haven’t asked for what you
want but you want me to say yes.
What if you ask me to go murder someone?
Why would I ask that?
What is wrong with you?
Okay. What do you want to ask?
[Bolaji]
Please I need you to lend me 350 naira.
Why are you staring at me?
I know you have the money.
How do you know that?
Am I some sort of bank?
So I should go
to a bank to borrow 350 naira?
Don’t you earn salary? Use it.
It’s not the end of the month yet,
that’s why I asked you.
If it were, I wouldn’t have asked.
[Omoh] What do you need the money for?
[Bolaji] Really?
If I don’t tell you,
you won’t give me 350 naira?
-I won’t.
-Forget it!
Please move, the road is now free.
[car engine starts]
[lively music playing]
And you call yourself my friend.
What’s up? Would you lend me
the money or not? [hisses]
Bolaji!
[in Pidgin] When would you pay me back?
I told you, at the end of the
month when my salary is paid.
I’m asking because I know you are lazy.
If you don’t pay back I swear,
I’ll never pick you up again.
-Cool off, man!
-[laughs]
I don’t blame you. I’ve given you the
money so you can now talk back.
[Bolaji teasing] Omoh-ski!
[afrobeat music playing]
-[afrobeat music continues]
-[inaudible]
[in Pidgin]
Why are you running like a thief?
You stole something?
[in Pidgin] You are foolish! I know
that’s what you do every morning.
Mr. Bolaji, you’re sick.
[laughs]
Didn’t you know that already?
Don’t pour out any drink.
Why?
Why would you tell me that?
Try to stop me!
Must you take things for free every day?
Can’t you just pay for your beer?
Be like your mates.
Man up and buy your beer.
Do you know what your mates
do? Buy beer for me then.
[mimicking] Buy beer!
[whistling]
I feel pity for those who work with you.
If they’re not careful, they'll die soon.
-Mr. Bolaji?
-What?
[in Pidgin]
Why would you utter such nonsense?
It’s you who will die soon.
-Take this.
-Oh.
Oh.
I’m leaving.
This is my dinner. Awesome.
[mobile phone ringing]
[in Yoruba] Who is it now?
Hello Omoh, what’s up?
Your bus broke down? Where?
That means you’d be here early.
Okay, no worries.
Of course!
I’ll supply the drinks, as usual. [laughs]
Okay.
[upbeat afrobeat music playin]
[humming]
[in Pidgin] So where are all the hawkers
you spoke about today?
I told you consistently not to
come here but you refused.
That’s my problem
with you, you never listen.
Wait…wait! What Is wrong with guys?
Why are you acting like an amateur
government official?
[man] Start the bus
Calm down! You all are impatient.
Guys look, just be vigilant.
We’ve been vigilant since we got here,
we've not seen anyone.
-Cool down. They'll show up soon.
-[man] We've been here for a while.
Didn’t I tell you guys?
[man1] Look, here they come.
[tense music playing]
[afrobeat music playing]
[man1] But why is she frowning?
That’s true.
Madam, look.
Thank God it’s your lucky day,
or else we’d have arrested you
with your goods.
And you know what?
You’d face the court of law.
You've all been warned by the
government not to hawk on the streets.
They don’t listen.
But you've refused
to heed simple instructions.
Look around, look how dirty this place is!
-Do you like it?
-Do you like it?
Today is your last warning
We don't want to see you at…
[phone rings]
Who is this?
[man 2] The lady we saw yesterday
is already calling you.
[man 2 laughs]
-[man 2] You love to have fun!
-[man 3] He loves women more than work.
Hello?
[man 3] You should see
the lady I am talking about.
[man 1] Hello?
[man 2] I'm the only one who knows
where he saves his money.
[man 1] What did you say?
[in English] Where?
Olude market.
[afrobeat music playing]
[Omoh] But Osas,
why don’t you bathe?
[sniggers]
[Bolaji] Why are you staring at me?
Answer the question!
-[Bolaji laughs]
-Look at his face.
-[Bolaji] Dirty person!
-[laughs]
-[softly] I know you're the person.
-[Omoh laughs]
-Can you smell something?
-What's the matter?
-Don’t contaminate my drink! [laughs]
-What?
-Hold on, bring the drink.
-[Bolaji and Omo laugh]
-Let me…
-Are you crazy?
-Shameless! What?!
-[laughs]
This country is not moving forward at all.
The same news every day,
poor people, poor people.
Next thing, workers are on strike.
Tomorrow, another strike.
What’s the reason?
They are not paying salaries.
What’s all this nonsense about?
Very true.
Go online, check Facebook. Check it now.
You will see stories about countries
producing young millionaires.
But in Nigeria, the only thing
we produce is poor people.
[Bolaji] Poor people!
[Osas] Wait! I have a question to ask.
The poor people you are talking about,
are you not one of them?
[Osas]
How much do you have in your account?
[Osas]
Why are you staring away? Am I lying?
The three of us are part of the
poor people in this country.
And that’s the reason.
No no, it is because there are
no jobs. That's why we are poor.
Not just lack of jobs. Schools, too.
Mr. Bolaji wants to brags again.
You are the most educated of us all.
I am not bragging.
Think about it. Do you how many good
schools are there in America?
But here they don’t pay the teachers,
they don’t pay the professors.
But how many good schools
do they have in foreign countries?
If you want to get a job here,
you must have schooled in a foreign
country before you can get a job.
Yes that’s why I like you.
You're my friend
because you always speaks the truth.
If you start looking for a job in
Nigeria with a Nigeria BSc,
you won’t get the job.
But if you go the company with a BSc from
a foreign country,
even if it is a
country where blacks are suffering,
the company will make you
the manager right away,
Students don’t even want
to go to school anymore.
It’s only music and internet they want
to do and it’s not like they can sing.
They are all singing nonsense.
Meanwhile do you know how many CDs I've
taken to producers so they can support me?
But no they don’t.
The only thing we need right
now in this country is God.
[Bolaji protests]
Don’t bring churches into this matter.
because they
-are just the worse.
-How?
-[Omoh] Really? How?
-How?
Don’t be ignorant.
[upbeat music playing]
[tense music playing]
[little girl whimpering]
Jesus, no, no!
[in Pidgin] Didn’t you hear
the M-force alarm?
Why didn’t you run?
You just stood there looking like a fool.
Are you mute?
Auntie, my oranges.
You have to wait
for M-force to leave the scene
before you can go to pack your oranges.
[Bolaji]
This country’s situation is frustrating.
If you take it to heart,
it will put you in your grave.
Wait, I told one little girl to come see
me here and she hasn’t showed up.
Ah!
Why are you surprised?
Bolaji, is it that little girl you talk
to at the bus stop every day?
I have been warning you. That girl is too
young for you. You can’t date her!
Who is the girl? [laughs]
And he keeps telling me I don’t bathe.
-Your case is different.
-[Osas] How old?
How old is that girl anyway?
I don’t want to talk about it.
I don’t want to get arrested. Ask him.
I have been warning him for some time.
It's when he is sent to jail, that’s
when he'll heed to my warning.
Does one beg shit to stink?
[laughs] Leave him.
Let him do as he likes with the girl.
He will know the Nigeria police force is
efficient when they want to be.
Leave him. It’s in prison he will
get a producer to make his record.
[both laugh]
Please quickly get beer for us.
What beer? The beer is finished.
[soft instrumental music playing]
Okay, okay, you can go now.
The mad M-force men are gone. Okay go now.
Move, move!
[tense fast-paced music playing]
[newscaster]
Thank you for staying with us.
More update on yesterday's incident.
A young girl named Ajua
was killed when a bike rider hit her
while trying to flee
from market regulator inspectors
AKA M-force.
M-force was set up to tackle
street trading and hawking on busy roads.
The incident happened in the evening
between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
at Olude market.
More updates to come.
The Joint Admission and Matriculation…
You killed someone?
What nonsense are you saying?
[newscaster] …story of a snake swallowing
36 million naira from one of the…
[mom] Are you going to church?
Don’t worry. I'll come and meet you there.
[chuckles]
[in Yoruba] Idle man.
[newscaster] An account clerk in the
office is currently answering the queries.
[slow afrobeat music playing]
[Bolaji] Mama T!
Mama T!
Mama T.
[man] Oh, what a shame.
Sorry.
[in Pidgin]
Don’t be angry, I did not see you coming.
Brother, please excuse me.
Sorry again, I heard people crying, why?
One woman’s child died
around Olude market.
Die? Oh, what happened?
They said one bike rider
hit the little girl.
The M-force officers were rounding up
people selling goods by the road side
and people hawking goods too.
So the little girl carried her oranges
and started heading home
when one bike rider being chased by the
M-force officers charged at her
and hit the little girl.
The little girl fell
to the ground, dead on impact.
When did this happen?
Not long ago, maybe yesterday.
It was yesterday.
The girl’s mother has been
crying all day. Only God can console her.
Yes, only God can console her.
Did you come to see the mother?
[Bolaji] No I don’t know them.
I came to see Mama T.
[man] Don’t you know today is Sunday?
Mama T doesn’t sell on Sundays.
[Bolaji] Thank you, brother. Thank you.
[man] Don't worry, Stay safe.
[Bolaji hisses] [heaves heavy sigh]
[indistinct chatter]
Give me a beer.
[in Pidgin] Please, let me call you back.
[sighs]
Mr. Bolaji, why are you frowning?
We both know you don’t pay for your beer.
What happened today?
Kafilat, give me beer!
[ethereal voices singing]
Stop staring at me.
-You asked for… [voice fades]
-[ethereal voices continue singing]
Mr. Bolaji, what is wrong?
You've been like this since you came.
What happened?
Mr. Bolaji!
[upbeat music playing]
I am really tired
[whistles]
Man, I'm tired.
Really tired.
What’s all this nonsense?
Go to the market to buy your own
cotton wool and methylated spirit.
[in Edo] This is a miracle.
Mr. Bolaji.
You always mock me that I don’t bathe.
Why are you not taking a bath
and using your perfume?
Don't leave that thing there!
I don’t know what’s going on in your head.
Kafilat told me that you have been acting
like you murdered someone.
Look at you,
just [splutters] messing up my home.
Messing it like…
I can't understand it this morning.
Take!
You just came to my house.
You are not even polite enough
to greet me.
Look at his head,
-[phone rings]
-like a wooden ladle!
[hisses]
-[mom] Bolaji!
-[Bolaji] Ma!
[Bolaji] Mama T!
Mama T!
[Mama T in Pidgin] What is it?
[Bolaji] Mama T, yes.
-[mama T] Hello.
-[Bolaji] Hello.
[in Pidgin] Why are you shouting my name?
[Bolaji] I'm sorry.
I brought newspapers for you.
Thank you.
But you know
I start cooking in the evening.
I'm not here to see you.
[mama T] Who did you come to see?
Victoria lives here, right?
How do you know Victoria?
Mr. Bolaji, Victoria is a decent lady.
Mama T, I know.
[mama T] How do you know?
I heard she lost her daughter,
so I came to see her.
That’s true.
But how you you know her daughter?
A colleague at work
told me about the incident
and he directed me here.
Where can I find her?
I don’t believe what you're saying.
But it’s true.
Are you sure you came
to console her and nothing else?
The reason I am here is to console her.
Go that way.
Okay.
I will come for my puff puff
in the evening.
I have heard you.
[melancholic music playing]
[Kafilat] Mr. Bolajia,
what's all this nonsense?
What do you mean, nonsense?
If you want me to do your job,
then I should be paid your salary,
Please don’t be angry.
I was ill yesterday, that’s the reason.
You? Sick?
Yes.
But you bought a bottle of beer yesterday.
The beer was for the sickness.
It was sickness of the mind, not the body.
[laughs]
Mr. Bolaji.
You are crazy.
Get out of my way and leave me alone.
Your family is crazy.
[expresses surprise]
Is this guy crazy?
[percussion music playing]
Where are you going?
[Bolaji] Mama T!
-[Mama T] Mr. Bolaji.
-I've come back.
That was fast!
-What can I say?
-You're back so fast!
You know I don’t play with my stomach.
I am aware.
-My good friend!
-That's right!
-Sit down.
-Okay now.
-Really?
-[Bolaji] That's right.
-This is a lot.
-Right?
Don’t worry, I will whip up a
special dough just for you.
-[laughs]
-Really?
So you're just noticing
that I am a special person.
You are a special person.
[laughs] Okay, I will wait.
-[Bolaji] Let me learn how you do it.
-Yes.
[gentle urban music playing]
-[mama T] Do you like it?
-[Bolaji] Yes.
I told you so!
I'm cooking something special
for you today.
-Hmm. Mama T!
-Yes, I'm the super cook.
-[laughs]
-It's nothing new.
-Very true.
-Been doing this for a while.
-Mr. Bolaji,
-Hmm
how come you're here early today?
Is there a problem?
I want to talk to you about something.
Okay.
What is happening
to the lady who lost her child?
-Victoria?
-[Bolaji] Yes.
[scoffs][hisses]
-My brother, her life has changed.
-Huh?
She is very sad.
She's so sad. She does not eat.
She has stopped working.
I have tried to console her
but she does not say a word.
It is a terrible thing to lose a child.
-What a shame!
-Oh, she's very sad.
But Mr. Bolaji,
your mother is not a poor woman.
Talk to her, so Victoria can come
work for her at your house.
Your mother can pay her small wages.
It will be good for a start.
Or what do you think?
I'm not sure my mother can afford that.
But I can help her look for a job.
-Mr. Bolaji, you will be blessed.
-[Bolaji] Amen.
-You will be blessed.
-[Bolaji] Amen.
Anything you touch will prosper
in Jesus's name.
Amen!
-You are a good man.
-I always try my best.
-God bless you.
-Thank you.
-I’ll give you another one.
-Hmm!
When you eat it, you will love it!
-Mama T!
-Yes, that’s me.
-[Bolaji] Mama T!
-Yes, that’s me.
[yelps, groans]
What is wrong?
Why are you acting weak?
Are you not a man?
So I should burn my skin
because I’m a man?
Stop it, you can’t get hurt.
-Mama T!
-[mama T] Yes, that’s me.
-Mama T!
-[mama T]Yes, that’s me.
[afrobeat music playing]
[Omoh] What's up?
I'm all right.
Where is my money?
I told you I'd pay you back. Calm down.
I have not seen you for two days.
Where is my money?
I already told you I was going to pay back
I was a bit ill.
[Omoh]
Sickness has nothing to do with money.
When will you pay?
Cool down. I will pay your money
by the end of the month.
Get in, let’s go.
[gentle afrobeat music]
[man] Wow, Mr. Bolaji.
Sir? Mr. Manager.
[in Pidgin] What's the problem?
Nothing. I just came
to ask for a small favor.
What kind of favour?
Um…
Why are you turning your neck?
Is something wrong with it?
No, no no sir. No, no manager.
Please, I want to ask you for…
What do you want to ask?
[Bolaji] Please, Mr, Manager, I need you
to help a friend of mine.
[manager in English]
And why would I do that?
[Bolaji] She lost her child last week.
So I was thinking
maybe if she got a small job here,
it could help her with her loss.
-[manager] Small work?
-[Bolaji] Yes.
[maanager in English]There is no
such thing available for now.
[Bolaji] Okay, Mr. Manager.
Sir, what if my friend and I
take turns in clearing the tables,
then at the end
of the month, we split the salary.
This friend of yours,
is she your girlfriend?
Mr. Manager,
[laughing] she is not my girlfriend.
I don't understand your desperation
with this friend of yours.
I told you she lost her daughter.
Since then, she's stopped eating or…
I thought getting a job here
could help her become herself again.
[in Pidgin]
Can you share you salary with her?
[in English] Why not? Yes.
Okay, I will think about it.
My boss!
Thank you very much, sir.
I said I will think about it.
I am thanking you in advance
for thinking about it.
My boss!
[melancholic music playing]
[silently] Ajua.
[gentle afrobeat music playing]
[in Yoruba] Hot puff puff for sale!
It’s hot and spicy!
[Bolaji in English] My one and only
mama T!
-Hey, Mr. Bolaji!
-Yeah?
-How're you?
-[Bolaji] I'm good.
Welcome, my brother.
How are sales?
Going fine. I thank God.
[in Yoruba] Hot puff puff for sale!
It’s hot and spicy!
Mama T!
[in English] My brother, God bless you.
[in Yoruba] It's hot and spicy!
Hot puff puff for sale!
Please, where is Victoria?
I already told you she is decent lady.
Mama T, that’s not why I want to see her.
So what exactly do you want?
Remember the job I was going to get
for her? I got it for her!
Are you serious?
[Bolaji laughs in assent]
-You got a job for her?
-Yes I did.
Your mother agreed?
No, not my mother.
I told my manager at work.
He agreed to let her work with us.
-Mr. Bolaji, God bless you.
-Amen.
-God will solve all your problems.
-Amen.
-In Jesus's name.
-Amen.
-Thank you so very much, my brother.
-Thank God.
I pray she’s smart
about her decision once I tell her.
-These days, she doesn't leave her home.
-Really?
She has stopped talking to people.
So should I go tell her?
I will tell her myself.
Okay.
-More papers for me?
-You know me.
I trust you to deliver [laughs].
-My G!
-Mama T!
God bless you.
So tell her to meet me at the bus stop
in the morning at seven o'clock.
-She will be there.
-I will take her to see the manager.
She will be there.
-That’s fine.
-Thank you very much, Mr. Bolaji.
Give me my puff puff.
You still want some?
-You're kidding!
-I thought you had forgotten.
-I don’t joke with my stomach .
-[laughs]
Please.
-Oh my God.
-Yes.
It is very hot.
That's no problem.
-This is not ready.
-Okay.
[Bolaji] Put extra.
[mama T] Don’t worry, you are my friend.
This is your extra.
-Yay!
-[mama T laughs]
-God bless you, my brother. You did well.
-Give me a nylon bag.
-You did well.
-Yes.
[in Yoruba] It’s hot and spicy!
Hot puff puff for sale!
-[mama T] God bless you.
-[customer] Mama T!
-Hey! How are you? How are you my G?
-Mama T!
Give me 100 naira worth of puff puff.
Okay.
[customer in Yoruba] It must be hot.
[in Pidgin, Yoruba]
You know it’s always hot and spicy.
[upbeat music playing]
[mom coughs, mumbles]
[mom coughs, mumbles in Yoruba]
"If you listen to your Lord carefully,
and weigh what I say…"
By Your Special Grace,
may my child listen to my advice.
-Um, mom?
-Huh?
[in English] I hope everything
is all right.
-[in English] I'm okay. Thank you, my son.
-Really?
-I see you packing all the dirty things.
-Yes, ma.
-And you washed the plates.
-Yes, ma.
[mom coughs]
Mom, you have a very bad cough.
Maybe I should stay with you today
and go to work tomorrow instead.
-No, go to work.
-Really?
Did I tell you I'm dying?
No! Mom, you're not dying.
[both laugh]
[in Yoruba] Twenty, thirty years from now,
Heaven for sure!
Amen, ma.
-There is no death.
-Amen.
-[in English] Go to work.
-[in Yoruba] Thank you, mom.
[in English] Thank you, mom.
[in Yoruba] You're now acting responsibly.
[coughs]
[upbeat afrobeat music playing]
[in Pidgin] ♪ It is not by man's power
It is not by black magic ♪
♪ It is not by man's power
It is not by black magic ♪
♪ Grace of God ♪
♪ Grace of God ♪
[Omoh] Bolaji, get in, let’s go.
[Bolaji] Bro, somebody is joining
us today, cool down.
-[passengers] Why're we waiting? Let's go!
-[Bolaji] Somebody is coming, relax.
[passengers] Time is money. Hurry up.
[Omoh]
So that's the girl he is waiting for.
Good morning.
-[passenger] Good morning, indeed.
-[Omoh] Maybe it's his sister.
[Omoh] Where would you sit?
Don’t worry, I’ll hang.
Omoh, this is Victoria.
Victoria this is my friend, Omoh.
You remember that little girl
that used to sell oranges?
-[passenger] What's all this introduction?
-This is her mom.
-Cool down.
-[Omoh] Get in. They're always in a hurry.
[passenger] Let’s go.
It's enough already.
[upbeat music playing]
Take.
[softly] Madam, don't worry.
Thank you.
No worries.
-See you later.
-Yes, later.
-Bye-bye.
-Okay.
Paco bus stop?
You don't need to be bothered
about anything, because the job is easy.
-[Osas] Oh!
-[Bolaji] Oh, hey!
-Mr. Bolaji
-Osas.
-What’s up?
-I am good and you?
-I'm okay.
-Where're you going?
I want to go and but bathing soap
and sponge down the street.
Vicky, he is also one of my friends.
But you see this friend
of mine he doesn’t--
He doesn’t what?
Mr. Bolaji, I could give
you a resounding slap.
Your dinner is upstairs.
-We’ll see later, right?
-Okay.
All right, later.
[Bolaji] He is a silly guy.
[Bolaji] This is the place.
[Kafilat humming]
[Bolaji] Kafilat, how are you?
Good morning, Mr. Bolaji, what’s up?
[Bolaji] I am okay. Good morning You good?
Vicky, meet my coworker, Kafilat.
Kafilat, my friend. Her name is Victoria.
Thank you. So, basically it's very simple.
Once you come in the morning,
you set all the chairs.
And for the bottles with left over drinks,
I will give you a jug
where you can pour the drinks into
and keep in the fridge.
That’s all. So, let's just start.
[highlife music playing]
-[Victoria laughs]
-[Bolaji] I'm serious.
-[Victoria] Really?
-[Bolaji] Yes!
[Victoria]
So you used to be a highlife musician?
[Bolaji] Er…
[Bolaji] Hold on, I've been telling you
all about me but
you haven’t said anything about yourself.
You must tell me something about you.
-[Victoria] Ah, there's nothing--
-[Bolaji] No!
[Bolaji] Tell me something about you.
[Victoria] I don’t really have anything
to say about myself.
[Victoria] Well what I know
is that I can't sing.
-[Victoria] I can make hair.
-[Osas] [inaudible]
-[Victoria] Sometimes, I sew clothes,
-[Omoh] [inaudible]
-with needle and thread, so…
-[Omoh and Osas] [inaudible]
I am trying to save up
to learn more about fashion design.
[Bolaji] That’s great.
[Victoria] Then hopefully, soon
I will have my own fashion design outfit.
-[Victoria] I will also have a salon.
-[Omoh] [inaudible]
-[Victoria] That’s my plan.
-[Omoh and Osas] [inaudible]
-[Bolaji] That’s not bad at all.
-[Victoria] Thank you.
[Bolaji] Very soon you will be walking
on the runway like this.
[both laugh]
[Victoria] I just keep pushing.
-[Victoria] I'm…
-[Bolaji] We are all pushing
-waiting on God’s blessings.
-[Bolaji] It's gradually.
[Omoh clears throat]
-Please sit down.
-Thank you.
[Osas in Edo] Oh, wow.
[Omoh] I'll be right back.
Go on.
Er, [whispers inaudibly]
[Bolaji clears throat]
Where's my own glass?
[highlife music playing]
-[highlife music continues]
-[inaudible]
-[highlife music continues]
-[inaudible]
-[highlife music continues]
-[inaudible]
[coughing]
[Bolaji] Mom!
Mom!
[in English] Let me take you to the…
…to the hospital.
-[in English] My son.
-Ma?
Don’t worry.
Blood of Jesus will heal me.
-Amen.
-[coughs]
But mom,
let me still take you to the hospital.
Please.
Are you doubting Jesus?
No, I am not.
[in Yoruba] God has me.
[coughs] Nothing can go wrong.
[coughs]
-Mom…
-[coughs]
[coughs, wheezes]
[melancholic music]
-Vicky, Good morning.
-Mr. Bolaji, Good morning.
-How are you?
-Good.
I did not see you at the bus stop,
I was waiting for you.
Mr. Bolaji, everyday is not Christmas.
I am uncomfortable with your friend
not taking money for the fare.
So today I found my way here.
[laughs] You don’t need to worry,
Omoh is my friend.
I know he is your friend.
[laughs]
You don’t need to worry
about all those things.
Everyday isn't Christmas.
He does not take my money.
Everyday is not Christmas. I'm heading to
pack more bottles.
Okay.
-Vicky.
-Hmm?
I want to tell you something,
but I don’t want to say it here.
Really?
Mr. Bolaji, what's on your mind?
It’s not a big deal.
[teasing] Really?
Like, "I love you." Now your turn.
[chuckles in embarrassment]
No.
Okay, me too.
[both laugh]
All right, I will tell you later.
Okay.
[highlife music playing]
-Vicky.
-Hmm?
Please…
Promise me you won’t get angry
when you hear what I have to say.
Why would you say that? I have
not heard what you want to say.
Mr. Bolaji, it doesn't work that way.
You have tell me first.
My reaction depends
on what you are about to say.
Say it.
Mr. Bolaji, talk!
This is really…
Sit down.
Are you okay?
The place where your child died…
What about it?
Didn’t you notice it’s quite close
to where we work?
That’s true.
That’s true.
What could Ajua have been
looking for around here?
[sighs deeply] Only God knows what she…
Ah, Ajua.
It's close by.
She came looking for me that day.
There was a certain day some
little boys stole her oranges.
I couldn’t stand her crying so…
I told her to…
[slowly] What did you tell her?
[threatening] What did you tell her?
I told her to come.
I told her to come meet me here.
Vicky, don’t be angry.
I have been trying to tell you.
-[Vicky grunts]
-[Bolaji groans]
-[Bolaji] Don’t be mad, I was just…
-[screaming] You killed my child!
[screaming] You killed my child! [sobbing]
-No, Vicky, don't be mad.
-[wails]
I just wanted to help her, don’t be angry.
[screaming] You killed my child!
[sobbing] You killed my child!
I was just trying to help her.
-Vicky!
-[whimpering] Come near me, I'll kill you.
Vicky, don't be mad.
I was just trying to help her.
Vicky, please.
-[sobbing]
-[Bolaji] Vicky!
[sobbing]
Oh God! [sobs]
[melancholic saxophone solo playing]
[sobbing] God, why? Why?!
-[mom] Bolaji.
-Mommy.
[mom in Yoruba] What happened?
-Bolaji.
-[sobbing] Mommy.
Please, my son, what’s the problem?
[sobbing]
[mom] Bolaji.
Talk to me, what is the problem?
Do you want me to cry?
You already know I am unwell.
[in English] I'm just managing my health.
[in English] I am sorry, mommy.
-[tearfully] Bolaji.
-Ma?
[in Yoruba] What's that matter?
Talk to me. Tell me what's wrong.
I am the only one you have.
[Omoh in Pidgin] How is her mother doing?
[Omoh] That beautiful lady,
what’s her name again?
[Bolaji] Victoria.
You both had a quarrel over this?
-Have you spoken to her?
-[Bolaji] No.
Because she's crazy about you.
I haven't see her since that night.
She’s not picking my calls.
I went to her house
and Mama T said she has moved.
Sorry, my brother.
And you kept all this from me.
My mother is very ill.
She can’t stop coughing.
I've begged to take her to the hospital.
She says the blood of Jesus will heal her.
And I should not doubt the blood of Jesus.
When did all this start?
It’s been going on for two months now.
And you did not reach out to me, Bolaji?
What type of friends are we
when you keep this things from me?
-Please forgive me.
-What a shame.
Don’t worry.
God will take control.
Amen.
It will get better.
No wonder I don’t see you anymore.
We don’t hang out anymore.
[highlife music playing]
Brother, how much for a studio session?
[in Pidgin] Are you a musician?
Yes, I’m a music artist.
Well it’s 20,000.
From one brother to another.
Based on how you approached me, otherwise…
It’s 20,000, yeah.
Okay, no problem.
All right, I will keep in touch.
-Great, cool.
-Cheers, thanks.
[urban music playing]
[Omoh] Bolaji,
be strong!
Everyone loses his or her
mother at a point in time.
Life is not that hard.
It can only get better, don’t be scared.
-What do you think, Osas?
-[Osas] I agree.
[Omoh] Your girl friend is here.
[nostalgic music playing]
Victoria.
[emotional] Sorry.
Thank you.
[in Pidgin]
I also wanted to apologize but…
Mama T told me…
It's all right.
[sobbing] I also wanted to apologize for
what happened that day.
I don't know why…
It's okay.
Don’t worry, I understand.
Do you still work at Paradise?
No, I stopped working
there a long time ago.
I am trying to put my old band together.
So we can start performing
small music shows.
Most of them
are already married with kids.
[laughs]
That’s good.
I am also learning
to be a fashion designer.
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
I will soon graduate.
I plan to get my own fashion outfit.
I will also make it a beauty salon.
I made this dress I am wearing.
Really?
-Yes, I did. [laughs]
-You did a good job.
-Good.
-[laughs]
Don’t worry. We will keep knocking.
What do you mean? What are you knocking?
Behind the door is our
dreams and aspirations.
As we work hard and hustle,
one day the door will open.
-Oh. [laughs]
-Yeah. [laughs]
Mr. Bolaji.
Do you know how many years some people
have been looking for opportunities
and haven’t found any?
[Bolaji] No problem, we'll keep knocking.
Thanks for coming.
I had to meet you and apologize.
Thank you.
-I will call you.
-Okay.
-Bye.
-Bye.
-[Omoh clears throat]
-Mr. Bolaji!
You are a player.
So you are going to let that
beautiful damsel walk away.
You are empty-headed.
Have you forgotten we are
at his mother’s funeral?
Would you leave
your mother’s funeral to pursue a lady?
You are brainless.
-[laughs]
-Same to you.
[Omoh] But she is very beautiful.
[Osas] She looks very soft.
[Omoh and Osas laugh]
Promising…
What is behind your door?
I just want a better life.
What is behind your door?
-Music!
-[Victoria laughs]
[upbeat music playing]
Love is sweet.
[Osas] Fine girl.
[Osas] Mr. Bolaji,
you should be called Love.
[Omoh] Love in Tokyo.
[Omoh and Osas giggle]
[both laugh]
["Sweet Mother" instrumental playing]
I miss you, mom.
[sighs deeply]
[groans]
[Bolaji in flashback] So brother,
how much for a studio session?
[record producer]
Well, it’s twenty thousand.
[Bolaji] From one brother to another.
[record producer]
Based on how you approached me, otherwise…
It’s twenty thousand, yeah.
Let's go there!
["Sweet Mother" instrumental playing]
♪ It is not by man's power ♪
♪ It is not by using black magic ♪
♪ It is not by man's power ♪
♪ It is not by using black magic ♪
♪ It is just the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is the Grace of God ♪
♪ It is not by power or by might ♪
♪ It is not by struggle
It is not by muscle ♪
♪ It is not by hustle ♪
-♪ I am just dancing ♪
-♪ Grace of God ♪
Translated by HIVENTY