PAPA AJASCO, FUJI HOUSE, OR ANOTHER?

 Revisiting Comedy Series of the Early 21st Century

We don't always readily say it, but there's this general feeling among the young adults of today that the turn of the 21^st century was probably the best time of our lives. A number of factors could be responsible for this. It could be because we were kids and Nigeria hadn’t hit us yet, or because $1 was nowhere near ₦150, and our money wasn’t as bad as we have it today. It could be that the country was safer then, and ethnic and religious issues were not as heated as they presently are. It could even be because there was no social media and very few phones, so we could enjoy actual human interactions better.

Well, whatever the reason, those days are gone and all we can do is reminisce on them and their memories once in a while. We’ve spent the first three weeks of this month on the cartoon, but now we go to the real stuff. Sitcoms and slapstick comedy held a lot of sway back then. Our TVs had mpore decent content and a good old laugh was always around the corner. Let us take out time to recall those series that made us crack our ribs with laughter.

1. Papa Ajasco & Company

Definitely the most popular slapstick Nigerian comedy series, Papa Ajasco was for long thr darling comedy program of most Nigerian homes since the 90’s. It revolves around Papa Ajasco, a good-natured man with a rather unique penchant for women, who is constantly hounded by his wife, Mama Ajasco. They live with their only child, Ajasco, a classic dullard.

Other characters who compliment the series are their family friends, Boy Alinco, Pa James, and Miss Pepeiye

2. Fuji House of Commotion

Number 1 is companion, number 2 is confusion, number 3 is commotion, Fuji House of Commotion!

A sure success on all sides, the Amaka Igwe Production was a darling program for almost every home that had access to it. It centred around issues arising from polygamy, as a locally popular businessman, Chief Fuji, who has a loose appetite for women gets married initially to three, then four women, and still philanders about. His first two wives bear a lot of children, and he even has kids he doesn’t remember having.

His wives in their chronological order are: Mama Moji, Peace, and Ireti. He also keeps a mistress, Carol. Some of his children are: Rabiu, Gbenro, and Ola.

3. Face 2 Face

"Cook for the same kitchen, that one na wahala; bathe for the same bathroom, na palaver; share the same toilet nko?"

One darling series on television screens back then was Face 2 Face. It was a humorous good-natured portrayal of the lives of people living in the kind of apartments called Face me, I face you. The series is set in the compound where the building is. Like the typical building constructed in this manner, the landlord lives in the building, with certain privileges such as his own kitchen, toilet, and bathroom, and is of course, the lord of the house.

Other tenants occupy single rooms, and they have to share facilities such as convenience facilities, cooking space, and even clothesline.

The series comically relates the socio-economic situation of the citizenry, and how they have to deal with poverty, tribalism, cooperation, and unity, among other things.

Popular characters included Baba Landlord, Mama Landlord, Baba Mukuro, Nurse, Emeka, and Mallam Isa.

4. Flatmates

Flatmates tells the story of four guys who share a flat. They are young men trying to make ends meet in Lagos and they go through various hilarious adventures together. They hustle, bubble, and have good and bad times together.

They are chiefly goaded by their landlord, who has a daughter he always tries to keep away from the guys. They also have to deal with relationship issues, job hunting and other social matters.

Main characters are the landlord, Wilberforce, Koko, and Denrele. The series didn’t last long before it went under and was later reproduced as My Flatmates.

5. House Apart

A landlord and two tenants, one Yoruba who sells locally brewed concoctions, and an Igbo trader. The short lived series was probably the first to bring popular veteran comedian, Hafiz Oyetoro, into the limelight, as he starred as Saka, the traditional medicine peddler. He was joined by Dele Odule, the landlord, and Jude Orhora as Chukwuma. Also with them was Sule, friend to Saka, and Tawa, his proposed beau.

6. Paradise Park

If there is a sure place you'd find comedy any day, it would be a bus park. Kunle Bamtefa and Julius Agwu featured in this comedy series with other amazing supporting stars as they mirror with good humour, events that happen at motor parks, the regular characters you find around and the daily struggle of the workers at such a place.

Other notable mentions include:

7. Half sisters

8. Dear Mother

9. Mother-in-law

10. Kamson & Neighbours

What was your choice comedy series here? We would love to know. Drop your comments, and we'd reply.

Stay smart!