The huge success of Tyler Perry’s stories and the vibrant boom of NollyTube suggest
that black audiences have a unique taste for certain kinds of stories. How can we describe the preferences of Black audiences, particularly African
viewers?
We ask movie lovers.
“Black audiences like family drama. We like melodramatic characters and scenes. We also want justice. We don’t like bad people getting away with anything. That’s for real life. In movies, we want the hand of justice to crush the wicked. LOL!” – Belema
“I like comedy. In short, my entire family bond over suya and a good Nollywood comedy on weekends. When we come together, we want to laugh and forget how stressful life is.” – Chijioke
“Romance is huge with the African audience. We want our men to save the day and give us princess treatment in movies. We want delulu and love – stuff like that. LOL! See how successful romance movies are on YouTube. It’s our escape from real life heartbreaks.” – Amarachi
“Well-told epic stories with fancy costumes and beautiful maidens and princes. If the storyline is brilliant, it will be a winner for the African audience and also great export material.” – C.G Uko
“The protagonist must be rid of dignity. S/he must suffer recklessly but finally find some respite. Whatever crumbs of happiness or glory the character finally enjoy must be fully earned. We want stories that remind us of our own struggles and testimonies.” – Uzoma
“I know people watch films for intellectual rigour and suspense, but I enjoy lazy, easy movies. I work with my brains all day at the office, I just want something silly to make me relax when I get home. I most likely will be doing chores or preparing for the next day while the movie is on, so I don’t want to watch something that requires my full attention.” – Philomena
“African audiences enjoy everything! They watch all kinds of genre. However, musicals are not popular here, but if a good one is done, we will watch.” – Arinola
What are your favorite black stories?
