Jigan Olayemi’s ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ: Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Storytelling
Ediale Kingsley sits with Jigan Oluwasesan Olayemi, a renowned film producer, cinematographer, and video editor.
Jigan Oluwasesan Olayemi
Over his latest project titled ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ. The experienced film producer completed his primary and secondary education in Lagos, Nigeria, and went further to acquire more skills in film making at Allen Inc. Studios, Lagos, Nigeria.
With a passion for creating exceptional, motivating, and educational content, Sesan has made significant contributions to the film industry.
His work reflects his commitment to upholding the moral and cultural values of the society, showcasing the richness and diversity of different cultures.
Sesan’s talent and expertise have taken him across borders, as he has produced contents in over 12 countries. His international experiences have broadened his perspective and allowed him to collaborate with diverse talents from around the world.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, Sesan has been honoured with the prestigious Loveworld Media Award. This award serves as a testament to his dedication, creativity, and impact in the film industry.
Jigan Oluwasesan Olayemi continues to inspire and entertain audiences with his remarkable storytelling abilities and his commitment to producing high-quality content that leaves a lasting impression.
In this interview he tells Daily Times about the essence as well as the making of ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ.
How does “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ” ensure that the complex information derived from historical research is conveyed effectively and quickly to its audience, beyond just being entertaining?
We focus on crafting a clear narrative that connects with the audience’s existing knowledge and interests.
We also Utilized storytelling techniques to highlight key points, allowing it audiences to distill complexity into digestible pieces, in the shortest dramatization which ensures that it audiences can grasp and appreciate the richness of the historical context without feeling overwhelmed.
Given that each episode is self-contained and focuses on a specific proverb, what is the process for selecting which proverbs to feature and how is their historical context researched and integrated into the real-life scenarios?
Selecting proverbs for each episode typically involves curating those with profound cultural significance and relatable themes. The research team delves into historical sources, exploring the proverb’s origins and societal impact, ensuring authenticity. This context is creatively woven into real-life scenarios, illustrating timeless wisdom while resonating with contemporary audiences.
Saheed Apanpa has directed over 50 films. How has his experience from directing previous films, particularly those with diverse themes like “Homeless Home” or “Devil’s Orchard,” influenced his approach to directing a culturally rich and fact-based series like “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ”?
Saheed Apanpa’s extensive experience in directing films with diverse themes has likely honed his ability to craft narratives that deeply resonate with audiences. Over the years, Apanpa has developed a nuanced understanding of storytelling that is both impactful and reflective of real-world experiences.
This background equips him with a unique perspective, enhancing his capability to direct “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ,” a series focused on cultural richness and factual accuracy.
His previous works drives a sophisticated blend of artistic expression and cultural representation, essential for authentically conveying the series’ themes to a broad audience.
Jigan Ruth Oluwatosin aims to merge her event experience with film to create immersive cinematic experiences. How has her background in event decoration and management contributed to the overall production quality and the “ancient, epic atmosphere” described for “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ”?
Ruth’s expertise in event decoration and design allows her to meticulously craft visually stunning environments that embody the epic, ancient atmosphere of “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ.”
Her proficiency in crafting ensures that every element is thoughtfully constructed, offering audiences a tangible connection to the narrative’s cultural roots.
Furthermore, her management skills ensure seamless coordination, resulting in productions that are as organized as they are visually captivating, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
With both Jigan Ruth Oluwatosin and Jigan Oluwasesan Olayemi serving as Executive Producers, what is the collaborative dynamic between them, and how do their individual strengths (event management/cultural promotion and cinematography/motivational content) synergize for this project?
Jigan Ruth Oluwatosin and Jigan Oluwasesan Olayemi create a compelling executive team, harnessing their distinct skills to enhance the project. Oluwatosin’s expertise in event management and cultural promotion provides a solid foundation for engaging audiences and crafting memorable experiences.
Meanwhile, Olayemi’s talent in cinematography and motivational content brings a visual flair and inspirational messaging to the forefront. Together, they form a strategic partnership where each complements the other’s strengths, leading to a dynamic and holistic approach that enriches and elevates their joint endeavors.
Owen Gee is known for pioneering skit-making and comedy. How does his unique background as a comedian and entertainer contribute to his role as an Associate Producer, particularly in a drama series focused on historical lessons and moral values?
As pioneering figure in Nigerian entertainment, known for his work as a comedian, actor, talk show host, and producer. Owen Gee played a key role in developing modern television skits and has created over 120 skits for MNET, particularly during Africa Magic’s early years. He also produced and starred in successful Nollywood films like 200 Million and Don’t Dull, and hosted the talk show Buzz Live with Owen Gee.
Owen Gee’s experience in skit-making and comedy brings a distinctive approach to storytelling that enriches his role as an Associate Producer of the drama series. His comedic background enables him to infuse fresh perspectives and innovative narrative techniques, making historical and moral themes more engaging and relatable for audiences.
This unique blend of humor and drama truly enhanced the emotional depth and entertainment value of the series, effectively communicating complex historical lessons and moral values.
The series emphasizes “healthy social values” and “good morals.” Can you provide an example of a specific Yoruba proverb featured in an episode and explain how its historical context is used to teach a contemporary moral or social lesson?
The Yoruba proverb “Ogbon ju agbara lo,” which translates to “Wisdom is greater than strength,” is beautifully incorporated into the series to convey an important lesson.
Historically, this saying emphasizes the value of intelligence and strategic thinking over mere physical prowess, reflecting the societal respect for elders, who are considered wise due to their life experiences.
In the contemporary setting of the series, this proverb is used to illustrate that true power lies not in brute force but in thoughtful decision-making and understanding. It teaches viewers that in today’s world, solving problems with patience and wisdom often leads to more sustainable and positive outcomes than relying solely on force or aggression.
Considering the production was shot in a remote village in Abeokuta with kutcha structures, how did the crew overcome potential logistical challenges (e.g., power, equipment transport, accommodation) to maintain production quality and schedule?
In tackling logistical challenges, the crew employed creative solutions, such as using portable generators to ensure a reliable power source. We carefully planned equipment transport, possibly relying on local vehicles and hiring transportation services familiar with the terrain.
For accommodation, temporary structures and local facilities were adapted to house the crew comfortably, allowing the production to proceed smoothly while maintaining high quality and adhering to the schedule.
The “Life Nugget” mentions exploring emotional depth and human connections through universal themes. How does “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ” ensure that these universal themes resonate with a global audience while still being deeply rooted in Yoruba history and proverbs?
ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ achieves this balance by weaving universally relatable emotions into the fabric of Yoruba history and proverbs, allowing viewers worldwide to connect with its narratives.
By capturing the essence of shared human experiences, such as love, resilience, and community, and expressing them through culturally rich illustrations and contexts, it creates a bridge between personal and collective understandings.
This approach ensures that while the themes are deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, they transcend borders, inviting a global audience to find common ground in the tapestry of human stories.
What are the long-term goals for “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ” beyond its initial release, such as distribution plans, potential for educational outreach, or future seasons exploring more proverbs and historical periods?
The long-term goals for “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ” include widening its distribution to reach a global audience interested in Yoruba culture and language.
There are plans for educational outreach programs that integrate its content into school curricula to enrich learning experiences. Additionally, future seasons will further delve deeper into a variety of proverbs and explore different historical periods, offering a broader cultural perspective and engaging storytelling.
