Preye Blessing Odibo has carved a niche as a series producer and content developer. She shares her experience as the Series Producer of ‘Wura’. She also underscores the significance of teamwork, adaptability, organisational and leadership skills in television and film productions, writes DAMIETE BRAIDE
Just before the premiere of ‘Wura’ was a private screening hosted by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II).
The Ooni, his wives, Olori Tobi Philips Ogunwusi, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, Olori Afolashade Ogunwusi, and ‘Wura’ stars Scarlet Gomez, Yomi Fash-Lanso and Ego Iheanacho, along with other members of the cast and crew, attended the screening on Thursday, January 19, 2023, which was one of the elements of the show’s launch.
The Ooni was pleased with the episodes and commended Showmax and the producers at the screening, noting that the show was well put together and professionally done.
“I’m very impressed, and I rarely get impressed with things. I love the naturalistic effect of the series. It premiered to me at the palace, and I could barely find any faults. I have to give the entire crew some major credit. The story is very well scripted, and that’s the typical determination you find in any Nigerian. It’s a show that will impact society, not only in Ife. I look forward to watching the rest of it because it’s very obvious that it’s a series that will address a lot of societal ills and will engage the citizenry as a whole.”
When it premiered, it was greeted with critical acclaim and a rousing reception.
Set against the backdrop of the gold mining industry in Osun State, Nigeria, ‘Wura’, a Showmax first Nigerian Original, which is now streaming with new episodes available Mondays to Thursday weekly, tells the story of Wura-Amoo Adeleke, a perfect wife, a loving mother of two, and the ruthless Chief Executive Officer of the fictional Frontline Gold Mine. In the eyes of her family, Wura is faultless and a saint, but when it comes to running her business empire, she is the ultimate “iron lady” who doesn’t care whose ox is gored as she works towards getting what she wants.
For Preye Blessing Odibo, the Series Producer of ‘Wura’, providing high production standards, captivating scripts, and preserving the core identity of the show is essential for retaining viewers in the long run. Imperative also is that a program should mirror societal realities and contemporary trends while establishing a personal connection with its audience.
Also, according to Odibo, strong acting, humour, drama, or suspense foster a dedicated fanbase that consistently returns. The capacity to adapt to audience preferences and industry shifts, an area in Odibo that has also excelled, is vital for
maintaining relevance in a constantly evolving entertainment environment. By integrating these factors, a television show can cultivate enduring appeal and sustain robust viewer engagement. All of these are quite evident in ‘Wura’.
“One notable recent project that has significantly impacted my career is Wura, which garnered exceptional success and international acclaim,” she says.
“As the inaugural telenovela for Showmax and an adaptation of the acclaimed South African series ‘The River’, ‘Wura’ represented a pioneering endeavour. The first season received extensive praise globally, highlighting the appetite for rich, locally inspired narratives that possess universal relevance. Leading this production marked a pivotal moment in my career, as it necessitated a careful balance between cultural authenticity and high production standards to craft a captivating, binge-worthy series.”
The project demonstrated Odibo’s capability to deliver a high stake as a Series Producer, gripping the narrative on an international platform and underscoring the increasing global fascination with African storytelling. Also, what makes ‘Wura’ relatable is that the name Iperindo is an actual local government in Ife, so both the town name and the script are real. There is a mining site in Iperindo, so it brings the series closer to home and reality.
Also, the project exemplifies her dedication to creating high-quality, impactful content that resonates with audiences around the world.
She notes that success in the entertainment industry as a producer, content creator, or actor requires creativity, leadership, adaptability, and business acumen, stressing that producers need strong organisational and leadership skills to manage productions, along with problem-solving, budgeting, and negotiation abilities for logistics and finances.
The list also includes prioritising creativity and originality, understanding audience preferences, and being adaptable to technology to produce engaging content.
The production of Wura marked a significant milestone in her professional journey, demonstrating her capability to manage extensive, location-based projects while ensuring engaging narratives.
As she notes, the success of ‘Wura’ paved the way for enhanced opportunities, including my role as the line producer for the Netflix original film Hijack 93. Furthermore, I was part of the production team for the Pan-African film shot in Namibia (Skeleton Coast), which featured renowned international actors from Africa and the USA, including Eric Roberts and Thapelo Mokoena. These experiences have deepened my knowledge of global productions, solidifying my presence in the international film sector.
“Watching a diverse range of content allows me to study storytelling techniques, character development, and industry trends. I also spend time reading books and conducting research, which helps broaden my perspective and fuels my creativity. These quiet moments of observation and learning contribute to my ability to craft engaging narratives and manage productions with depth and authenticity. And, of course, I love to sleep, sleep is essential, it allows me to recharge, ensuring that I bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to every project I take on.”
Reflecting on her career, Odibo says she takes great pride in the resilience, creativity, and leadership she has demonstrated throughout various projects, from producing “The Johnsons,” which garnered multiple awards across Nigeria, to the acclaimed TV series “Wura,” a pioneering telenovela for Showmax, and other Africa Magic productions.
“I have been involved in significant works like
‘Voiceless: The Boko Haram Story’, and others.”
Significantly, Odibo’s efforts have consistently challenged norms, showcasing that African narratives can resonate on a global platform. As a female producer navigating a challenging industry, her legacy centres on dismantling barriers and fostering opportunities for others in film and television, particularly for women.
“I aspire to be remembered as a storyteller of impactful, culturally significant narratives, a mentor to emerging talents, and a contributor to the industry’s evolution through excellence and innovation. Ultimately, I hope my work continues to inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression, demonstrating that with passion and determination, anything is achievable.