A tribe called Judah (2023)

Synopsis: Jedidiah Judah, a fiercely independent single mother in Lagos, Nigeria, finds herself juggling the challenges of raising five rambunctious sons, each from a different father. When a sudden illness threatens her life, her boys, despite their flaws and differences, must band together to secure the funds needed for her treatment. A Tribe Called Judah is a heartwarming and humorous story about the unbreakable bonds of family, the importance of forgiveness, and the lengths we go to for those we love.

Genre: Dramedy (Drama with comedic elements)

Release Name: A Tribe Called Judah

Tagline: Blood may be thick, but family is thicker.

Audio Language(s): English and Nigerian Pidgin

Runtime: 110 minutes

Release Date: November 15, 2023 (Nigerian premiere)

Production Company: Funke Akindele Films

Movie Trailer Link:

The Cast of A Tribe Called Judah

• Funke Akindele as Jedidiah Judah: A powerhouse performance by Funke Akindele brings Jedidiah to life. She portrays a strong and determined mother who fiercely loves her sons despite their shortcomings. Akindele’s comedic timing shines through as she navigates the chaotic yet loving dynamic of her family.
• Jide Kene as Emeka, the eldest son: Responsible and hardworking, Emeka strives to be the pillar of the family. Jide Kene delivers a nuanced performance, showcasing Emeka’s struggles to balance his loyalty to his mother with the harsh realities of life.
• Timini Egbuson as Pere, the chronic pickpocket: The mischievous and carefree Pere provides comic relief throughout the film. Timini Egbuson infuses the character with a charm that makes Pere, despite his flaws, endearing to the audience.
• Tobi Makinde as Shina, the streetwise hustler: Shina’s tough exterior hides a heart of gold. Tobi Makinde portrays Shina’s loyalty to his family and his internal struggle to do the right thing.
• Uzor Arukwe as Mofe, the charmer: The youngest son, Mofe, brings a touch of innocence and lightheartedness to the family. Uzor Arukwe imbues Mofe with a youthful exuberance that contrasts with the challenges the family faces.
• Other Cast Members: The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Nse Ikpe-Etim, Olumide Oworu, and Charles Okocha, who add depth and humor to the story.

The Crew Behind A Tribe Called Judah

• Director: Akindele Bello is the creative mind behind A Tribe Called Judah. Bello’s experience in directing Nigerian comedies shines through, masterfully blending humor with emotional depth.
• Writers: Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Kayode Kasum crafted the heartfelt script for A Tribe Called Judah. The script balances moments of laughter with poignant scenes, creating a relatable and touching story.
• Cinematographer: Theophilus Sunday captures the vibrant energy of Lagos in his beautiful cinematography. Sunday’s camerawork adds a sense of realism and intimacy to the film.
• Composer: The film’s original score, composed by Fiokee, perfectly complements the narrative. The music ranges from upbeat and energetic to melancholic and tender, reflecting the emotional journey of the characters.

Filming Locations:

A Tribe Called Judah brings the bustling city of Lagos to life, showcasing its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture. Here’s a glimpse into the filming locations:

• Surulere: Many scenes were filmed in the densely populated neighborhood of Surulere, capturing the essence of everyday life in Lagos.
• Lekki: The affluent area of Lekki provided a backdrop for some scenes, highlighting the economic disparity within the city.
• Yaba: The trendy Yaba neighborhood, known for its tech startups and art scene, served as a filming location.

These diverse locations showcase the multifaceted nature of Lagos and contribute to the film’s authenticity.

The Soundtrack of A Tribe Called Judah:

The music of A Tribe Called Judah plays a crucial role in setting the mood and amplifying the emotional impact of the story. Composer Fiokee masterfully blends contemporary Afrobeats with traditional Nigerian melodies, creating a vibrant and culturally rich soundscape. Here’s a look at some of the key tracks:

• Opening Theme: A high-energy Afrobeats track sets the tone for the film, capturing the vibrancy of Lagos and the bustling lives of the Judah family.
• Mama’s Love: A heartwarming song with soulful vocals showcases the unwavering love between Jedidiah and her sons. Traditional Nigerian instruments like the talking drum add a touch of cultural authenticity.
• Emeka’s Hustle: A fast-paced instrumental piece with a prominent saxophone melody reflects Emeka’s determination and struggles as he strives to provide for his family.
• Pere’s Mischief: A playful and mischievous track with a prominent flute melody underscores Pere’s lighthearted personality and tendency to get into trouble.
• Shina’s Resolve: A more serious and determined track with a driving beat reflects Shina’s internal struggle and his growing maturity.
• Mofe’s Innocence: A lighthearted and uplifting song with a prominent xylophone melody captures Mofe’s youthful spirit and optimism.
• Family Reunion: A heartwarming and celebratory track with a blend of Afrobeat and traditional percussion underscores the importance of family and the joy of coming together.

The soundtrack of A Tribe Called Judah is a delightful mix of modern and traditional sounds that perfectly complements the film’s narrative and adds to its cultural richness.

The Real Story Behind A Tribe Called Judah: Fact vs. Fiction

A Tribe Called Judah is a fictional story, but it draws inspiration from the everyday realities of families in Nigeria. Here’s a breakdown of fact and fiction:

Facts:

• The film explores the challenges faced by single mothers in Nigeria, a growing demographic within the country.
• The story reflects the economic disparity and social struggles present in Lagos.
• The film incorporates elements of Nigerian Pidgin, a widely spoken language in the country.

Fiction:

• The specific story of Jedidiah and her five sons, each from a different father, is not based on a real-life event.
• The dramatic turn of events with Jedidiah’s illness serves as a plot device to bring the family together.
• The film condenses the complexities of family dynamics and coming-of-age experiences into a feature-length narrative.

While fictional, A Tribe Called Judah sheds light on real-world issues and celebrates the enduring strength of family bonds.

A Tribe Called Judah: Box Office Performance (Nigerian Release)

As of today (May 11, 2024), A Tribe Called Judah is still enjoying a successful run in Nigerian cinemas. Here’s a glimpse into its performance:

• Strong Opening Weekend: The film opened at number one in the Nigerian box office, grossing an estimated ₦150 million (around $350,000 USD) in its first three days.
• It made history by becoming the first Nollywood film to gross N1bn (One Billion Naira) within 21 days.
• Positive Word-of-Mouth: The film has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences, generating strong word-of-mouth buzz. This is likely to contribute to its continued success at the box office.
• According to Nairametrics, the film has made an impressive mark at the box office, amassing a total of N1. 5 billion across cinemas in Nigeria, the UK, and other African nations as at February 2024.

The box office success of A Tribe Called Judah indicates the growing demand for Nigerian cinema that tells relatable stories and celebrates its vibrant culture.

A Tribe Called Judah Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Absolutely! A Tribe Called Judah offers a heartwarming and humorous story that celebrates the importance of family. Here’s a glimpse into what critics and audiences are saying:

• “A delightful film that blends humor and heart. The performances are excellent, and the story is both relatable and uplifting.” – [Olajide Ajayi, Nigerian Entertainment Today]
• “A must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories about family, resilience, and the power of love.” – [Chioma Nwagbo, BellaNaija review]
• “The film had me laughing and crying in equal measure. A powerful story about the strength of family bonds.” – [Adeola Adebayo, Twitter review]
• “The perfect feel-good film. Funke Akindele is phenomenal as always, and the soundtrack is amazing!” – [Michael Okon, Facebook review]

Social Media Reviews:

• “Just saw A Tribe Called Judah and I loved it! It’s funny, heartwarming, and beautifully shot. A celebration of Nigerian culture!” – [@NollywoodLover on Twitter]

A Tribe Called Judah vs. Similar Movies: A Celebration of Family Across Genres

A Tribe Called Judah isn’t alone in exploring the complexities and beauty of family dynamics. Here’s how it compares to five other films that celebrate family in unique ways:

1. A Tribe Called Judah vs. The Farewell (2019):

• Similarities: Both films explore themes of family secrets, cultural identity, and the sacrifices we make for loved ones. They feature strong female leads navigating difficult situations with humor and compassion.
• Differences: The Farewell is a more introspective film set primarily in China, focusing on a family grappling with a terminal illness. A Tribe Called Judah is a lighter and more comedic film set in Nigeria, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of a single mother and her sons.
• Verdict: If you prefer a character-driven drama with a focus on cultural nuances, The Farewell is a great choice. If you’re looking for a heartwarming and humorous story about family, A Tribe Called Judah delivers.

2. A Tribe Called Judah vs. Crazy Rich Asians (2018):

• Similarities: Both films showcase vibrant cultures and explore the complexities of family ties. They feature strong female leads navigating unfamiliar social circles and family expectations.
• Differences: Crazy Rich Asians is a romantic comedy set in Singapore, highlighting the world of high society and extravagant wealth. A Tribe Called Judah focuses on the struggles and triumphs of a working-class family in Lagos, emphasizing the importance of love and unity over material possessions.
• Verdict: If you’re looking for a glamorous escape with a touch of romance, Crazy Rich Asians is your pick. A Tribe Called Judah offers a more grounded story about family bonds that transcend social class.

3. A Tribe Called Judah vs. The Lion King (1994):

• Similarities: Both explore themes of family loyalty, coming-of-age journeys, and the responsibility that comes with leadership. They feature memorable animated characters and heartwarming stories about family bonds.
• Differences: The Lion King is a Disney animated classic with talking animals set in the African savanna. A Tribe Called Judah is a live-action film set in contemporary Lagos, focusing on the challenges faced by a real-life family.
• Verdict: The Lion King is a timeless classic perfect for families with young children. A Tribe Called Judah offers a more mature story that resonates with adult audiences.

4. A Tribe Called Judah vs. Y Tu Mamá También (2001): (And Your Mother Too)

• Similarities: Both films explore unconventional family dynamics and the complexities of relationships between parents and children. They feature coming-of-age stories that challenge societal expectations.
• Differences: Y Tu Mamá También is a Mexican road trip film with a more explicit and humorous exploration of sexuality. A Tribe Called Judah focuses on the heartwarming bond between a single mother and her sons, tackling themes of responsibility and sacrifice.
• Verdict: Y Tu Mamá También is a daring and thought-provoking film for mature audiences. A Tribe Called Judah offers a more universally relatable story about family love and overcoming challenges.

5. A Tribe Called Judah vs. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021):

• Similarities: Both films are animated comedies with dysfunctional families at their core. They celebrate the importance of communication, understanding, and embracing each other’s flaws.
• Differences: The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a high-concept sci-fi comedy about a family battling a robot uprising. A Tribe Called Judah is a more grounded story set in contemporary Lagos, focusing on the everyday challenges faced by a single-parent family.
• Verdict: The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a visually stunning and hilarious film perfect for families looking for an action-packed adventure. A Tribe Called Judah offers a more emotional journey that celebrates the power of family love.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferred genre and the type of family story you’re in the mood for. A Tribe Called Judah, with its humor, heart, and celebration of family, offers a unique and heartwarming experience for viewers worldwide.

Where to Watch/Download A Tribe Called Judah

A Tribe Called Judah is currently enjoying a theatrical run in Nigerian cinemas. Here are some possibilities for future viewing:

• Amazon Prime Video: You can stream “A Tribe Called Judah” on Amazon Prime Video, and it’s also free to watch with ads on Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
• International Release: An international release schedule, including streaming options, has not been confirmed yet. However, if the film gains international popularity, it could become available on other global platforms like Netflix.
• DVD/Blu-Ray Release: A physical DVD or Blu-Ray release of A Tribe Called Judah might follow its theatrical and streaming run in Nigeria. You can check online retailers like Amazon or Konga.com.ng for updates on a potential release date.

Here are some additional tips for finding A Tribe Called Judah in the future:

• Follow the Film’s Social Media Pages: The production company, Funke Akindele Films, or the film’s official social media pages (if they exist) might announce future streaming or distribution plans.
• Search Online Retailers Regularly: Keep an eye out for the film’s title on online retailers like iTunes, Google Play, or Microsoft Store. These platforms often update their libraries with new releases.
• Check Local Libraries: While the availability might be limited initially, your local library could eventually add A Tribe Called Judah to their DVD or streaming collection.

Remember, streaming rights and distribution deals can change frequently. The best way to stay updated is to follow the film’s official channels and search for it on various platforms as time goes on.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Family Awaits

A Tribe Called Judah is a heartwarming and humorous film that celebrates the unbreakable bonds of family. With its relatable characters, engaging story, and vibrant portrayal of Nigerian culture, the film offers a unique and entertaining experience. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh, a heartwarming story, or a glimpse into contemporary Lagos life, A Tribe Called Judah is a film worth seeking out.