The New Kings of Nigeria
TIME OUT - Pick of the Day
"In the modern city, a prince is only as big as his wallet," reflects Walter, halfway through Storyville's intriguing documentary about Nigeria's 'new kings': the media-savvy, sharp-talking professionals of Nigeria's urban elite. Privately educated in England, Walter has returned to his homeland to reclaim his family's distinguished lineage: his great grandfather Jaja was a nineteenth-century slave who rose up to become a king before being kidnapped by the British.
Walter leads us on an enjoyable romp through modern Lagos, where he is making his name as the voice of 'Big Brother Nigeria', and where his money and contacts open up a wealth of opportunities. Scenes of Champagne-quaffing, polo-playing, hard-partying media types juxtaposed with gritty street life speak for themselves...
THE TELEGRAPH - Choice
Elizabeth Stopford's film follows the personable Walter, a Nigerian educated in the English public school system, who has returned to be a part of Lagos' burgeoning media world. His great-grandfather was a slave turned king, but as Walter achieves fame via reality shows, he is torn between enjoying life amongst Nigeria's elite and wanting to help the less fortunate.
THE TIMES - Choice
Jaja was a 19th-century slave who rose up to become a king in Nigeria before being ousted by the British. This hugely entertaining film follows Walter, Jaja's great-grandson and heir to the throne, as he returns to his homeland, where his English public school accent lands him the job as the voice of Nigerian 'Big Brother'.