What Does Afamefuna Teach Us About The Igbo Apprenticeship System?
There’s something you need to know,
When I discussed the Igba boy system, AKA the Igbo apprenticeship system (IAS) in a previous article, I intended to elaborate on how this system is responsible for breeding the most tenacious entrepreneurs and business tycoons in Nigeria. More importantly, I sought to explore the social implications and current status of the IAS in a technologically driven world. To get a holistic view, I recommend you check out my previous article before going further. (check it out here)
As a movie buff, I think movies are conduits to a different world where different possibilities are taken into account. Certain selections represent our reality, while others aim to elicit a response by presenting you with the reality of someone else. Yes, that worked for me; I have a response. Recently, Kayode Kasum directed a movie called Afamefuna: The Nwa Boy Story. A movie amongst the Top 10 movies on Netflix Nigeria, to explain the Igbo apprenticeship system. While the movie was filled with other elements like love, betrayal, faithful stewardship, etc., I chose to focus on the parts that glorify or diminish the IAS, as the case may be.
Afamefuna is a name that belongs to the Igbos of South Eastern Nigeria, and its meaning in English translates to ‘Let my name not be forgotten’. Such a name could only be befitting for a movie about the igba boy story. Kayode Kasum deserves high credit for his role in retaining cultural authenticity by incorporating the native tongue. Anything less would have undermined the film’s purpose. I was impressed by the great ensemble cast, which included Stan Nze, Alex Ekubo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Atlanta Bridget, and many more, who all more than deserved their parts in the film.
Here are the interesting aspects of the film that merit discussion.
INTERDEPENDENCE:
The Igbo Apprenticeship structure is renowned for its system of business-to-business cooperative and interdependent structure. This is demonstrated in a situation where the businessman directs the customer to another store for a desired consumer good that is not available in their shop. Although it may be seen as commonplace, it is deeply ingrained in the IAS due to the importance of brotherhood and the conviction that “we all win”, by contributing to the wealth and prosperity of one another. This is demonstrated in a scene where a customer asks for a towel, but Paul tells Afam to go find someone who sells towels and fetch it for the customer even though they only sell building supplies. Customers are left with a sense of trust and are reminded to use the first contact’s products at any time they need them. This approach demonstrates concern and kindness towards customers, ultimately fostering loyalty. Without a doubt, the client will come back if they want building supplies.
HUMAN CHARACTER:
The protagonist, Afamefuna, is portrayed as a person with the right morals, commendable by any employer. He’s down-to-earth, loyal, and meek. The Nwa boys are bred to stand with their masters in good and tough times, always seeking their prosperity. This loyalty may even result in violence if necessary, particularly in cases of physical threat or intimidation. We see this in the scene where Afam reached out to the customs office in a successful attempt to release Odogwu’s confiscated goods. The Nwa boy is indoctrinated to prioritize the master’s success because their success is intertwined.
APRIKO (HOW THE WORLD WORKS):
Certain commodities have a fixed price regardless of where they are purchased, which is a feature of price fixing in any business. Businessmen may raise prices for certain items, even when they are the same due to various factors. In the movie, the act of increasing prices due to other factors is called ‘Apriko’. Let’s explain this. A manufacturer that produces consumer goods at a location conveniently situated in a place close to some wholesalers within the vicinity. The wholesaler can afford to sell at a reasonable price compared to other business owners that stay far from the manufacturing or procurement site. This is the proximity/transportation factor, and it plays a huge role in the business chain. This practice is justified as businesses incur expenses like packaging materials, rental space, manpower, and settling of unauthorized agencies (in our wonderful country). It only becomes imperative to make up for these factors by increasing the prices in a way that is bearable for both the business owner and the consumer. This is not a bad thing. In the movie, we see a case when Afam confronts Obum for inflating prices, but his master explains the process, to ensure that Afam understands that the act is not wrong, but its abuse.
Furthermore, to digress from the educative aspect of the movie, the drama was something worthwhile too, it had its moments. Like how Afam and Paul’s Relationship turned sour after Afam was settled before Paul who had been with the Master longer than Afam. It speaks to the level of excellence Afam carried to be favored instead of Paul. The Love Triangle between Afam, Paul, and Amaka was weird because clearly, Amaka had no romantic feelings for Afam, none that I detected anyway. Just mutual brother-sister relations, like a “I’m-there-for-you, you’re-there-for-me”, kind of thing. Afam, in my opinion, went for it despite Paul’s relationship with her. Amaka’s character flaw of being manipulated and used by Paul to steal from her Father and not knowing the baby of her child until Afam revealed the results of a secret DNA test.
Although the emotional drama did not appeal to me, I felt it could have been better. The portrayal of the Igbo Apprenticeship system piqued my interest. The current situation of the IAS is not as prominent as it used to be, but it has its values. In a world that is rapidly changing, movies allow us to use the wisdom of the old ways to increase our impact as businessmen, leaders, social innovators, and changemakers.
It was a good watch
Talk to you Soon.
