TOYIN ABRAHAM'S IJAKUMO: A STORY OF LOVE, BETRAYAL AND REVENGE

 

Ijakumo - The Born Again Stripper is a story of love, betrayal, religious facade, revenge, and feminist triumph. Ijakumo is a brilliantly written story with lush and tasteful cinematography. It parades amazing talents who bring on board their A- Game.

Take or leave it, Ijakumo is one of the best told Yoruba/English story that didn't lose its spice and soul to what you could call Yoruba normative storytelling pattern. The score "Orun Yabo" is a perfect one for the fight scene. Nothing else could have immerse audience and make perfect impression for a story of that nature coming to an end the way it did. Ijakumo made a profound statement and clearly stamped Toyin Abraham's feet in a world of rare cinematic magic. Among those who transition to Yoruba, then to English, then a blend of both - Toyin Abraham solidifies herself.

A sophisticated film belonging to its own class. Beautiful set designs, superlative command of Yoruba and English lexicons. Kunle Remi is in a class of his own, young, dexterous and sophisticated. Indeed, he has come to stay and loft he keeps soaring with every new challenge. For those complaining about Toyin Abraham's acting. There's nothing wrong with it. She pulled a stunning performance and absolutely within range. Her usual "Omo Aye or Omo Igboro" role is unreflective here. I think, she's underrated. She deserves her flowers for an absolutely beautiful performance. Kudos to Toyin Abraham.

I was hoping to see more of Daddy, Antar Laniyan. He isn't in his usual elements. The story didn't give him new challenge and didn't allow him explode characteristically as always. Regardless, baba is a legend. Just before I forget, Sharon deserves her flowers. She's beyond a stripper. She's a sexual wonder. Something alluring, endearing with too much danger trapped within her. She's a pungent evil. I wasn't surprised. Give it to her! Chief Ifeanyi is worthy of mention too for a seamless, very sweetening and funny command of Igbo language, he matches this with effortless acting.

I rate this movie 10/10.