An Encounter with C.J. Obasi & his Mami Wata

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by Oladele Bello

I first experienced C. J. “Fiery” Obasi’s Mami Wata during its limited nationwide release. It was the evening of September 23rd, 2023 at EbonyLife Cinemas, Victoria Island, Lagos, and I was immediately captivated by its stunning black-and-white visuals and compelling storytelling. Importantly, I was struck by the film’s resounding yet subtle statement. Watching the film reaffirmed my desire to make films, and it wasn’t just the film, it was the conversations it sparked within me. The film made me ask: “Do I really want to make films?”, “Can I patiently hold onto a vision for years – as Obasi did with his script for 7 years?”,What is this film’s statement!?” and “In all of this, what is the role of the industry in which I operate?”. The film instructed me to sit, and patiently enjoy the story being narrated. 

L-R (Martini Akande, Daniel Okechukwu, Biye “Kaizen” Adeitan, Seyi Lasisi, Oladele Bello)

After the screening, I went outside the cinema hall and had the pleasure of being amongst some brilliant creatives; Film critic Seyi Lasisi, Film Editor Martini Akande (Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos), Nollywood’s finest poster designer, Iyebiye Adeitan (Kaizen), and Daniel Okechukwu, co-founder (IN Nollywood).  What began as a casual conversation became an intense two-hour discussion.  We talked our way into the relevance of the film’s themes, its artistic approach, and the film’s reception in Nigeria in contrast to the global stage, we spoke about the broader film culture of Nollywood—the past, present, and future—and what the film and its success mean to young creatives like me. Here in Nigeria, there are more films I would never wish to make than films I would wish to have made. So, most of the time, I overthink, trying to imagine the reception my films would get. Truly, I’ve been experimenting quite a lot with film, as a filmmaker and a video artist, but the conversation with my colleagues adjusted my trajectory. The success of Mami Wata isn’t just a beacon of possibilities; it also sheds light on the kind of work that needs to be done.

The second time I watched Mami Wata was at Alliance Française in Ikoyi during the S16 Film Festival, 2023. This time, I attended alone. The film’s brilliance struck me just as deeply as the first time. Again, I am reminded of C.J. Obasi’s simple story narrated like nothing I’ve seen before. The film did feel like folklore, a tale under the moonlight, and this time, I was convinced, I could feel the rush of courage and stubbornness behind the vision. Again, I was heavy with thoughts about my career in the film. A post-screening conversation between Abba T. Makama and Obasi opened my eyes. Although I had many questions,  I couldn’t bring myself to speak—it’s a bad habit I’m learning to overcome. I don’t particularly appreciate talking into the mic. Without anyone to share my thoughts with afterward, I lingered around the venue quietly after the discussion. While people networked outside the hall, I sipped a cocktail, observing and waiting to book a ride home. Then, as if by fate, I saw Obasi approaching. Initially, I assumed he was heading back to the hall, but to my surprise, he approached me.  

“Have we met before?” he asked.  

Starstruck and slightly confused, I muttered something about connecting on social media and mentioned that I followed him on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Our conversation began casually, and he asked me if I had seen the film that evening. I told him it was my second experience, which surprised and delighted him enough to hug me. I was in awe and found the courage to share my thoughts on Mami Wata.  

I confessed that, to me, the film felt like a creative flex—a masterful display of storytelling prowess that seemed almost too effortless. He laughed and acknowledged my perspective but explained that the story was more important to him than creating a “flex.” That brief exchange made me feel seen and heard, but what followed truly stayed with me.  

“What do you do?” he asked, patting me on the back as he led me to sit with him.  

We went back and forth as he helped me see the intention behind some of his filmmaking choices. It was more of a blend of faith and logic. According to him, from inception, he had wanted a female cinematographer. When the Brazilian Lilis Soares was recommended to him as a potential female cinematographer, the name stood out. Instinctively, he just knew Soares would be the one. He also shared with me how, during their first conversations, Soares mentioned how she had dreamt she would work on a film about the Mami Wata deity.

We talked some more, and he enthusiastically stretched the importance of having a community of people who believe in you and your work. His wife and creative partner Oge Obasi was the core reference. In speaking about how they creatively support each other, he told me how after writing a script, Oge hawked it around searching for potential investors.  Another important message that stood out from that conversation was the importance of having a tribe. Young filmmakers shouldn’t be too eager to work with the big shots, and I understood it. As young artists, we must open our eyes and arms to our peers, who share the same goals and collaborate with them. These are people who become the “big shots” tomorrow. In moments like this, I’m grateful for my creative partner (Tolu Akande) and for the Film Rats Community where we’ve learned to grow over the years. I resonated deeply with the need to belong to such a community.   

Over the next two hours, C.J. Obasi shared his experiences as a filmmaker. We talked about the intricacies of being a Nigerian filmmaker, the essence of vision as an artist, and the joys and struggles of the craft—struggles I could relate to.   “If you’re not scared of it, then it’s not worth doing,” he said when I opened up about my fears and anxieties as a young filmmaker. He encouraged me to use my fear as a tool rather than letting it torment me. I just knew patience was all it took. It was a subtle theme from the beginning of our conversation till the end of it.

Obasi’s words have stayed with me ever since. Not only did he share creative insights with me,  he validated my aspirations and fears and left me inspired to push forward despite the challenges. For anyone who dreams of creating, this is a reminder to stay curious, brave, and most importantly remain true to your voice. Because, as Obasi showed me, those stories are worth telling.

I met him again at the 2024 Surreal16 film festival, and…

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