Ajosepo review

Ajosepo tells the story of Tani and Dapo, a young couple preparing for their wedding. As both families gather in the bride’s family home for the festivities, tensions arise and secrets emerge that threaten to ruin their marriage forever. The film, directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Dare Olaitan and Stephen Okonkwo, features Yemi Solade, Ronke Oshodi, Timini Egbuson, Mike Afolarin, Tomike Adeoye, and Bolaji Ogunmola, amongst others.

What I liked

The story

I really enjoyed the story and the way everything unfolded. I laughed uncontrollably from the beginning to the end. It wasn’t just funny, it was so well done and taught so many lessons about cultural nuances and family dynamics. The different stages of the film were very clear — after being introduced to the characters and their families, we transitioned into the special world with the magun incident and they didn’t disappoint with the drama. It was also refreshing to see that the issues were between two Yoruba families so it was not the usual inter tribal war, it was focused. I have one question though — why must there always be drama at weddings?

Themes

There were strong themes explored such as:

The issues in broken homes which changed the dynamics of the relationship between Dapo and Jide’s parents, the sibling relationship and the children’s relationship with both their parents.

Cultural nuances — Tani’s best friend being called out by her mum for not greeting properly, the men not coming down until the groom’s father showed up, adults being seated before younger ones, etc.

Men just being aloof i.e. Dapo not following up with his brother or father on the wedding but sending them texts instead.

Diplomacy — Tani and her mother’s initial response to Dapo’s mum on the hotel issue; responding without offense.

The cast

I really loved the quality of the actors; from the veterans to the newcomers, they all delivered. My absolute favorite was Jide (played by Timini Egbuson). He embodied the character of an older brother so well. He was a real first born who was there to solve everybody’s problems from his father to his brother. This is one of my favorite performances from Timini.

Yemi Solade, who played Dapo and Jide’s father also did a fantastic job as the most comical character in the film. Every single word he spoke was a hit! I also loved that they gave him a playboy necklace to wear, it was so apt!

Watching the chemistry between Jide and his father was so refreshing. They both respected each other as adults and would advice each other when needed. It was a very mature relationship and their interactions were both hilarious and heart warming.

Mercy Aigbe also stood out to me. The director did a great job with her in this film, helping her to really embody that church wife character.

I love it when we see Yoruba actors in English films. The authenticity of the film was in the way they could switch between speaking English and Yoruba. Nothing felt forced.

The music and lighting

I loved the lighting and the use of colours in the film. The reds and yellows conveyed both the happiness and the chaos that was about to happen.

I also loved how they didn’t use too much music. It came on when it needed to. I think I only heard three songs: Shugah by Greatmantakit, Forever Sweet by Dotti the Deity, Omoge Cinderella by Adewale Ayuba and Runaway by LAX.

Something that really stood out to me was when Yetunde (played by Bisola) came out singing Omoge Cinderella by Ayuba in the middle of the film and then later on in the film, they had Ayuba playing at the wedding.

What did I learn?

How children experience the same parents but still remember different things until they have conversations in adulthood and everything clicks.

Parents need to trust their children with information more often. It humanizes them and leaves less room for assumptions.

Nigerian weddings are elite because why did I love the wedding in the film so much, it felt like real life.

Another film that beautifully showcases both the chaotic nature and the beauty of Yoruba culture in a humorous manner. Shoutout to Kayode Kasum and Dare — they’re a power couple at this rate.

Ajosepo was a sweet 9/10 for me. The film is still available to watch across cinemas in Nigeria and the UK. Hopefully it comes to streaming platforms soon.