Confusion Na Wa

Confusion Na Wa is a 2013 Nigerian social commentary drama that showcases a tapestry of intricate storylines intertwining in an all too realistic depiction of the randomness of life. The movie comes from the creative mind of director Kenneth Gyang and boasts performances from a talented ensemble cast, including Toyin Alabi, Tunde Aladese, and Tina Attah.

Confusion Na Wa molds disparate characters and situations into a coherent narrative. The narrative is split into several weaved storylines, each with its set of complex character relationships, secrets, and morally grey areas. While this could potentially cause a chaotic storytelling structure, the direction manages to intertwine the stories in a seamless manner.

The film follows the interconnected tales of different individuals, challenging the traditional narrative structure by anchoring the plot around an event – the theft of a misplaced mobile phone. Taking the audience deep into the diverse Nigerian society, Gyang introduces us to an array of characters - from young hooligans to dissatisfied spouses, and corrupt officials.

Toyin Alabi plays Emeka, a young man caught in a confluence of circumstances that revolve around an ill-fated cell phone stolen from Bello, a kind-hearted family man played by Tunde Aladese. Tina Attah portrays a cheat who embarks on an extra-marital affair whilst her lover's wife, Kola, embodies a potent portrait of a scorned and desperate housewife. These quintessential personas take viewers on a journey through the chaotic quality of life, illuminating what ordinary Nigerians overcome daily.

Among these characters, Alabi's Emeka, is perhaps one of the most memorable. His performance as the anguished middle man, framed by the chaotic ups and downs of life in contemporary Nigerian society, is both heartfelt and challenging. Tunde Aladese is equally brilliant, offering the moral compass of the movie in his portrayal of Bello, a man working hard to keep his family afloat in the middle of the chaos. Tina Attah shines in her role, smoothly transitioning from a dissatisfied spouse to an individual also managing her personal crisis.

The movie’s title, which translates to ‘Confusion is it' from Pidgin English, paves the way for the narrative's central themes of chaos, disorder, and discombobulation. The confusion referenced in the title is presented in the movie as a metaphor for the state of affairs in Nigeria. The title also serves as a continuous backdrop, a distant echo that illuminates the movie's scenes with the chaos, disorder, and absurdities synonymous with modern-day life.

Confusion Na Wa also boldly touches on some of the biting social issues that Nigeria faces - violence, corruption, marital issues, societal standards, to name a few. It seeks to mirror the state of Nigerian society at large, an everyday reality for many Nigerians, by examining them at a micro level. That's where Gyang's direction brilliantly shifts focus from the big picture to personal, in-depth character studies, thereby painting a vivid image of the larger societal composition.

The filming techniques used in Confusion Na Wa are striking, with the use of naturalistic lighting and hand-held camera work lending a gritty, realistic feel to the production. The cinematography is brilliant, capturing the rawness and intensity of real life, accentuating the authenticity of the situations portrayed.

Highly regarded for its originality, it's no surprise that Confusion Na Wa has bagged numerous awards. It won the Best Nigerian Film category at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards. It also garnered attention and positive reviews for its unique narrative style, character development, and stark representation of Nigerian society.

Venturing into seldom charted territories in Nollywood, Confusion Na Wa stands out as a bold critique of society while deftly blending comedy, tragedy, and drama. The film invites audiences to reconsider their understanding of life's unpredictability through a cultural lens, simultaneously offering an entertainment delight highlighted by the talented pool of actors and the director's compelling storytelling. It's not just a movie; it's a slice of Nigerian life bound to leave audiences pondering long after the credits roll.