Chukwu Martin Explores The Dignity of Labour In 'Oga Mike'

The project explores the life of the ordinary Nigerian mirroring the reality that many Nigerian citizens currently are in whilst holding on to the hope of a brighter future.

Actor, Filmmaker and Founder of Film Rats Club,  ‘Chukwu Martin, credited with Mr Gbenga's Hard Drive and We Are Not Men Anymore is following up his social-conscious creative expression with the release of Oga Mike.

Written, directed, and produced by Martin, Oga Mike follows the story of the titular character; a mascot performer who struggles and hustles to provide for his family under the harsh economic state of the country. 

It stars Ikechukwu Iwebenua (Masquerades of Aniedo), Temitope Agoro, Chris Ikechi Anyanya (Refuge), Kelvin Callistus, Oluseun Oyetayo, amongst others. Some crew members include cinematographer, Suara Olayinka, Peter Nwanguma, the editor, and ‘Tinuola Nwachukwu, production designer.

The project is produced in collaboration with Sweet Potato Films and Atewo Media, with Imoh Eboh serving as Executive Producer. 

Martin, in his statement, emphasized the social significance and thematic message Oga Mike contains, stating “It is 2024, Nigeria is still in a terrible place, and Nigerians are suffering for it in their little corners.

“Oga Mike is one of such people, an ordinary Nigerian citizen. He's a man who doesn't have control over the situation around him. Despite the turmoil around him, he can do nothing about it.

“Like many Nigerians, Oga Mike is optimistic and he believes that ‘one day e go better,’” Martin added.

The lead character is a mascot performer who has chosen to be a good father and husband and hustle hard to provide for his family. But, the important question is this — who cares about the man behind the mascot?’

Martin also explained that this why this project is important to him, noting that it is “different because it is a bolder attempt at experimenting with certain theatrical and human elements (like the chorus) which will be more prevalent in my works. I want to tell more stories about the ordinary people. I want to tell a story of people struggling with issues that are beyond them.”

The project had its first public screening in Morocco at the Bridge's & UM6P Talent LinkUp Networking Event on May 7, 2024, and will have more select screenings nationwide and beyond.