By Siji Oyewusi
As I sat to watch the premiere of the much anticipated series, Desperate Housewives Africa, I could feel the adrenaline rush in me. It was a mix of excitement, doubt, high expectation, delight, fear, hope; just name it.
Then it came rushing to my mind, pictures of the award winning, smash hit and original version of the series, with the set, ‘Wisteria Lane’ and the main characters.
From Bree Van de Kamp, who is perfect to a fault to Gabrielle Solis, the olojukokoro ex-supermodel who wants everything; Susan Mayer with the real klutziness and her overwhelmingly funny nature; Lynett Scavo, funny housewife and mother of those boisterous kids who loves her career so much. And of course, the narrator, Mary Alice Young who committed suicide, and in her grave still has time to narrate the story of her friends/neighbours.
I wanted to see if some fantastic African actors would recreate and portray these characters so well, keep you spell bound and probably turn you to a couch potato ‘literarily’. However, I wasn’t so disappointed, just that I had to watch one episode twice to convince me that they might get it right veryyy soon.
Yes, I know I need to calm down, it’s just starting, right? Forgive me for expecting too much but they, perhaps shouldn’t have fed us with the original version. Anyways, I have a good feeling with time it might come out fine.
So, I took time out to pick some characters you need to watch out for. Four characters precisely. First is Nini Wacera as Ese De Souza (Bree Van de Kamp). I love her already! You guys really should watch out for her. I was wondering why I’ve never seen her on TV before, then I read she’s from Kenya. She is really dropping some ‘Bree-Vibes’! She reminds me sooo much of the ‘Stepford Wives’!
Next is Omotu Bissong as Funke Lawal (Lynette Scavo). I was surprised to see the lovely ex-Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in the series. She’s no doubt doing a great job. I got my eyes on her. I want to see her scene often.
Kehinde Bankole as Kiki Obi (Gabrielle Solis). Yeaa, she’s also not doing badly. I really was looking forward to this particular character. Was shocked when I saw Kenny play the role, I was hoping someone like Ivie Okujaye would fit the role but hey, I’ve always loved Kenny and I think she’s quite funny too. I just hope she brings out the character more.
Then you have Joseph Benjamin as Chuka Obi (Carlos Solis). Guys, I mean, its Joseph Benjamin, naaw need I say more?
I hate to say but I think Michelle Dede, playing Tari Gambadia (Susan Mayer) is kind of struggling with her role. Or is it just me? But I am keeping my fingers crossed. I hope she sweeps me off my feet in other episodes. And Dolapo Oni’s narration with the typical African accent, Lol! I guess that’s why it’s titled: Desperate Housewives Africa!
The series has got a good pilot, with its tragedy and strong, witty humour. We just hope it stands the test of time.
