Ayo “AY” Makun’s 30 Days in Atlanta was a big hit when released in 2014 and it was reported to have grossed N137.2m – the highest in Nigerian cinema at the time.
“30 Days in Atlanta” introduced the “Akpos” character who won a 30-day trip to Atlanta, United States in a raffle draw. It was Akpo’s first time on an international trip as expected, there were a lot of awkward but funny moments. Akpos was accompanied by his learned cousin Richard (Ramsey Nouah). Ada Ameh featured as Akpo’s mum, and her acting was great albeit short. Akpos is funny and where it could have become excessive his counsin toned it down. The movie earned AY an Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award in the “New Era” category.
Two years later, AY Makun released “A Trip to Jamaica” and most recently, “10 Days in Sun City”. For those who didn’t see the movies in cinema, pay TV channels have recently aired them and it is evident that AY should have stopped at 30 Days in Atlanta. It would have been a one hit wonder, memories of which would have been relished.
A Trip to Jamaica and 10 Days in Sun City essentially have the same plot – Akpos accompanies his girlfriend on the trip, there’s some shady business which is uncovered, and a happy ending.
10 Days in Sun City” is a tad better than A Trip to Jamaica. You get the impression that AY Makun was holidaying and chose to use the opportunity to shoot a movie. AY’s wittiness is borderline stupidity, there are no moral lessons, and the movies are full of unnecessary celebrity cameos. What’s even most worrisome is why Akpos speaks Pidgin English to foreigners – Americans, Jamaicans and South African.
For those who watched “A Trip to Jamaica” in cinemas, it must have been a harrowing experience sitting through the 100 minutes of the movie.
AY while receiving his AMVCA award in 2015 said he ventured into movie production because “he didn’t feel himself” during a stage performance. Sadly, we are not feeling him as an actor or producer so perhaps he should stick to his calling, comedy.
