As I was growing up, I loved watching Ghanaian TV shows and films. They were just so entertaining and funny. Some of the TV shows and films on our screens were so iconic and I think it's fair to say that they played a major part in our childhood.
If you're in the mood to reminisce, join me in taking a trip down memory lane to remember some of the shows and films we watched growing up.
TV Shows
There were actually so many amazing TV shows back in the day! Here are some of the few that I'm sure everybody enjoyed watching.
Efiewura
I remember watching this when I was growing up in Ghana and from what I remember, it was quite funny. Efiewura is a series about the way landlords treat their tenants, hence the name which translates to ‘landlord’ in English. It’s a popular sitcom that has been airing since 2001, making it the longest running show in Ghana. In case you've never heard of it before and would like to check it out, all of the episodes are up on YouTube.
Concert Party
Concert party was a popular comedy show that aired on Ghanaian TV from the mid 90’s to early 2000’s. It was unique show that combined live performances of plays with music and comedy. The legendary Bob Santo, Agya Koo and Akrobeto all starred in the series.
Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver was a very popular and hilarious TV series. It captured the everyday life of Ghanaians whilst also sharing important life lessons. Each episode focused on TT's day to day life as a taxi driver, including the various passengers he would encounter. Each episode would then end with TT talking directly to the audience and sharing some wise words.
Dada Boat
I used to really enjoy watching this on OBE TV! Dada Boat is a comedy series that aired in the early 2000’s. From what I recall, it is a spin off of Taxi Driver, where Dada Boat is a cousin of Master Richard (from taxi driver). The series revolves around the main character, Dada Boat, finding himself involved in various comical situations and scams.
Things We Do for Love
Things We Do for Love was a series that aired in the early 2000’s. It's a series focused on the lives of young people and the challenges they face, whilst also trying to educate and advise its young viewers. A sequel to it, called YOLO, began to air in 2016 also addressing the challenges young people face.
Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home was a family drama series that aired in the mid 2000's. It's a series that focused on an upper middle class family and the challenges they face on a day to day basis. Essentially, it was like the Ghanaian version of shows like My Wife and Kids and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Films
In terms of Ghanaian films, they have their good and bad aspects, but if we're being very honest, they are very entertaining regardless. Time to take a look at some of the films I'm sure we've all watched at some point.
Beyoncé: The President's Daughter
I remember everyone talking about this film in primary school after it was released. Beyoncé is one of those classic Nadia Buari, Jackie Appiah and Van Vicker films. From what I can remember, this drama filled film is about Raj (Van Vicker) being torn between two women, Beyoncé and Ciara. In retrospect, it all seems comical but at the time of its release, it was one of those films that you had to see.
Princess Tyra
Back in the days, film producers loved a cheeky royal saga and Princess Tyra was one of those. This is one of those films where there are about 4 parts, but from what I remember, the plot twist and the drama made it all completely worth it! The theme song is very catchy too.
Divine Love
Another classic starring Jackie Appiah, Van Vicker and Majid Michel (side note, those 3 actually carried the Ghanaian movie industry on their backs for ages). Divine Love is a story of love where Jackie Appiah’s character had to choose between the man she loves and the man chosen for her by her parents.
Mummy’s Daughter
In a way this film is a Cinderella-type of love story, where the mother favours one daughter over the other. One of the daughter's falls in love with a guy but the mother wants the guy to marry the other daughter. Confusing right? If I'm being completely honest, the whole movie is a bit of a mess, but it’s an entertaining type of mess.
These are just a few of the TV shows and films on our screens back in the day, but of course there are many more. If your favourite TV show or film wasn't mentioned, do share it with us.
I don't know about you but all of this reminiscing is making me want to watch some of these shows and films again!