Let’s face it, one of the most important factors that affect the development a child is the environment he/she grows up in. In this century, media and pop culture have grown to play a big role in the development of the Nigerian child.
Generation Z or Gen-Z for short, is the generation born between the years 1997 and 2012. They are the first generation to have largely grown up using the internet, modern technology and social media. Since the majority of the target audience for this article belong to the aforementioned group of people, nostalgia beckons me to recall certain parses of media that used to be iconic back in the past but are rarely mentioned nowadays.
This list is far from exhaustive; I will only be scratching the surface of the iceberg of televison shows that characterised the childhood experiences if the 1990s-2000s kids .
7. VOLTRON
Voltron was a cartoon show that was very popular in Nigeria back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Originally an American TV franchise under the supervision of Toei Animation Studios, it initially aired in the west in the 1980s before going mainstream in other parts of the world in the 1990s and early 2000s. Its popularity waned in the early 2010s with the appearance of more modern franchises.
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who waited for the NTA to air this show from 4pm to 5pm every Friday after school (praying for NEPA to cooperate, and not take power whilst the show was on. Dark times, bro.)
6. MERLIN
……in the land of myth, and a time of magic………
……the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulder of a young boy…….
……his name……
I believe diehard fans of the show know the rest of that iconic intro.
Merlin was one of the peak shows in its heyday. It was also one of the shows that expounded and popularized the “medieval Europe-esque” movie genre to many people in different parts of the world at the time.
Merlin crawled so that shows like Game of Thrones could fly. First aired in 2008 by the BBC, the show had a run of about 5 seasons before coming to an abrupt end in 2012. It show mainly focused on the life of the protagonist, Merlin, who was sent to the Kingdom of Camelot by his mother because of his “special magic gift”.
After saving the life of Prince Arthur, he becomes the prince’s manservant. This is soon followed by a host of misadventures and intriguing story telling which I vividly remember kept me at the edge of my sofa.
5. THE FLYING HOUSE
This entry will be well known among those of us who grew up in Christian homes and subsequently saw a lot of Christian TV content.
The Flying House was a show that followed a group of three children who stumbled on a seemingly abandoned house whilst running away from a thunderstorm. However, the house wasn’t abandoned at all as the owner (who was a scientist) welcomed the unexpected visitors into his home and revealed that the house was in fact a time machine.
Later on, the scientist’s trusty robot (called Solar) malfunctioned and prematurely activated the otherwise unfinished time machine which subsequently threw them into the ancient biblical times. The rest of the show focused on this ragtag group’s efforts to “return” back home with them seeing and meeting several famous biblical characters along the way.
The premise might seem to be a bit corny, but this show holds a special place in my heart. If you were a fan of Superbook, I’m sure you’d love this.
4. JUMONG
Widely known as one of the first K-drama series to gain popularity in Nigeria, Jumong was a Korean historical drama that first aired on the MBC with it running for 81 episodes (I know, shocking right?) between the year 2006 to 2007.
After its debut, it quickly gained popularity around the world, winning several movie awards and amassing high viewership ratings (as high as 90%, compared to 40% in its country of origin) in countries like Iran and Cambodia.
Set in the Han dynasty period in ancient China, the plot follows the journey of the protagonist (Jumong), a weak and cowardly prince who was nearly assassinated and eventually driven to exile after an inheritance squabble gone sour.
Whilst on exile, he meets an old blind man, Haeomusu (who is later revealed to be his real father) that helps him hone his fighting skills. Jumong later learns the truth about his lineage and vows to bring down King Geumwa, the head of the Han dynasty.
It’s a series filled with revenge, romance plot twists and some great action scenes. I personally recommend a re-watch.
3. LEGEND OF THE SEEKER
This was another very popular showback in the days of early cable TV and DVD players. It ran for about 2 seasons and aired in 2008 before being cancelled in 2010.
The show is centered on the main character Richard, who is forced by Khalen (a “confessor”) into accepting his destiny as the “one true seeker” after the invasion of the Midlands by Darken Rhal (the main antagonist).
It is later revealed that only Richard is capable to stopping Dharken Rhal from destroying the world. Joined by Zeddicus (a wizard), the three set out on a journey to help Richard fulfill his ultimate destiny.
2. MARA CLARA
Mara Clara was a Philippines soap opera which aired between2010 and 2011. It wasa remake of the original instalment of the show under the same name.
It was also the highest rated TV show in the Philippines for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012) and saw successful runs internationally in countries like Kenya, Nigeria and others.
The series tells the story of two girls called Mara and Clara who were born in the same hospital at the same time but were switched at birth by Karlo David, a character who was being blackmailed by his elder brother Gary David.
This switch-up led both girls to lead very different lives, with Clara growing up under the real Da Valle family whilst the real daughter of the Da Valles, Mara lived with the poor David Family. As the show progresses, their true identities come to light with drama ensuing between all parties involved.
Clara is eventually returned to her real parents and feeling victimized by the actions of Mara, vows to destroy anything and everything she ever loved.
Personally, I believe this show is one of the rare examples of family dramas done right (Zee Worlders step aside). Definitely worth a re-watch if you ask me.
1. SUPER STORY
One of the most iconic series to ever grace Nigerian TV, Super Story was the brainchild of Wale Adenuga who created the magazine the franchise was based on.
The show began airing in 2001 with its first installment; “O Father! O Daughter!”. It went on to later run for another 40 other seasons for the next 15 years with some notable ones being Nnenna (Nnenna and Friends!, anyone?), Campus Babes, Daddy’s Girl, Grasscutter and so on.Waiting for the NTA to air this show by 6pm every Thursday is one of my favorite childhood memories.
In summary, these cherished TV shows from our childhoods are more than entertainment—they represent a nostalgic journey through storytelling that shaped our unique perspectives and experiences. They continue to resonate, reminding us of the lasting influence of media on our lives.
Abdullateef Adebisi
