Arugba is a Nigerian movie from 2009 that was directed by Tunde Kelani. The movie highlights various societal and political issues in Nigeria in the form of a musical drama. The film brings to light the longstanding problem of corruption in the government sector, and the vast discrepancy between the rich and the poor in the country.
The storyline revolves around the annual Osun Osogbo festival which is celebrated in the south-western city of Osogbo in Nigeria in honor of the Osun river goddess. The festival is believed to have miraculous powers that can heal people of their ailments, and therefore brings devotees from all over the world to pray for healing. The filmâs protagonist, Adejoke, played by Remi Abiola, is the Arugba, the virgin who carries the calabash containing the powerful materia medica across the town during the festival.
Adejoke is a young woman who has an intense devotion to the goddess, which is why she is chosen to carry the calabash. Adejoke is also known for her amazing voice and talent as a performer in the townâs theatre group. She is chosen by the townâs king and the chief priest to be the Arugba when the previous Arugba who was chosen from a wealthy family disobeyed the orders of the goddess by refusing to marry a popular herbalist who was declared a cultist by the government.
Through her role as the Arugba, Adejoke learns about the social and political issues taking place in the town. She soon realizes that the rich and powerful in the town are taking advantage of the festival to steal from the people, but they still show up dressed in white and carrying offerings as if they were genuine devotees of the goddess. As a result, Adejoke decides to take on the corrupt officials and fight for the rights of the people.
The film also showcases the traditional beliefs in Nigeria, specifically in Yoruba culture, where the people believe that everything has a spirit or force behind it, including the rivers, oceans, and even towns. The people honor the goddess of the Osun river by offering her fruit, dance, and prayer, believing that she is the only one who can bring healing.
Apart from the storyline and themes, the movie is also remarkable for its musical performances. The film features traditional Nigerian music and song, which is a blend of different rhythms, beats, and instruments native to the Yoruba culture. The movie's soundtrack is a reflection of the country's history, culture, and people and invokes a strong sense of pride and nationalism among its audiences.
Arugba is a beautifully crafted movie that manages to entertain and educate at the same time. The film stands out for its performances, stunning visuals, and its timely message about social injustice and corruption. Through Adejoke, the film's protagonist, the audience is reminded of the power of standing up for what is right, even when the odds are against you.
In conclusion, Arugba is a must-watch for anyone interested in Nigerian cinema or anyone who wants to understand the country's history and culture. Its captivating storyline, memorable visuals, and outstanding soundtrack make it an unforgettable cinematic experience. The film's message about social justice and the fight against corruption is also a universal message that transcends borders and resonates with audiences worldwide.
Arugba is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.
