"Whatever I was doing - maybe cleaning up or doing homework - when I heard the 'oooh-oooh-oooooh'," Adesoji Kukoyi says, mimicking the iconic Doctor Who theme tune, "I dropped everything and ran straight to the television." As a child growing up in 1980s Nigeria, Mr Kukoyi was infatuated with sci-fi sensation Doctor Who. British shows like Allo Allo and Fawlty Towers aired regularly as a cultural hangover from the colonial era, but none captured Mr Kukoyi's imagination like the time-travelling Doctor did. "He always spoke to me," 44-year-old Mr Kukoyi, who currently has a vintage Doctor Who theme as the ringtone on his phone, tells the BBC. "Like there's somebody watching out for us... yes, we make mistakes, but we do our best, especially if we have a teacher that will lead us on the right path." Mr Kukoyi has been watching Doctor Who for decades, so when he heard that on Saturday an episode will, for the very first time, be set in Nigeria, he was elated. "I was watching last week's episode with my wife and the preview [for the following week] said: 'Welcome to Lagos, Nigeria'. I screamed like a little girl!" Mr Kukoyi says. The setting is momentous not just for Mr Kukoyi - a native of Nigeria's biggest and liveliest city Lagos - but for the show too. Saturday's adventure will be the first primarily set in Africa. It is fitting that the producers chose Nigeria for this milestone - in 2013, fans worldwide were delighted whennine lost Doctor Who episodes from the 1960s were unearthed in a Nigerian TV facility. Ariyon Bakare, who in the upcoming episode plays the mysterious Barber, says fans can expect "a time-bending cultural ancestral collision" and "hair, lots of hair". The preview also teases a vibrant barber shop, a brimming Lagos market and a towering, monstrous-looking spider. Fans speculate that this creature is Anansi, a legendary character in West African and Caribbean folktales, but scriptwriter Inua Ellams is keeping specifics under wraps. As for why the show has enjoyed such popularity in Nigeria, he says: "There's something Nigerian about the Doctor. Nigerians are sort of loud, gregarious people... the Doctor is mysterious, boisterous, sort of over-confident but somehow manages to save the day." Ellams, who moved from Nigeria to the UK as a child, also considers why in 62 years, a character known to traverse the universe has barely spent any time in Africa. It could be that no writer has felt confident enough to produce an authentic African story, he says, or it might be down to the Doctor's need to "blend into his environment and be inconspicuous". "Ncuti Gatwa [who plays the Doctor] being an actor of African descent means that we can tell new stories with the Doctor and negotiate in different spaces because of his appearance. "And this is the brilliance of the show - every Doctor creates new opportunities to tell new stories in different ways," Ellams tells the BBC. But these fresh Doctor Who stories have a smaller reach than the old ones did, as the show is no longer broadcast on Nigerian public TV. If you are in the country and want to catch up on the Doctor's exploits, you would have to subscribe to streaming service Disney Plus. Regardless, Mr Kukoyi insists that a dedicated troop of Nigerian Doctor Who lovers will be sitting transfixed on their sofas on Saturday evening, bearing witness to the Tardis materialising in Lagos. "I'm waiting with baited breath," he says. "Finally, he is coming!" Mr Kukoyi - whose first experience of the Doctor was one played by a stripy scarf-wearing Tom Baker - says his young daughters are not so taken with his beloved show. He is "trying to get them onboard", he says. Perhaps seeing the Doctor wearing traditional Nigerian clothing, squeezing his way through a quintessential Lagos market and getting caught up in local folklorewill help them fall in love with the show the way their father once did. Go toBBCAfrica.comfor more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter@BBCAfrica, on Facebook atBBC Africaor on Instagram atbbcafrica
'I screamed': Nigerian Doctor Who fan thrilled show is coming to Lagos
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Doctor Who Episode Set in Lagos Sparks Excitement Among Nigerian Fans"
Bbc News
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Adesoji Kukoyi, a devoted fan of the long-running British sci-fi series Doctor Who, expressed his excitement upon learning that an upcoming episode will be set in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a significant milestone for the show. Growing up in 1980s Nigeria, Kukoyi developed a deep connection with the Doctor, often feeling as though the character was a guiding presence in his life. His enthusiasm reached new heights when he saw a preview for the episode, where the Doctor would finally visit his home city. Kukoyi's reaction was one of sheer joy, as he recalled dropping everything to watch the show whenever he heard its iconic theme tune. The episode is particularly noteworthy for being the first primarily set in Africa, which has been a long-awaited moment for fans of the series, especially in Nigeria, where the show has a dedicated following despite its absence from public television. The episode promises to feature a vibrant depiction of Lagos, complete with local cultural elements and folklore, including a mysterious character that fans speculate could be Anansi, a figure from West African mythology.
The anticipation surrounding this episode is palpable, especially among Nigerian fans like Kukoyi, who have followed the Doctor's adventures for decades. Scriptwriter Inua Ellams emphasized the importance of representing authentic African stories within the Doctor Who narrative, noting that the character of the Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, is now more relatable to African audiences due to his background. This shift allows for new storytelling possibilities that resonate with diverse cultures. However, the show's reach in Nigeria has diminished, as it is no longer broadcast on public television, requiring fans to subscribe to streaming services like Disney Plus to access new episodes. Despite these challenges, Kukoyi remains hopeful that the episode will captivate his young daughters, hoping that the Doctor's adventures in a Nigerian setting will spark their interest in the series he loves so dearly. As he eagerly awaits the episode's air date, Kukoyi reflects on the joy and connection that Doctor Who has brought into his life, now hoping to pass that legacy on to the next generation.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the excitement surrounding the landmark event of the iconic British TV show Doctor Who setting an episode in Lagos, Nigeria. This choice is significant for both the show's legacy and for Nigerian fans, who have long been captivated by the series. The narrative emphasizes the emotional connection many Nigerians have with Doctor Who, showcasing personal stories that reflect a broader cultural significance.
Cultural Impact and Representation
The decision to feature Nigeria as the backdrop for a Doctor Who episode serves to acknowledge and celebrate African culture in a prominent global series. This could foster a sense of pride among Nigerian viewers and contribute to a growing recognition of African narratives in mainstream media. The connection between the show's history and Nigeria—specifically the recovery of lost episodes in Nigeria in 2013—adds layers to this representation, making it a momentous occasion for fans.
Audience Engagement and Community Sentiment
Fans like Adesoji Kukoyi express their deep emotional ties to the show, suggesting that the episode's setting resonates with their personal experiences and cultural identity. This engagement is crucial, as it portrays Doctor Who not just as entertainment but as a source of inspiration and connection for individuals in Nigeria. The excitement expressed in the article indicates a strong community sentiment that could lead to increased viewership and support for the series.
Speculation and Anticipation
The article hints at intriguing plot elements and cultural references, such as the character Anansi and the vibrant setting of Lagos. This anticipation could engage a wider audience, not only within Nigeria but also among global fans interested in diverse storytelling. The engagement of local actors and cultural motifs may also encourage international viewers to explore the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture.
Media Influence and Perception
Reporting on such events can shape public perception of media representation. By focusing on this episode's setting in Nigeria, the article implies a shift towards more inclusive storytelling practices in global media. This could influence how other productions approach cultural representation moving forward, potentially leading to a broader acceptance of diverse narratives.
Trustworthiness and Reliability
The article presents a positive and celebratory perspective on the upcoming episode. While it primarily conveys excitement, it lacks critical viewpoints or potential controversies surrounding representation. The tone suggests a desire to uplift and celebrate rather than to critique or analyze deeper issues, which may affect the perceived reliability of the information presented.
In conclusion, this article seeks to celebrate the cultural significance of Doctor Who's episode in Nigeria while fostering community pride among viewers. The excitement it generates could lead to greater interest in Nigerian stories within the global media landscape.