Hustle, Juju, and the House-Help: A Look Into ‘Somadina the City Hustler’
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Overall Rating: ........... (3/5 Stars)
Nollywood has a long-standing love affair with the "grass-to-grace" narrative. It is the bedrock of our cinematic identity—the story of a village dreamer landing in the chaotic embrace of a city like Lagos or Asaba, armed with nothing but a Ghana-must-go bag and a prayer. In Somadina the City Hustler, directed Darlington Ogbodo, released on Leorence TV YouTube Channel, attempts to blend this classic trope with a supernatural thriller element that feels like a throwback to early 2000s Nollywood, yet packaged for a modern YouTube-streaming audience.
As a veteran of this industry, I’ve seen this story told a thousand times, but there is something about the casting of Ekene Umenwa that demands a second look. Let’s peel back the layers of this production to see if it truly conquers the city or gets lost in the traffic of overused tropes.
Cinematography: The YouTube Aesthetic vs. Cinematic Ambition
Visually, Somadina the City Hustler exists in that middle ground typical of contemporary "YouTube Nollywood." The camera work is clean, utilizing high-definition sensors that capture the vibrant colors of Nigerian fashion and the lush interiors of "billionaire" mansions. However, there is a persistent reliance on the "TV-style" coverage—lots of medium shots and predictable pans.
The lighting consistency is impressive, particularly in the interior scenes where we usually see "power-light" blowouts. The skin tones are rendered beautifully, avoiding the ashy color grading that plagued low-budget films five years ago. However, the film lacks visual metaphor. The camera serves the dialogue rather than the story. For a film titled "The City Hustler," I expected more gritty, wide-angle shots of the urban sprawl to establish the "hustle." Instead, we spent a lot of time in enclosed, high-end spaces, which limits the emotional impact of Somadina’s struggle.
Sound Design & Music: The Pulse of the Drama
Sound is often the Achilles' heel of Nollywood, and here, it’s a mixed bag. The dialogue audibility is generally high, suggesting a decent budget for lapel mics and boom operators. However, the sound mixing during the high-tension scenes involving the "supernatural pot" felt slightly thin.
The score, however, is where the film finds its heart. The use of thematic music to signal the presence of the "spirit girl" is effective, creating an eerie atmosphere without relying on cheap jump-scare sound effects. The cultural timing of the music cues—especially the transitions between Somadina’s comedic "hustle" moments and the dark, rhythmic beats of the coven scenes—helps the audience navigate the jarring tonal shifts.
Costume, Makeup & Production Design: Communicating Status
The production design does a stellar job of establishing the social hierarchy. Somadina’s initial appearance—the "timid" village look with her basic wrappers and unstyled hair—contrasts sharply with Cecilia’s (the fiancée) over-the-top, glamorous wardrobe.
The "spirit girl" is perhaps the most interesting design choice. Dressed in oversized, somewhat tattered clothing, she doesn’t look like the typical "Mami Wata" or "Witch" we see in Nollywood. She looks like a displaced child, which makes her supernatural interventions feel more grounded and less cartoonish.
One critique: the makeup continuity for Jaden during his illness could have been more pronounced. For a man supposed to be under a death spell, he looked a bit too healthy. A little more "sallow" foundation would have sold the desperation of the scene.
Narrative Structure: Pacing and the "Supernatural Shortcut"
The film opens with a strong hook—the tension between Jaden and his fiancée over money and family. It immediately establishes the stakes: Jaden is a man of means but lacks discernment.
However, the pacing suffers from the classic Nollywood "dragging subplot" syndrome. We spend a considerable amount of time on Somadina’s comedic antics in the kitchen and her "drunk" scene. While Ekene Umenwa is a comedic genius, these scenes occasionally stall the momentum of the supernatural thriller plot.
The climax—the breaking of the pot—is high stakes, but the resolution feels a bit rushed. The transition from Jaden being on his deathbed to him suddenly being well enough to grant 5 million naira happens in what feels like a cinematic heartbeat. A more gradual recovery would have offered more emotional payoff.
Plot Logic & Story Gaps: The "Why" of the Witchcraft
The biggest plot hole is Cecilia’s motivation. We are told she belongs to a coven that kills "strong men" because they are "obstacles".
Yet, she is engaged to Jaden and enjoys his 1-million-naira monthly allowance. Killing the "goose that lays the golden egg" without a more personal motive (like taking over his company) feels like a missed opportunity for a deeper psychological thriller.
The use of the "mystical pot" is a trope as old as the industry itself. While it provides a clear goal for the protagonist, it feels a bit dated in a movie set in such a modern, tech-savvy environment. I would have loved to see a more modern twist on the "spiritual attack"—perhaps something involving digital "juju" or corporate sabotage.
Characterization & Performance: The Ekene Umenwa Show
Ekene Umenwa (Somadina): She is the lifeblood of this film. Her ability to switch from Pidgin-heavy comedic relief to deep, spiritual concern is what keeps the audience engaged. She carries the "City Hustler" persona with a likable vulnerability.
The Lead Male (Jaden): He plays the "oblivious victim" well. His chemistry with his siblings, Mirror and Caleb, is one of the more grounded aspects of the film. You truly believe they are a family under siege.
The Antagonist (Cecilia): She delivers the "wicked fiancée" role with the necessary venom. Her performance in the coven scenes is chilling, though her transition to "repentant witch" felt a bit too sudden to be fully believable.
Thematic & Cultural Relevance: Faith and Ambition
The film leans heavily into the Nigerian reality of "spiritual warfare." To a Western audience, the idea of a house-help saving her boss from a mystical pot might seem far-fetched, but for the local audience, it taps into a deep-seated belief system where the "innocent" (Somadina) are often the only ones who can see the evil lurking in high places.
It also touches on the theme of "Greener Pastures." Somadina doesn't just want to survive; she wants to thrive. Her 5-million-naira reward at the end is the ultimate Nigerian dream: moving from service to ownership.
The Verdict: Is it Worth Your Data?
Somadina the City Hustler is a solid, entertaining watch that succeeds because of its heart and its lead actress. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, and it leans on some tired tropes, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a story of a girl who hustles her way into a miracle.
Who should watch this?
If you are a fan of Ekene Umenwa’s brand of comedy, or if you enjoy classic Nollywood spiritual thrillers with a modern "big boy" lifestyle backdrop, this is for you. It’s a perfect Saturday afternoon movie to watch with the family while debating whether "village people" really follow people to the city.
The film reminds us that in the city, the greatest hustle isn't just for money—it's for survival against forces you can’t see. Somadina came for a salary, but she left as a savior.
Watch it on Leorence TV YouTube Channel.
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