Writer Olisakwe talks up Agoodjie

One of the three Nigerian writers working on the recently announced African drama Agoodjie from France’s Canal+ has commented on the project, which tells the true story of an army of female warriors in 19th century Africa.

Content Nigeria recently reported that Ukamaka Olisakwe is one of three Nigerian scribes working on the 8×52’ drama, alongside Jude Idada and Adachioma Ezeano.

Created by Didier Lacoste (Guyane, L’Ecole du Pouvoir, Spin) and Joy Fleury (Tristesse et Beauté, La Fête des Pères), the series will focus on the Agoodjies of Dahomey, an elite corps of 4,000 female warriors who, in the late 1880s, took on the most powerful French army of the time in a bloody four-year war.

Taking to her Instagram page, Olisakwe told of the impact the writing job has had on her career. “So thrilled to finally share this amazing news with you. I am co-writing an epic series for StudioCanal and Canal+. It is a story of love, loss, revenge and justice,” she said.

“My eternal gratitude to the incredible and brilliant creators, Didier Lacoste and Joy Fleury, who read my body of work and made me a part of the family in 2020. You changed my life. And it’s an honour to be writing this with my sister Adachioma Ezeano and Jude Idada! I can’t wait for you all to see the magic.”

The drama weaves together the stories of a young female villager destined for great things and the once-wealthy kingdom of Dahomey, now part of Benin. The series will be filmed in English in locations across South Africa, Nigeria and Benin.

Nathalie Folloroux, senior VP of Canal+ Channels at Canal+ International, said the French company “was immediately conquered by the project held by Joy Fleury and Didier Lacoste, given its authentic rooting in Africa. The project reflects the banner’s investment in African production, and its dedication to promoting African culture, legends and heroes.”

tagged in: Agoodjie, Canal+, Ukamaka Olisakwe