Wahala: six-part BBC drama begins filming with authentic, stellar cast
Screen icon Genevieve Nnaji joins Adelayo Adedayo, Deborah Ayorinde, Cush Jumbo and Susan Wokoma in new BBC drama… View Post The post Wahala: six-part BBC drama begins filming with authentic, stellar cast first appeared on Melan Magazine.
Black News 
Screen icon Genevieve Nnaji joins Adelayo Adedayo, Deborah Ayorinde, Cush Jumbo and Susan Wokoma in new BBC drama adaptation of Nikki May’s Wahala.
In addition to the stellar all-star cast, BAFTA- nominated writer Theresa Ikoko (Girls, Rocks, Grime Kids) is adapting the book for the six-part BBC drama.
Wahala is Nikki May’s highly acclaimed, best-selling debut novel, which came out in 2022. In our Wahala book review at the time, we described how: “Nikki May’s Wahala was inspired by a loud lunch with some of her friends in a Nigerian restaurant. She wanted to write a book that had people like her in it – lives that included jollof rice and roast dinner in the same breath.”
In Theresa’s hands, we anticipate the screenplay to be faithful to the book’s entertaining energy, full of well-developed, complex and genuine characters as well as a gripping storyline. It’s no surprise that the project has attracted a cast of this outstanding calibre. It’s with excitement that we note that the screenwriter and main cast are all of Nigerian descent, adding an extra layer of authenticity in the series.
Theresa Ikoko says: “I can’t wait to bring Wahala to life with this amazing cast, wonderful directors and brilliantly talented crew.”
So, what do we know about the project so far?
What’s the plot about?
Wahala, a word in Nigerian pidgin which means “trouble” weaves the story between four Nigerian British women in their thirties. The narrative follows how they navigate careers, love and family in present day London; and their childhood homes, where danger and mystery abound. When dark secrets and even darker pasts threaten to shatter the lives of the women, they and their friendships are pushed to their limit.
Over the six-part series, tensions will rise, loyalties fracture and long-buried truths surface, triggering a chain of events with shocking and tragic consequences.
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Who is playing who?
Adelayo Adedayo (The Responder, Supacell), Cush Jumbo (Criminal Record, The Good Wife) and Susan Wokoma (Cheaters, Enola Holmes), play Simi, Boo and Ronke, best friends who have shared every aspect of life for years. Their carefully balanced world is disrupted when Isobel, played by Deborah Ayorinde (Them, Riches) a charismatic and super-wealthy new acquaintance, enters their orbit. Trouble follows closely behind.
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Also part of the cast is screen icon Genevieve Nnaji, though it’s not been revealed what role she is playing yet. While this is her British TV series debut, the veteran actress who was once referred to as the Julia Roberts of Africa by Oprah Winfrey, is also a celebrated producer and film director. Her movie Lionheart was the first Nigerian submission for the Oscars, though it was subsequently disqualified for having too much English in the dialogue.
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What do they cast say?
Adelayo Adedayo says: “I am so excited to be bringing Theresa’s adaptation of Wahala to life, and I can’t wait to work alongside this wonderful cast. Get ready for a thrilling ride with this friendship group!”
Deborah Ayorinde says: “I’m so excited to be a part of this thrilling series. I’m also excited to embody a character that people haven’t seen from me before.”
Cush Jumbo says: “I’m very excited to be part of this show and to bring this fantastic story to the screen.”
Susan Wokoma says: “As a long fan of Theresa Ikoko and her exquisite writing, it is a honour to be a part of her powerhouse Wahala team. So excited to bring to life Nikki May’s world alongside three of this country’s most outstanding actresses – let’s go!”
Genevieve Nnaji says: “I’m very happy to be joining Wahala and to be working with such a brilliant team. It’s an intriguing story and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
When does Wahala hit TV screens?
Filming began last month. Watch this space for more details, including when Wahala will air on BBC.
The post Wahala: six-part BBC drama begins filming with authentic, stellar cast first appeared on Melan Magazine.
