Why ''Japa'' Is Reflective of our Reality

 

By Ayomipo Akorede

''Japa'' is a pop culture slang word in Nigeria that means ''go away''. Originally, the word was ''ja lo'' or ''jalo'' which means the same thing, before it became funkified in the streets, and among young people: ''jadanu'', ''jakuro'' are all variants of the same word. Today, ''japa'' has chiefly, informally, become the word for migration in Nigeria. 

So, this Adiukwu Daniel's short film (''Japa'') of the same word and connotative meaning, draws a funny parallel between two young lovers who have the same intention to travel but are silent about telling each other their plans. For starters, Africa is a different place entirely. While we grapple with corrupt political elements and the attendant numerous socio-economic problems in the physical realm, we also contend with supernatural powers in high places in the spirit realm--we are torn between these forces. As a result of this truth, people have found a way to keep their plans from those powers in the spirit realm by not talking about them. Now, you know!

This is exactly the situation Fola (Ruby Azubueze) and Emeka (Adeola Akintoba) find themselves in. Regardless of how much they love each other, that fear still overwhelms them. Although Emeka finally, however reluctantly, reveals his three days to travel to Europe, Fola blatantly refuses and prefers to carry the guilt with her. Ironically, she leaves for Germany one day ahead of Emeka. 

Yes, today, some people are open about such plans, but people who have experienced disappointment in certain areas know better than to try at all. It's a matter of ''Eni Sango to ju e wo le ni, ko ni ba won la fo'ju di''. The lesson here is simple. Know what works for you. If talking about your intentions doesn't hamper them, go on and share, but if not, your silence will be golden.

Click on the link below to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIlMbfN8ut8