Showmax, an online movie streaming platform, has showcased its first original Nigerian series titled ,”Diiche”, to be premiered Sept.29.
The media screening of the series held in Lagos on Tuesday, with attendance of some the creative industry’s big wigs, actors and some of the evicted housemates of the ongoing television reality show, Big Brother Naija, season 7.
Diiche is a psychological thriller, which promotes use of indigenous language and pays allusion to the ancient African culture of divinity.
Diiche was coined from the word “Odiiche”, which means “Different” in the Igbo language.
The role of Diiche was played by an A-list actress, Uzoamaka Onuoha.
Diiche becomes a prime suspect in a high-profile murder investigation over the death of Nnamdi, her fiancé. She must take it upon herself and rise against the clock to find out who killed her fiancé and exonerate herself.
However, there is more to the case than meets the eye and a backstory of almost 30 years, known only to her mother, which revealed the tussle between good and evil.
Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice, acknowledged the cast and crew of Diiche saying it was an interesting journey producing the series.
“In the series, you will laugh, cry, be upset, surprised and shocked.
“The series will premiere on showmax on Sept. 29, we want you all to subscribe on showmax and watch,” she said.
The Executive Director of the series, James Omokwe, who said he worked with other directors – Tolu Ajayi, Fiyin Gambo and Ifeoma Chukwuogo, noted that the choice of multiple directors cutting across different ethnic groups was deliberate.
He said this was to effect a situation whereby different creatives with different imaginations and ideas relay a complicated story.
The lead actor, Onuoha, said, “I enjoyed a lot of help from the crew and cast of Diiche, they were always there.
“Working with James, the executive director of the series, was like working with a partner and not a boss, when he is losing his mind, he would still be himself, everyone was looking up to him, it was epic,” she said.
Actress Gloria Anozie-Young, who acted as Nnamdi’s mother, said this was the first time she would be featured in a production where she had to speak the Igbo language.
She said she found it intriguing and interesting.
Another cast, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, described the series as entertaining, intriguing, exciting and illuminating with beautiful blend of drama and cultural elements.
The cast of the series also had vibrant mix of emerging and established Nollywood acts including Daniel K Daniel, Efa Iwara, Frank Konwea, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Kalu Ikeagwu, and Chinyere Wilfred.
To watch Diiche, viewers are to visit Showmax from Sept. 29, as new episodes will be aired weekly.