Witchcraft. JuJu. Black magic. These things seem to be synonymous with traditional Igbo religion in Nollywood movies. An all too frequent plotline in Nigerian movies involves innocent people being victimized by others doing “rituals” of some sort (be it a money ritual, a curse, or anything of that nature), and having to turn the Church to overcome the “dark forces”, which they always seem to do without exception. Films of this type have painted an even more negative image of Nigeria then it already has, making it appear to be a nation bogged down by superstitions and primitive beliefs. Furthermore, traditional Igbo spiritiuality is demonized by people who have little knowledge or understanding of it, and who are spreading this misinformation to the entire world. Isn’t it bad enough for the West to demonize every aspect of our traditions, and now we are doing it to ourselves? Does anyone seriously think that all our ancestors did was sit around performing so called Satanic rituals all day?

While it is true that there was a dark side to traditional Igbo religion that still exists to the present, the same could be said about just about every religion. Even right now in Nigeria, there is a crusade of Christians in Akwa Ibom state who are mutilating and murdering children they proclaim to be witches. Ironically, some of the people that have been helping the children escape this persecution are the elders who still hold on to their traditional beliefs and are condeming the Christians for going after innocent children. Will this story ever get made into a Nollywood movie? Not in a million years! If Nollywood truly cared about showcasing Igbo culture instead of trying to disgrace it, they would include more movies that highlight the positive aspects of Igbo spirituality. They could start by doing a film about traditional holy men, like the Ozo and Nze priests of Nri, who’s job was to establish peace all througout Igboland, and to cleanse abominations wherever they went. Nollywood should also stop disgracing the dibia ogwu (herbal doctors), and give credit to these valiant men and women who have provided healthcare to our people since times immemorial by showing them in a more positive light.

We should start taking Nollywood for what it is: pure fantasy. The Church is not 100% benevolent, and will certianly not solve all of your issues. Every problem does not have evil spirts behind it. The pastor is not always right, and will not always win. Traditional religion is alot more then just witchcraft, juju, or black magic. It is a deep part of our heritage that should at least be propery understood. People should stop letting their televison sets be their textbook and go out and research things for themselves. If we continue to demonize our culture and traditions, we cannot be upset when others do the same.