According to Deadline, a Nigerian adaptation of the international Emmy-winning South African television series The River is in the works at Showmax.
Set against the backdrop of the gold mining industry in the Iperindo community of Osun state, Wura tells the story of Wura-Amoo Adeleke, a perfect wife, a loving mother of two, and the ruthless Chief Executive Officer of the fictional Frontline Gold Mine. In the eyes of her family, Wura is faultless and a saint, but when it comes to running her business empire, she is the ultimate iron lady who doesn’t care whose ox is gored in her path to get what she wants.
Showmax describes Wura as the “first and longest-running Nigerian telenovela” with more than 200 episodes. The show stars all-star Nollywood actors, including rising star Scarlet Gomez in the title role, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Carol King, Ray Adeka, Iremide Adeoye, Ego Iheanacho, Martha Ehinome, and Lanre Adediwura.
It is based on 1Magic’s similar South African telenovela The River, which airs on Showmax and has nearly 250 episodes across five seasons.
Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels for the Nigerian arm of Showmax owner MultiChoice, stated, “Wura explores the untold story of gold mining in Nigeria and is a demonstration of Showmax’s continued investment in authentic local stories,” “Each scene is carefully crafted to thoroughly entertain as well as educate our viewers,” she added.
Showmax has ordered five Nigerian originals over the course of the past year, including the psychological thriller Diiche and The Real Housewives of Lagos. Wura’s announcement comes as Showmax intensifies its West African push. Following the activities of the fictitious Serious and Special Crimes Unit in the Nigerian city, Deadline revealed Crime and Justice Lagos last month.