House of Ga’a. Femi Branch in House of Ga’a. Cr.
Courtesy of Netflix © 2024 It’s coming faintly to me now, but it’s been many years since I watched “Bashorun Gaa”, an old Nollywood epic movie that explores the Oyo empire and the influence of Bashorun Gaa in the 16th and 17th centuries. So when I saw the trailer of Bolanle Austin Peters ’ “House of Ga’a”, I was expecting a remake or neo-adaptation of the old “Bashorun Gaa.” Well, it wasn’t.
Not entirely. “House of Ga’a” opens with Gaa, played by Femi Branch , conquering a war battle against the Nupe folk. This battle, and the many others won by Gaa, impresses the Oyo empire and they show their appreciation by appointing him as the Bashorun, making him the leader of the Oyomesi, a board of people who are regarded as the kingmakers.
In an expected turn – as it is in history – Gaa becomes power-drunk and personalises the post by appointing his children and family members to head the kingdoms under the Oyo Empire. Gaa becomes so powerful the king bends to his rules. While the old “Bashorun Gaa” and “House Ga’a” share similar narrations like Ga’a personalising the Bashorun chieftaincy, considered responsible for the death of 4 kings and being deposed by his son, there is a thin line of difference: “Bashorun Gaa” focuses on the Oyo Empire while exposing the powerfulness of Gaa and how his influence challenged the trajectory of the empire.
Meanwhile, “House of Ga’a” focuses o.