Join me on a journey into “A Lost Art Form,” a series where we take a trip down memory lane, delve into a world of nostalgia, and re-open conversations about pop culture elements we miss and long to see more of.
“You are the treasure that I seek…You were close to me, and I did not know… You make me cry…when you said you were going, I cried. And when you left alone, I wish…I wish, I could hold you close, once again to my heart…”
If you’ve ever watched Kate Henshaw and Emeka Ike in Tchidi Chikere’s 2006 romance film, A Million Tears, you probably remember the “Treasure” soundtrack and might even be humming it right now.
The movie was an emotional tearjerker about a bad boy falling in love with a good girl who changed his life, only for her to reveal she was dying. But let’s be honest, it was the soundtrack “Treasure” that elevated the film, making it unforgettable. Even today, just hearing the song brings back a flood of emotions.
Remember when every Nollywood film had an original soundtrack that mirrored the story? Filmmakers back then knew something we need to remind ourselves of today—the right soundtrack is almost as powerful as the right visuals in a film. Soundtracks have a way of embedding themselves in our memories, becoming synonymous with the films they accompany. They’re the secret ingredient, the magic dust that turns a good movie into an unforgettable experience.
How Does Music Do This?
Music enhances memory retention by activating key areas of the brain involved in emotion and memory. When we hear music, it helps encode information more effectively by linking it to familiar tunes or rhythms. This emotional connection makes it easier to remember events or details, turning ordinary information into memorable experiences.
Let’s check out some nostalgic Nollywood soundtracks, shall we? When you hear the soundtrack “Iyeme,” tell me you don’t see the exact scenes from the film Chain Reaction playing out in your mind. Or Saint Obi’s rendition of “Let’s meet like two waves and promise never to part” in Final Whistle.
And who could forget Conspiracy, the wild tale of Grace, a madwoman who gave birth to twins, James and John? The twins were taken from her and raised by a childless couple, growing up to become doctors determined to cure their mother’s madness. But what really sticks in everyone’s memory? The movie’s unforgettable soundtrack, “You and I,” originally conceived by Onyeka Onwenu and brilliantly adapted by Stanley Okorie. And, of course, the iconic line, “Ugo, shave me,” repeatedly uttered by the chief priest who played a part in Grace’s tragic fate.
Another memorable one is Nkem Owoh’s Yahoo boys anthem, “I go chop your Dollar” from The Master. I bet you’re already singing the lyrics: “Oyibo man, I go chop your dollar. I go take your money disappear…419 is just a game, You be the loser, I be the winner. Na me be the master, oh!”
Not too long ago, I remembered how I fell in love with Tay Iwar’s music, all thanks to it being the soundtrack for Gidi Up, one of my favorite Nigerian shows of all time. Many people also remember Tay Iwar’s “Equestrian Love” from that magical scene in Skinny Girl in Transit when Mide and Tiwa shared that kiss we had all been holding our breaths for.
The power of soundtracks is something Hollywood, Bollywood, and old Nollywood have always known and used to their advantage. Think about Titanic,The Lion King, and The Bodyguard—these films had soundtracks that became hits outside the movies, drawing even more people to watch. That’s the magic of a good soundtrack.
It’s not as if Nollywood films have completely abandoned original soundtracks. Every film still has soundtracks and scores, and some films even boast original tracks. In 2017, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) finally acknowledged this by adding the “Best Soundtrack” category, recognizing the vital role music plays in storytelling. Before this, AMVCA only acknowledged sound editors who selected or compiled the music, but now, the spotlight shines on the creators of those unforgettable melodies.
Since then, talented artists like Larry Gaaga and Flavour for their Living in Bondage: Breaking Free original track and Michael Ogunlade for The Encounter have taken home the coveted award. But it begs the question: can Nollywood bring back the powerful soundtrack era? Can our films’ soundtracks do amazing numbers outside the cinema and even draw more audiences to the movies?
I thought we had lost that solid soundtrack art form until the score for the upcoming Finding Messiah film was pre-released. Its infectious rhythms and soaring vocals have already captured the hearts of listeners, creating a wave of excitement for the movie. A ton of Nigerians are looking forward to the film because of the music—even those who don’t usually watch Nollywood films.
And just like that, my hope is back. This is prrof that the power of music to transcend the screen, tell its own story, and forge a deep connection with the audience. Soundtracks are the unsung heroes of cinema, the emotional architects that shape our experience. They’re the reason we get goosebumps while watching Karashikaor Nneka the Pretty Serpent. They made us cry along with Nkiru Sylvanus in A Cry for Help, and sometimes, they’re why we laughed along with Aki and Pawpaw or Mr. Ibu.
But soundtracks can do more than just remind us of these films. They can be wielded by producers as powerful marketing tools, propelling the films even further. Hollywood knows this and takes it to heart. Bollywood wouldn’t dream of making a film without an original score. And if all of Nollywood truly saw the potential of music in film, we’d be on our way to blockbuster heaven.
Did I miss any of your favorite movie soundtracks?
Is there any other lost art form you’d love me to revisit?
Tell me in the comments!
