Why “Ripples” came back after 30 years — Zeb Ejiro

Prolific Nollywood filmmaker, Zeb Ejiro, has given reasons why “Ripples”, one of the most popular and extended TV shows of the 90s, is back to screen after a 30-year hiatus.

Premiered on Nigeria Television Authority Authority (NTA) in 1988, Ripples, the hit soap opera which lasted for five years, had its last episode aired in 1993.

Speaking in Abuja recently, Ejiro said the sequel, entitled “Ripples: The New Generation is a dream comes true.

“I have been planning the rebirth of Ripples for a long time now.

“Ripples was a big hit then and I just thought it would be wise for the young generation to witness what their parents saw,” he said.

The movie legend said Ripples rebirth, which was premiered in Lagos on June 21 created history of being the first TV series to return to screen after 30 years break.

“It’s 30 years ago that we created Ripples with the first generation.

“They gave us a terrible day, which was Friday at 7:30 p.m. People didn’t watch television then, but we made the show so powerful that people would keep dates to watch it.

“We just told ourselves that 30 years after, we can still create that magic.

“We want a situation where, no matter what or how busy you are, you must find time for Ripples this time around. We will do it so that you can’t do without it,” he said

Speaking on acceptability and audience measurement of the rebirth series, Ejiro said it was overwhelming because of its gripping focal points and exciting cast.

“It is shown on Wednesdays 9.00 p.m. and a repeat on Saturdays 5.30 p.m. on African Magic Showcase channel 151.

“The focus, as it has always been, is strong storyline, intensive and impactful acting, plausibility, intrigue, sustainable message and entertainment.

“We brought back some exciting characters like Talab Abbas (Alex Osifo), Daphne Wellington Cole (Barbara Soky), Captain Hassan Suleiman( Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey), among others.

“We also brought some young talented actors making huge wave in the the movie industry today. That is why, this time, it is called ‘Ripples: the new generation,” he said.

Ejiro disclosed that the next season of the series would feature more popular thespians including, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Richard Mofe-Daminjo, Liz Benson as well as other young vibrant actors.

On source(s) of his inspiration, the veteran producer of hit movies – Domitila, Sakobi, Domitila: the Sequel, Nneka the Pretty Serpent and many more, said, “it is primarily, God Almighty and from happenstance.”

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