Desperate Housewives comes to Africa

By Steven Odeke

AFRICA'S adaptation of ABC TV's comedy-drama-mystery series, Desperate Housewives, is to start showing on your TV this Thursday. 

Lauded globally as one of the best scripts written for television, the US series was broadcast in more than 200 countries around the world, garnering some accolades along the way.

Some adaptations and translations have come along the way in some territories like Argentina, Colombia, Turkey and England, recapturing the same intrigue and drama known for the original series. 

Then in 2013, the Disney Media Distribution and Nigerian television network, EbonyLife TV, agreed to produce an African version.  It is expected to closely reflect the original version with a uniquely African flavour. 

When an outwardly successful neighbour Rume Bello, played by Marcy Dolapo Oni, succumbs to death, her friends continue to deal with their everyday lives and, as seen through Rume's eyes, the story mysteriously unravels in a dramatic, comedic whirlwind which will have you at the edge of your seat calling for more.  

Michelle Dede portrays the character, Tari Gambadia. Her ultimate desperation is unknown at first as she competes for the attention of a new hunky neighbour who has his own ulterior motives.

Nini Wacera portrays Ese De Souza, a housewife who struggles with maintaining the perfect family, but will her outward impression of perfection successfully mask the disturbing dysfunction in her household? Kehinde Bankole, as Kiki Obi, continues a rather sordid and sleazy love affair; will her husband catch her in the act?

And Omotu Bissong, who stars as Funke Lawal, copes with life as a stay-at-home, fatigued mother of four boisterous and rambunctious children. What possibly could be her desperation? That and so many scandals and others will be viewers watch on DStv's Ebonylife.