"Jacob's Cross" is arguably one of the greatest drama series in the history of African television.
There is no doubt that "Jacob's Cross" is one of the greatest drama series in the history of African television.
In 2007, the character-driven, different and fresh drama series premiered on M-Net, and later, on Africa Magic.
"Jacob's Cross" Plot
The life of a South African born businessman, Jacob, changes after he discovers that his biological father was a Nigerian oil baron and head of the powerful Aboyami dynasty.
Driven by his dream to create the next great African business empire, inherits his father's dream and a family he may never belong to.
And along the way, family loyalties are tested, long cherished friendships are put under pressure and at the heart of it all, the balance between professional determination and personal desire are often at odds with one another.
Attraction to "Jacob's Cross" TV series
For a Nigerian, who wasn't familiar with the cast, the first draw to "Jacob's Cross" was the look. From framing, lighting, costumes, makeup, the sets, music and editing, the show is a Masterclass in visual storytelling.
Then came the characters: From Jacob, to Bola, to Andile, "Jacob's Cross" allows you to know and understand every character.
And no matter how deeply flawed they are, you genuinely love them and care about their story.
For instance: Bola Abayomi, played by Fabian Lojede, is manipulative, selfish and very mean. Nevertheless, he is one of the best and memorable parts of the show.
The suspense on "Jacob's Cross"
The show is one with a lot of scheming, politics, twists and turns. Of course, the machinations are appealing, but they never distract you from the real deal: the characters.
With a terrific sense of suspense, "Jacob's Cross" gave the audience enough answers to make them feel pleased, but also withheld enough to keep them coming back for more weekly.
The humour, drama, horror and action on the show coexist so well to deliver an outstanding work of art.
The performance from the cast of "Jacob's Cross"
Another appealing part of the show is the top-notch performance of the characters.
The actors include Hlomla Dandala as Jacob Makhubu Abayomi, Anthony Bishop as Prospero Brand, Mmabatho Montsho as Lerato Makhubu, Nandi Nyembe as Thembi Makhubu, Fabian Adeoye Lojede as Bola Abayomi, Bankole Omotoso as Bankole Abayomi, Akin Omotoso as Femi, Moky Makura as Chief Folake Abayomi among others.
They made us laugh, smile, cry, scream in excitement and anger. They took us through a journey for eight seasons.
Their detailed understanding of their characters helped invoke dedication in the audience watching. No wonder we still jump in excitement whenever we see Lojede and Dandala listed as a cast in any movie.
It has been over a decade and we haven't forgotten how "Jacob's Cross" was the best thing on TV in the late 2000s.