The continent of Africa is mostly characterized by conflicts, military snatching power from civil rule, ethnic conflicts, just to mention a few. The negative impacts of the above can be felt in the economic development of the country and the living standards of the people. These developments though disturbing has presented filmmakers with another angle to tell the stories of Africa. A movie that has gained prominence in this area is the 2011 Ghanaian movie titled ‘Somewhere in Africa: The Cries of Humanity’.
Somewhere in Africa: The Cries of Humanity’ is a movie that follows the story of a blood thirsty military general who assumed the high office of the land through a coup. We are also taken through the consequences of the coup and atrocities meted out to the people who speak against General’s style of leadership.
Under the guidance of the legendary director Frank Rajah Arase, the movie brilliantly takes us through the military coup by General Yusuf Mombasa played by the sensational Majid Michel, and the cries of the people under his rule. On national TV, General Mombasa announced that he has overthrown the president and has assumed the high office of the land. He justified his action by saying the previous leaders are corrupt and not accountable to the people.
Acting on the orders of General Mombasa, Captain Rajile (Roslyn Ngissah) led a military team terrorizing the people causing fear and panic in the country. An Outspoken teacher who inspires her students to be patriotic and be ready to defend what is right was arrested by General Mombasa’s men. The students did not take the news of the arrest of their teacher lightly. They decided to embark on a protest to Mombasa’s residents led by Nivera (Martha Ankomah), daughter of the arrested teacher.
General Mombasa instructed the students to disperse, but they stood their grounds. Doing what Mombasa does best, he reached for a gun and shot the teacher in the presence of her daughter and asked his men to fire their guns at the students. Mombasa will not listen to the advice of anyone, not even his trusted captain Rajile.
A journalist by name Frank Leuma entered Kimbala in the guise of Reverend Francis Jackson to honor the invitation of Chris (Eddie Coffie) before his assassination. Frank Leuma played by Majid Michel wasn’t lucky enough as he was arrested by Mombasa’s men. Frank Leuma returned to his country with one of his hands cut off; and to make things worse, his best friend married his girlfriend in his absence.
The performances of the actors in this movie were top notch. Majid Michel with his captivating acting makes you fall in love with his character though you might not approve of his actions. Amanorbea Dodoo is a delight to watch in this movie. The ease with which she delivers her lines, the diction and pronunciations are just spectacular. Another area of commendation is the tone of delivery.
Frank Raja Arase crafted a beautiful story and Pascal Amanfo brilliantly turned it into a screenplay. The story touched on important issues happening in some countries in Africa. The story though lacks in some character development, the message communicated is so powerful and hence they can be pardoned.
Somewhere in Africa: The Cries of Humanity’ received a lot of praises and positive reviews upon its release on July 30, 2023. The movie also received seven nominations at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards but won only one Award. Majid Michel is the only recipient of an Award as Best Actor in a Leading Role for his masterclass performance in the movie.
The story of ‘Somewhere in Africa: The Cries of Humanity’ still has more areas to be explored. A sequel of this movie will be a welcoming news to the ears of film lovers.
