Why Kwaw Ansah’s ‘Love Brewed in the African Pot’ is considered a classic till date.

‘Love Brewed in the African Pot’ directed by legendary filmmaker, Kwaw Ansah was released on 11th November, 1980. Almost 43 years after its release, the film is considered a classic in the history of Ghanaian films. ‘Love Brewed in the African Pot’ is a romantic drama film which has its setting in the colonial era.

The film centers on the love story of Aba Appiah (Anima Misa), the daughter of a retired civil servant and Joe Quansah (Reginald Tsiboe) the son of a fisherman. Aba Appiah who is well educated is from a middle-class income family while Joe Quansah, a mechanic comes of a low-class income family.

The film also depicts the value of social status, traditional values as well as the consequences of the colonial rule. The juxtaposition of the rich and the poor through Aba Appiah and Joe Quansah perfectly illustrates the impact of the colonial rule on the mindset of the people.

Mr. Appiah a retired civil servant who wishes to see his children maintain the status of the family had his dreams crashed when his beloved daughter Aba falls in love with Joe, a school dropout mechanic. Mr. Appiah has already been approached by a wealthier family asking for his daughter’s hand in marriage. So the news of Aba falling in love with a lower class man trashes Mr. Appiah’s fantasies of walking his daughter down the aisle in a white wedding.

Mr. Appiah who believes in domestic excellences as he puts it “A good woman is a woman who cooks well, who works hard for the home and family”, will however not make decisions for his children. When Aba was asked to make her choice, she chose the mechanic over the lawyer from the rich home. It is her choice, Mr. Appiah and his wife don’t like it, but they can’t do anything about it.

Director Kwaw Ansah masterfully guides us through the turns and twists of the love story between Aba and Joe. Their love was instant. After Joe nicodemusly charmed his way into the lovely bosoms of Aba, the two became inseparable. The love story is not the only component that makes ‘Love Brewed in the African Pot’ a classic. Below is why Kwaw Ansah’s 1980 film is considered a classic till today.

The Sense of Belongness: there is no doubt that films were used as colonial tools to brainwash people in those days. In that era, people see films reminding them of who their colonial masters are, how powerful they are, how superior they are over them. When Ghanaians began to tell their own stories, the narrative changed. People in those days now have the opportunity to see their likeness in movies. This created a sense of belongness and pride in the minds of the people. ‘Love Brewed in the African Pot’ allowed people to see their own stories being told. They see the traditions and cultural values they believe in depicted in the film.

The youth and the old could see themselves in the characters. They see the characters dress like them, look like them, and act like them. This only goes to heighten their sense of belongness. The marriage ceremony of Aba and Joe was purely traditional; from the drumming and dancing, the music, the dressing, to the rites of marriage. You have that nostalgic feeling today when you are watching the film. This is because you can feel and relate to the things depicted in the film.

The Value of Tradition and Family: if you are someone who believes in Ghanaian traditional values and family system, you would have noticed this point after watching the film. Mr. Appiah could not attend the naming ceremony of a family member but rather sends money on his behalf. A family elder returned his money to him, and taught him a thing or two about the value of family and tradition. According to the elderly man, his presence is of more value to them than the money. Mr. Appiah appears to have disassociated himself from his extended family probably because of his status in society. Director Kwaw Ansah used the opportunity to remind us of the value of family.

Also, the weeding of Aba and Joe threw more light on traditional values and their importance. Apart from a few people in society, you hardly see pure Ghanaian traditional marriages these days. The dressing of the bride and the groom, the drumming and dancing, the rites and the half-naked dancing ladies make you wish for the good old days. The nostalgia that runs through your head when watching this film is unmatched. The Ghanaian in you is awaken after seeing this film.

Unpredictable Storyline: considering the year the film was released, one would have thought the storyline will be a little sketchy. Contrary to that, the story turns out to be an impeccable one. The unpredictability of what happens next in the love affairs of Aba and Joe glues you to your seat until you see ‘The End’. Comparing ‘Love Brewed in the African Pot’ to modern day Ghanaian films, many of which are made up of sketchy plots, the 1980 film would have out done a lot of these movies at the cinemas. Kwaw Ansah brilliantly crafted the story keeping in mind how to hook the interest of his audience. And the film upon release did just that.

‘Love Brewed in the African Pot’ will go into history as one of the films that reshaped filmmaking in Ghana. The film creates the sense of belongness, shows the value of tradition and family, and has unpredictable storylines. However, one thing that has kept me thinking is how the film ended. Audience would love to see more. They would love to see what happened to Aba and Joe.

Considering that, a SEQUEL for ‘Love Brewed in the African Pot’ will not be a bad idea.