Why “Ripples” is back to screens 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 1990s, is back on screen after a 30-year hiatus.

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

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, Ejiro said the sequel, titled “Ripples: The New Generation is a dream come 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 June 21, created history of being the first Tv series to return to screen after 30-year break

“It was 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 coming back to watch it.

“We just told ourselves that 30 years later, 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 the 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 a strong storyline, intensive and impactful acting, plausibility, intrigue, a sustainable message, and entertainment.

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

“We also brought some young, talented actors who are making a huge wave in 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, and 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 from God Almighty and from happenstance.”

Supreme News reports that the Ripples Rebirth series is preoccupied with the challenges of oil spillage and its detrimental environmental consequences.

It also shed light on the relentless struggle for emancipation and the unwavering pursuit of success against all odds.