Here is a delightful Nigerian romcom, in which Soluchi, or “Sol” (played by Uzoamaka Power) is a modern-minded career woman living in Lagos where she works at a call centre for a mobile phone network. She’s great at her job, a natural empath who listens to her customers’ problems and solves them with patience and good cheer – not that her jerk of a boss, who is obsessed with raising the unit’s throughput, spots the value of her diligence. In her spare time, Sol pours love into shipping mini-magnate Kalu (Zubby Michael), another chauvinist who doesn’t recognise her worth or even pay her much notice. In fact, after standing her up on an anniversary date and generally taking her devotion, kindness, fit figure and zingy fashion sense for granted, Kalu suddenly dumps her because she’s too “childish”, too available, and too easy when he thinks he should have a partner who’s more of a pursuit-worthy challenge.
Fortunately, an alternative comes along in the shape of Eli (Andrew Yaw Bunting), a handsome Ghanaian news anchorman whom Sol first encounters when he calls in with connectivity problems. (The metaphor there could so easily have been overdone but director Dammy Twitch’s winning lightness of touch makes it barely noticeable.) Sol and Eli click instantly, seduced by the dulcet tones of each other’s voices. Eventually he manages to track her down in order to court her chastely. But will she be able to get over her fear of another broken heart and trust him? Will she waver when Kalu comes crawling back, equipped with cutesy props like balloons and gifts recommended by an influencer friend? Does either man truly see her in every sense, understanding what a pearl she is underneath all those modish wigs and goofy outfits?
Although this package is as corny as the above summary suggests, there’s a breeziness that eases it along throughout. There is plenty to love, particularly Power’s girl-next-door blend of wholesomeness and coquetry. Power also wrote the script, which is a deft work throughout – one that hits all the right romcom beats but also adapts the genre effortlessly to the west African setting. For instance, it makes Sol’s parents (Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwor) lovably realistic elders who aren’t quite so strait-laced as their daughter thinks, despite their devout Christianity. Even the supporting characters have a little depth, and there are some genuinely guffaw-inducing lines, making for a very easy summer watch.
• Call of My Life is in UK cinemas from 10 July.
