Adesoji Kukoyi vividly recalls the moment that ignited his lifelong passion for the beloved British sci-fi series, Doctor Who. Transported back to his childhood in 1980s Nigeria, he animatedly mimics the iconic theme tune that once beckoned him to the television screen.
“I dropped everything and ran straight to the television,”
he reminisces with sheer nostalgia.
Back then, amidst a landscape of British shows like Allo Allo and Fawlty Towers permeating Nigerian airwaves as remnants of colonial influence, it was the time-traveling adventures of the enigmatic Doctor that captivated young Mr. Kukoyi’s imagination like no other.
“He always spoke to me,”
shares Mr. Kukoyi, now 44 years old, with a vintage Doctor Who theme as his phone’s ringtone.
“Like there’s somebody watching out for us… yes, we make mistakes, but we do our best, especially if we have a teacher that will lead us on the right path.”
His enduring love for Doctor Who reached new heights when news broke that an upcoming episode would be set in Lagos, Nigeria – a groundbreaking moment for both him and the show itself.
“I screamed like a little girl!”
Mr. Kukoyi excitedly recounts upon discovering that this narrative shift would mark Doctor Who’s first primary setting in Africa – an occasion not only significant for fans but also symbolically poignant considering Nigeria’s past contributions to preserving lost episodes from the series.
“As reported by BBC Africa,”
in 2013, fans worldwide rejoiced when nine missing Doctor Who episodes from the 1960s were recovered from a Nigerian TV archive.
In anticipation of this historic episode unfolding in Lagos, actor Ariyon Bakare hints at an intriguing storyline filled with cultural intersections and hair-raising encounters. The teaser promises viewers glimpses of vibrant local settings such as bustling markets and distinctive barber shops alongside enigmatic characters like Anansi-inspired creatures.
Scriptwriter Inua Ellams tantalizingly keeps details under wraps, sparking fan theories about what surprises await within this African-themed adventure while reflecting on why Doctor Who resonates deeply with Nigerians.
“There’s something Nigerian about the Doctor,”
suggests Ellams. Drawing parallels between Nigerian exuberance and the titular character’s audacity intertwined with mystery—a blend that seems to strike a chord within audiences who find solace in narratives where heroes rise against all odds.
Ellams speculates on why previous iterations rarely explored African narratives within Doctor Who’s vast universe. He muses on potential reasons ranging from storytelling limitations to creative choices made by writers over six decades since its inception.
The forthcoming portrayal by Ncuti Gatwa brings fresh opportunities to delve into uncharted territories narratively due to his African heritage—a prospect that excites Ellams as it opens avenues for diverse storytelling possibilities within this long-running series loved by many across generations globally.
Despite challenges accessing newer episodes locally due to broadcasting shifts away from public TV platforms towards streaming services like Disney Plus in Nigeria, die-hard enthusiasts like Mr. Kukoyi remain unwavering in their commitment to witnessing each new chapter unfold – eagerly awaiting Saturday evenings glued to their screens as they welcome familiar faces venturing into uncharted territories like Lagos.
“I’m waiting with baited breath,”
shares Mr. Kukoyi eagerly. For him and others alike who grew up enamored by Tom Baker’s scarf-clad incarnation of the Time Lord figure; this upcoming episode holds promise not just for entertainment but perhaps also for bridging generational divides through shared cultural experiences reimagined on screen.
### Attribution
This article is based on information originally reported by [BBC Africa](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq54d4w5131o).
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