Movies

8 Thoughts I Had While Watching ‘Monica’

Published

3 months ago

6 May 2026

Ene Unazi

Photo - Facebook

Uche Montana’s ‘Monica’, inspired by true events, has triggered mixed emotions since its release on 7th March, 2026. The sequel came out 3rd May, 2026 and became the record-breaking film to gain 10 million views in two days, and is running on 13 million views now, with strong audience reaction. Having watched the movie, here are eight thoughts.

Monica’s Story Shows the Harsh Reality Many First Daughters Face:

The movie depicts family struggles that many people experience within their homes. The story chronicles the life of some firstborn daughters who sacrifice their lives for the ones they love. Hence, it resonated with a lot of viewers who have experienced this reality.

Monica is the first daughter and born of her family who had to sacrifice her education and life since childhood, hawking her mother’s Pap and taking charge just so the home could be in order. Her siblings despised her at every slightest chance without second thought and got away with it because no parent could stand up for her. Monica couldn’t even stand up for herself, thereby losing her identity and self-worth. This part is largely portrayed in ‘Monica’ 1.

Photo – Facebook

Each Character a Different Layer of Family Dysfunction:

Every action, word, and expressions were so intentional so as to send the message the movie had to pass.

Each character carried every stigma that individuals face in life. Some people are Monica, who lose their voice and self-esteem, having to bear the consequences and responsibilities they didn’t choose for themselves but had to accept since it appeared so. They think that if they do not fill in the gap, who will? This has caged several individuals in trauma and unhealed wounds.

Bobo became a replica of his dad because he wasn’t taught quickly who a man should be by his father. His father wasn’t a good representation of such a figure. Bobo learnt quickly how to be lazy and irresponsible.

Chika, on the other hand, cares less about anyone’s emotions and sacrifices. She became ruthless since her mother always had her back in everything. An honest thought is that she took after her mother.

Mama Monica taught us how wrong parenting and favouritism can cause harm to children. Leaving us to wonder if she was also operating on unhealed trauma. She is the primary antagonist in the film, shaped by her role as a mother and the choices she makes.

Monica’s Sacrifice Became the Heart of The Story:

Monica didn’t have to take up responsibilities she was forced into. But it turned out so for her. As though it was her purpose to shoulder the consequences of her failed parents.

She sacrificed her education, life, money, time, and even her lover without a payback.

Identity can be lost in situations where you have to give your all without someone reminding you to slow down or even cut off to find yourself.

Mama Monica would always say she was the ‘pepper’ and the ‘salt’ in their home, but Monica was everything. When their father had kidney failure in ‘Monica’ 2 and no one could help with his dialysis, she stepped in without a second thought. In the middle of that, Bobo’s wife, Sharon, had an emergency labour of which she had to pay the hospital bills for her operation. Yet none of this was recognised and remembered by all of them.

Every sacrifice she made was a hope for approval, recognition, and love, yet that wasn’t in the picture.

Photo – Facebook

Consequences Eventually Caught Up with Everyone:

This is inevitable, and viewers anticipated it. When Chika double crossed Monica to marry Pascal, she didn’t expect he’ll die so soon from heart disease, leaving her as a widow who eventually loses herself and resolves to drinking. Mama Monica didn’t know she wouldn’t eventually be the one to dance with her daughter at her wedding and enjoy all the benefits that come with that moment. She lost it all.

Mama Monica faced humiliation from her children and ended up sick without having someone care for her like Monica would. Bobo became a baby daddy who couldn’t even fend for his daughter’s feeding nor feed his wife who leaves him for another man.

Papa Monica’s Failure Fueled the Family’s Collapse:

Papa Monica, simply existed in his home and made everyone suffer for his failure. Unsurprisingly, many view him as passive and ineffective. He was there. Physically present and incapable. A man sitting in a house he had no business calling his kingdom, while his wife made Pap to be sold on the streets by his first daughter, just to keep the family breathing.

He simply proves that once a leader gives up, the followers will lose direction, or worse, turn a tyrant. He lost his voice in the home and became one who only nods to his wife. It’s not always the loud abuse that breaks a home. Sometimes it’s the silence. The man who cannot speak because he has nothing to stand on.

His inability to provide leadership created instability within the household. Someone who calls his children to order, speaks sense into the chaos, and anchors the house when everything shakes.

Papa Monica could not do any of that. And at the end, the weight of all he never did crushed him. The stress, the shame. When the Agbo, Mama Monica quietly administered, kicked in, his body gave out. Kidney failure. By the time he died, he had long become emotionally absent from his family. This character is a mirror. Somewhere, someone’s father is Papa Monica.

Monica’s Siblings Showed the Damage Within the Home:

In a typical African home, hierarchy comes with respect. This wasn’t the case in this movie. She did not receive love or respect from her siblings regardless of what she had to sacrifice for that.

This happens when parents fail to hold everything together. From a young age, Bobo and Chika would mock Monica of her lack of education and how she carried herself. She was reduced to nothing in front of them because her mother specifically treated her like an outcast.

Bobo slapping Monica when she stood up for herself to silence Sharon in ‘Monica’ 2 was the major humiliation she received from him. This was after he came to plead for forgiveness, unbeknownst to her, it was a way to lure her back to be used by him.

Photo – Instagram

The Film Exposes the Roles Families Force on Their Children:

This movie mirrors the harmful behaviour of some African parents towards their children. Most times, they force a fate on their children especially if it benefits them. A child can’t become an artist because the parents want him to become a lawyer or doctor to keep the family name or lift the family up.

Some project their insecurities and failures on their children. Papa and Mama Monica failed at provision allowing Monica to shoulder that. The family feeds, and pays their hospital bills when she provides.

Her dream was to build her own fashion house but that was about to be robbed by mother until Monica regained her senses and changed her story.

‘Monica’ Serve as a Reminder for First-born Children:

Most first born have accepted their fate to be the pillar of the home, forgetting they’re also part of the family. This movie is a reminder to first born that you shouldn’t lose yourself trying to pick up others who can’t do something for themselves.

Related Topics:Monica Monica2 Uchemontanamovie YouTube film

Up Next

5 Nollywood and African Films to Watch Before May Ends

Don't Miss

Toka McBaror’s ‘The Creek’ Trailer Drops, Full Cast (Bucci Franklin, Sam Dede, Sunshine Rosman) & What to Expect

Click to comment

Movies

5 Nollywood Films to Watch This Weekend.

Published

4 days ago

17 July 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram

If you’re planning a relaxed weekend indoors or looking for your next cinema outing, Nollywood has no shortage of compelling stories to keep you entertained. From crime thrillers and family drama to romantic comedies and culturally rooted epics, this list features something for every kind of movie lover. Whether you enjoy emotional storytelling, suspense or films inspired by Nigerian history and traditions, these five titles deserve a place on your watchlist.

The Return of Omotara Johnson – (2026/Crime drama Action-thriller)

The Return of Omotara Johnson marks Bukky Wright‘s return to one of her most iconic screen characters, nearly two decades after the original film became a favourite among Nollywood audiences. Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, the film follows Omotara, a woman determined to leave her troubled past behind and build a peaceful life with her son. That hope is shattered when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, forcing her to confront old enemies and buried secrets. Featuring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chidi Mokeme, Timini Egbuson and Shaffy Bello, the crime drama combines suspense with emotional family conflict.

Apaara: The Outcast – (2026/Epic drama and historical thriller)

Apaara: The Outcast, directed by Damola Olatunji and Sunday Alabi Osibata, the film blends history, mythology and political intrigue into one gripping story. It follows a fearless freedom fighter whose struggle against corruption sparks betrayal, tragedy and a supernatural battle that stretches across generations. The cast includes Ibrahim Chatta, Muyiwa Ademola, Iyabo Ojo, Bimbo Ademoye, Adunni Ade and Antar Laniyan, making it one of the most ambitious Yoruba productions in recent times. Although it is scheduled to open in cinemas on July 24, its release is only a few days away, making it one to keep on your watchlist as you plan your next movie outing.

On Different Grounds – (2026/Romantic Comedy and Family Drama)

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mildred Okwo, the film centres on a wealthy separated couple who are brought back together during preparations for their daughter’s wedding. What begins as an uncomfortable reunion gradually turns into a heartfelt story filled with humour, awkward moments and the possibility of second chances. Led by Nkem Owoh, Jennifer Eliogu and Bob-Manuel Udokwu, the film balances laughter with genuine emotional moments.

Market People – (2025/Drama)

If you enjoy quiet, character-driven dramas, Market People is worth adding to your weekend watchlist. Directed by Jeremiah John, the film follows a grieving woman and a struggling writer whose lives become unexpectedly connected through an unusual housing arrangement. Starring Chimezie Imo, Elma Mbadiwe, Tina Mba, Francis Duru and Kelechi Udegbe, the film delivers a heartfelt story about healing, hope and the relationships that emerge in everyday life.

Alechenu – (2026/Emotional Family Drama)

Directed by Biodun Stephen, Alechenu tells the touching story of a young autistic boy who travels from Oyo to Lagos in search of the mother he has never met. Along the way, his journey uncovers long-hidden family secrets and changes the lives of everyone he encounters. Starring Bimbo Ademoye, Mike Ezuruonye, Femi Adebayo, Wumi Toriola and young actor Royal Aziomaku, the film explores family, identity and resilience while highlighting compassion and acceptance.

If you’re still deciding what to watch this weekend, these five Nollywood films are a solid place to start. Each one brings a different kind of story, whether you’re looking for suspense, laughter, heartfelt moments or a film that reflects familiar Nigerian experiences.

Entertainment

Tems Confirmed to Perform at the 2026 BET Awards.

Published

1 month ago

19 June 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram

Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has been confirmed as one of the performers at the 2026 BET Awards. BET announced the first lineup of performers on June 17, revealing that the Grammy-winning artist will take the stage at the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Tems is set to appear alongside artists such as Cardi B, Doechii, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Rick Ross, T.I., Common, Don Toliver and French Montana, unveiled by BET for this year’s edition. The event will be hosted by comedian and entertainer Druski, with MC Lyte returning as announcer. The annual ceremony honours achievements in music, film, television and sports, bringing together both established acts and rising figures across the entertainment industry.

Photo: Instagram

Her performance announcement follows her three nominations at the 2026 BET Awards, placing her among the most recognised Nigerian artists this year. She is nominated in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category, the BET Her Award for her song “First”, and the Viewers’ Choice Award for “Raindance”, her collaboration with British rapper Dave.

In recent years, Tems has become a consistent presence on major international stages, and her appearance at the 2026 BET Awards adds another notable international appearance to her growing list of global engagements. The performance is expected to reach viewers across multiple markets as the ceremony celebrates achievements across entertainment.

Photo: Instagram

The 2026 BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 28, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8PM ET. The show will feature performances, award presentations and tributes, gathering artists and industry figures from different parts of the entertainment space.

Lifestyle

Celebrate Father’s Day with the Ultimate Gift Guide for Dads.

Published

1 month ago

12 June 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Pinterest

Father’s Day coming up on June 21, 2026, is more than just another date. It is a day set aside to show appreciation to the men who have spent years offering guidance, support, encouragement, and sometimes even tough lessons that helped shape our lives.

For many people, shopping for dads is not straight forward as most fathers rarely tell you what they want. While mothers drop hints about things they like, fathers tend to say “Anything is fine” or “Don’t worry about buying me anything”. That response makes it difficult to know what gift they would actually appreciate while recognising that behind all these responses is a man who would value being celebrated.

While many fathers insist they do not need anything special, one thoughtful act can go a long way in making them feel valued. Choosing the right present does not always mean spending a huge amount. What matters most is finding something that matches his personality, interests, or daily routine.

Photo: Instagram

For dads who enjoys technology, gadgets such as wireless earbuds, smartwatches and accessories, portable speakers, or power banks can make everyday activities more convenient. These presents combine usefulness with modern style, making them suitable for fathers who like staying connected.

Photo: Instagram

For fashion-conscious dads, consider upgrading his wardrobe with quality outfits he can use regularly. A classic wristwatch, a fragrance, comfortable shoes, or a smart shirt can add a fresh touch to his collection. Some Nigerian fathers do prefer stylish native attires like senator wear, kaftans and agbadas from local designers. These are gifts that remain relevant long after Father’s Day has passed.

Photo: Instagram

For the father who loves relaxation, comfort-focused presents can be a pleasant surprise. A comfortable lounge set, personalized mug, or even a subscription to his favorite streaming service can help him enjoy his downtime after a busy day. Sometimes the simplest gifts become the most appreciated because they fit naturally into their regular routine.

Photo: Instagram

Food-loving dads may enjoy a special dining experience rather than expensive gifts. Preparing his favourite meal at home, organizing a family picnic, or taking him to a restaurant he has always wanted to try can create a lasting memory. Shared moments often leave a stronger impression.

Photo: Pinterest

For sports-loving dads items from their favourite team, such as jerseys with their best teams badge or even a mug carrying the sticker of their top athlete, fitness accessories, or tickets to an upcoming match are worth considering. These gifts connect directly to their hobbies and shows that attention was paid to what interests them.

Photo: Instagram

For fathers who prefer a more personal approach, customised gift is a meaningful option. Framed family photographs and handwritten letters can carry emotional weight that no expensive material can match. Sometimes the most meaningful presents are the ones that remind a father of the people who matter most to him.

Of course, not every Father’s Day celebration requires spending money. A heartfelt message, phone call, or simply setting aside time to be together can create lasting memories. Many fathers value recognition more than presents, especially when it comes from the people they care about most.

Father’s Day is not really about finding the perfect gift. It is about appreciating the man who has offered support, advice, encouragement, and countless sacrifices over the years. The thought behind it is what carries the greatest meaning.