Filmic Discourse of Tradition and Change in the Igbo Apprenticeship System (Igba Boi): A Critique of Kayode Kasum’s Afamefuna

In the spheres of work and business, apprenticeship has been acknowledged as the oldest form of training. The Igbo apprenticeship system (Igba Boi) is a form of training which originated in South-East Nigeria and has been acknowledged as one of the largest and fastest business incubator platforms. The system finances human resources via occupational training thereby stimulating economic growth, stability as well as sustainable livelihoods. The unique models offered by this longstanding entrepreneurship system is said to be responsible for the rapid growth of the Igbo ethnic nationality in global business world. Yet, this business system has not attracted much of the attention of Nollywood filmmakers even when the industry is largely populated by the Igbo many of whom are products of the Igbo apprenticeship system (IAS). It was not until recently that a Yoruba filmmaker, Kayode Kasum, produced a film Afamefuna to discuss aspects of the IAS. Adopting the Social Exchange Theory for its theoretical framework this study discusses continuities and discontinuities in IAS as presented in Afamefuna through a content analysis of the film. Documentary evidences, interactions with select apprentices, and participant observations form the methods of data collection. It is discovered that the film glossed over many aspects the IAS without paying critical attention to minute details. It is recommended that Igbo Nollywood filmmakers who are products of this system and even have apprentices under them come up with more films to give more in-depth discussion to the system and through this way document it for posterity