Ferdinand Ekechukwu
A lead cast of the new comedy series produced by the duo of Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, popularly known as Aki and Pawpaw, had via a post on Instagram, teased fans with behind the scene footage of the upcoming television programme titled ‘Fatty & Sons’. The cast, Nedu Wazobia, in the snippet, light-heartedly calls out their set names while they respond to him. Soon after, both star actors reposted the footage, thus confirming their involvement in the production with behind the scene photos shared on their social media platforms.
Iheme, popularly known as Pawpaw, first made the announcement through his Instagram page last Thursday as he posted pictures of himself and other co-stars with the caption, “You guys asked for a TV series; so, here you have it. This time, we are adding Amala and Ewedu to the menu. The title is ‘Fatty and Sons Autos’. Where Una go watch am?”
The new production follows Iheme’s recent Instagram post teasing fans with the hope of a return to the screens. Interestingly, both star actors never really took a break. They have, over the years, featured in a good number of blockbusters produced Asaba, with a few cinema appearances.
The comedy series is the duo’s first collaboration after a few years. Directed by Ehizojie Ojesebholo, the sitcom follows the story of Fatai, a middle aged mechanic as he navigates his workshop, son and apprentices. The new TV series will feature other Nollywood stars such as Muyiwa Adegoke, Ngozi Nwosu, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, Saeed ‘Funky Mallam’ Muhammed, Oluwatoyin ‘DatWarrigirl’ Albert, among others. The pair had earlier hinted about working jointly on a project like old times.
The original movie, which shot both into limelight and gave them their popular household names was “Aki na Ukwa”, where Iheme played the role of Pawpaw and Ikedieze as Aki. Ikedieze, on the other hand, continues to star in the Rogers Ofime produced ‘The Johnsons’. From all indications, the duo is ready to deliver both a TV series and a movie as requested by their fans. As Nigerian filmmaker, Charles Okpaleke (Play Network), had only recently announced the remake of the 2002 classic on his Instagram page with a poster that reads, “Aki & Pawpaw…Coming To Cinemas Soon.”
The 2002 comedy, which brought both actors to limelight, saw them star as mischievous twin brothers on a mission to ruin their father’s attempts at remarrying after their mother passed on. Following the film’s success, the actors continued to star as brothers maintaining the stage names Aki and Pawpaw. They have also cultivated a relationship beyond the movie industry.
