DESIGN | October 22, 2024

NDEWO: A RIMOWA Film by Daniel Obasi

For the latest New Horizons series, RIMOWA tapped Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Daniel Obasi to create NDEWO, a film exploring identity, homecoming, and tradition.

Obasi, a renowned photographer and filmmaker takes the German Maison on a journey to his homeland, bringing his signature visual storytelling to highlight the essence of Nigerian culture.

NDEWO follows the protagonist, Chike, against the backdrop of the December holiday season, as he begins a journey from Lagos to his hometown of Enugu ahead of his brother’s wedding. It’s a familiar experience for many who live away from home—a return to one’s roots during a time of celebration, a time of family reunions and cultural renewal.

Set to the evocative tune of Osondu by The Cavemen, a contemporary sibling duo that seamlessly blends traditional Highlife music with contemporary sounds, the emotional impact of Chike’s homecoming is profound. Complete with the soundtrack, NDEWO is indeed a story of return, belonging, and celebration, but it is also a film underpinned by the significance of tradition in contemporary life.

Even in a world where traditions constantly evolve, Obasi’s portrayal of the wedding remains a vibrant yet nuanced reflection of Igbo heritage. He brings to life the beauty of family—both nuclear and extended—draped in colourful traditional attire that act as enduring symbols of unity and pride. His tribute to the past is vivid in scenes where faces and bodies are painted with nzu—the sacred white chalk—echoing ancestral rituals. Tradition is further honoured through dance costumes worn throughout the film—notably in a performance of the Adanma, a symbolic dance celebrating the beauty of a maiden.

These visuals are juxtaposed with imaginary characters of Obasi’s making, inspired by the energy of masquerade bands. While fantastical, these figures represent real concepts of ancestral protection, particularly during a journey homeward like Chike’s.

This interplay between reality and the surreal is a hallmark of Obasi’s work, moving fluidly between the physical journey, the tangible joy of the wedding, portrayals of Igbo tradition, and moments of magical realism. As central as Chike’s journey home is to the film, NDEWO transcends the individual story. Through it, Obasi delivers a broader message: tradition is not a relic of the past; it is alive, ever-present—and much like RIMOWA’s philosophy—constantly evolving.

Director: Daniel Obasi

Music: “Osondu” - Written, Produced & Performed by The Cavemen, from the album ‘Roots’ (2021) “Teach Me How To Love” - Written, Produced & Performed by The Cavemen, from the album ‘Love and Highlife’ (2022)

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