At the 13th African Film Festival (AFRIFF), British-Nigerian rapper Skepta made a significant impression by winning the Audience Choice Award for his debut film, Tribal Mark. The festival, known for celebrating African cinema and cultural storytelling, gave the award based on votes from festival attendees, showing just how deeply Skepta’s film resonated with viewers.
This achievement highlights the rapper’s evolving creative journey, branching out from music into impactful storytelling.
Tribal Mark, co-directed with Dwight Okechukwu of their joint production company 1Plus1, goes beyond entertainment to address pressing social issues, including the immigrant experience, mental health, and racial prejudice. In a May 2024 interview with Variety, Skepta shared that his motivation stemmed from his personal connection as the child of immigrants.
He noted the unique struggles immigrant communities face, especially the trauma that often remains unspoken and internalized. Skepta expressed that Tribal Mark was meant as a therapeutic outlet, particularly for people with shared experiences who rarely see their stories represented.
Written by Andrew Prince Boateng, Sotonye Ogan, and Dwight Okechukwu, Tribal Mark follows the story of a young Nigerian named Mark, played by Jude Carmichael. The character grapples with the complexities of adapting to life in London, away from his home and familiar culture.
Mark’s journey reflects the difficulties many immigrants face in reconciling their heritage with the demands of a new environment. The film’s narrative, which weaves in themes of identity and resilience, aims to provide a platform for immigrant voices and shed light on the emotional toll of adaptation.
The cast of Tribal Mark is primarily composed of actors from minority ethnic backgrounds, further reinforcing the film’s commitment to authentic representation. Among the ensemble cast are Kola Banjo, Camille Cole, Divine Echeazu-Paul, and Gabriel Kwasi Tedeku, with Skepta also making an appearance.
This casting choice brings a genuine sense of diversity to the film, emphasizing its dedication to portraying immigrant stories with depth and integrity.
The film premiered for Nigerian audiences at AFRIFF on November 8, 2024, where it was celebrated as “an immigrant story told with care.” This tag reflects the delicate and respectful approach Skepta and his team took in crafting a story that would resonate deeply with those who have experienced similar struggles.
By screening Tribal Mark in Nigeria, Skepta brought the story full circle, bridging his British-Nigerian identity and honoring his cultural roots.
Skepta’s Tribal Mark not only won an award but also sparked conversations around themes of identity, belonging, and mental health. His debut film, filled with raw, personal storytelling, is an inspiring example of how artists can use their platforms to create meaningful dialogue around significant social issues.
This award marks an exciting milestone in Skepta’s career, indicating his potential for continued impact in the film industry. The film is also directed by Hector Dockrill and Dwight Okechukwu.
