Voices of Urban Nigerian Youth

Reactions to READY OR NOT

Reactions from broadcasters have been overwhelmingly positive: "Ready or Not can be described as the best youth radio drama programme I've ever listened to." (radio producer) "The content is brilliant and the directing was superb"(Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria), "The message is direct and real. A worthy production with intense audio synchronisation." (Monitoring Officer, National Broadcasting Commission), "I am particularly impressed that a 14 year old girl wrote this masterpiece (Colour of Justice). There is a future for positive and purposeful production of programmes in this country" (independent producer), "The idea and execution is perfect - perhaps one of the most beautiful things to have come out of our young people in recent times" (newspaper correspondent).

Preliminary reactions from young people and adults were recorded during six focus group discussions held in key locations (a secondary school, a university campus, an urban youth centre and an urban, high-density, low income neighbourhood ) during October, 2000, seven months after the series first hit the airwaves. The respondents listened to three sample programs dealing with peer pressure, rape and conflict resolution, and commented that the programs were positive because they portrayed true-life situations and experiences, reflected valuable lessons of life, and were capable of inducing positive change in society. During some of the episodes, the emotions evoked among the youth were quite intense, reflecting an inner resolve to deal with the issues raised.

The youth respondents, especially, considered the music a very important part of the drama, saying it made the programs more interesting, lively and attractive. "What I like about this one is the music, like Fela, Like Femi …Yes, I think it {music} is appropriate." {university student}. "Bob Marley music sort of matches with the message" {Adult}. Some adults were more impartial to the music, "It depends on the people they are appealing to. If it is for youth, it is okay. For adults or grown ups, they will not fancy this type of music" {Adult}.

All three programs were perceived to have universal appeal while capturing the essence of the Nigerian youth experience. Eighty-eight percent of respondents felt the stories were real and true to life, "I think it was totally realistic,"(secondary school student). "Actually, it is a big world, all these things are happening" {university student}"I feel moved because I have had the same experience when I was in school. " {low income area youth}. Ninety one percent felt the messages were very clear and 92% felt the lessons in the drama were important for youth. "I think it address moral ills of the society….it also address sense of responsibilities of the parent on what to inform their children, "(low-income area youth)."It depicts issues among youth and how they can be tackled."

Ninety-four percent of respondents felt the stories were entertaining and interesting and 85% agreed they would recommend the series to their family and friends and would listen to more episodes. " I will introduce such program to my wife because we have not gotten grown up children like this" (Adult). "Yes, I will recommend it to my friends … " {secondary school student}. Both adults and youth felt the series was an important educational tool as one respondent commented, "Youths are the most important people in the society, They have to be catered for … They need information … This kind of program can build their mind because if they are not educated by the right source, they may be wrongly informed. " (Adult)

The drama's favourite character amongst both the youth and adult respondents was TJ, the twenty-three year old DJ who usually reflects the voice of reason. "I like T.J … he is always on the right side and he is always outspoken." The youth confirmed that READY OR NOT reminded them of their favourite music show "The Charley Boy Show", and a popular radio drama called "Straight from the Heart". Interestingly, these two shows were identified during the formative research as some of the youths favourite programs.