
4 January 2018
Omolola Adeleke on creating a fairytale marriage on TV
In Omolola Adeleke’s eyes, love is the most important thing as is exhibited by the newlyweds – Tomide (Kenya’s Nick Mutuma) and Dede (Nigeria’s Chiagoziem Nwakanma) – in her TV romantic comedy This Is It (watch Season 1 on Showmax now). A two-part miniseries, Season 1 depicts couples in their honeymoon phase in the first six months of marriage, while Season 2 tackles some of the challenges this almost-perfect couple go through to reach their happily ever after. Omolola, who is the creator and director of This Is It, tells us what fans can expect in the final season and why she had to tell this fairytale story.

Omolola Adeleke, creator and director of This Is It
Get ready for This Is It S2, which is coming to Showmax in January.
What inspired you to get into filmmaking?
It started from a very personal experience. I was involved in a car crash 10 years ago and it sort of gave me that purposeful paradigm shift towards life. Film was that purpose, I realised I wanted to tell and visualise amazing stories. I love movies. I love to see words come to life.
In a nutshell, what new challenges does This Is It, Season 2, present to the newly married couple?
Season 2 gets real. It shows that aside from excitement and all that, these are real humans, in a real world where there are all sorts of real challenges that need to be dealt with. Challenges like conception, culture, sexual language and many more. It shows that real, raw side to the issues that newlyweds or couples could face but still has a light-hearted undertone to it. Season 1 was about the excitement and thrill of just getting married, Season 2 is about coming together to tackle real issues.
A couple recently did a This Is It themed wedding shoot – how do you feel about this show having such a huge impact on viewers?
It felt amazing. It showed that the show was successful in connecting with the audience in a very personal way, not just for entertainment. That was priceless. It proves what I’ve always believed in – film is a great tool for societal change.
Other than that, what are some of the positive reactions the show has elicited?
When people knew this was the last season, they were hysterical. We got lots of emails, comments and calls. People offering to donate money just so the show can go on and how the show has helped their outlook on coupling. We have people requesting DVDs so they can keep the show forever. It’s just amazing and surreal.
Tell us about choosing Kenyan Nick Mutuma to play the role of Tomide instead of a Nigerian actor.
It wasn’t planned. We had cast a Nigerian but two weeks into production, he opted out of our show for a bigger one. I had just two weeks to find another young actor. Somehow I remembered Shuga and this really young looking dude from Kenya named Nick Mutuma. I gave it a shot, and voila!
With so many TV shows out there dealing with relationships, what makes This Is It different?
It’s aspirational; it brings to life what everybody really wants – a positive marriage! We focused on the fun, positive side of things. Also, using a really young-looking cast makes it relatable to young people and even more aspirational.
How have your own personal experiences shaped the show to be what it is?
First of all, Dede is an exaggerated version of me, and Tomide is my dream guy. So I wrote what was real to me. I wrote it from the heart and I think that’s what shaped the show. It was honest and came from a deeply relatable place.
What is your end game with This Is It? Why is important for you as a filmmaker to tell this story to the world?
I believe in love. I believe there are good marriages and I believe in fairytales. Some have it, so why not publicise that it’s possible. You can aspire to be happy in your relationship.
You are 27, and building an empire in TV/film. What’s your one secret to success that upcoming filmmakers can emulate?
Film is not a joke. You’d better have passion because it will test you! You must be hard-working and you must evolve. You must understand that film is 2% art and 98% marketing!
In your opinion, what opportunities do internet streaming services like Showmax offer to the filmmaking industry in Africa?
Internet is the future and the future is now. Showmax is definitely positioned in the right place and now is the time for them to take interest in independent filmmakers, and empower them to tell original modern African stories that can change the African Narrative. We have brilliant filmmakers out there. Showmax can offer its platform for these filmmakers to express themselves. That way, they lead and we all win.
Don’t have Showmax yet?
Original African stories by local talent

Vaal Riviera
Vaal Riviera follows four Afrikaans families living in the heart of Vaal River society, where family, business, car racing and legacy all come into play. Stream from 22 August, with new episodes on Tuesdays.

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now on Showmax.

What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.

Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.

Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
Kabiyesi, now on Showmax
Between Worlds, now streaming
The best of West Africa

Big Brother Naija Season 10 launches on 26 and 27 July 2025
Big Brother Naija is coming back for its landmark 10th season. Premiering over two nights on 26 and 27 July 2025, exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase, Family and Showmax.

Big Brother Naija S10
Stream BBNaija Season 10 on Showmax, including the 24/7 live stream, daily highlight episodes, Sunday eviction shows, and other key moments throughout the season.

Super Falcons kick off WAFCON against Tunisia on Sunday
The Super Falcons of Nigeria kick off 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Tunisia this Sunday, 6 July, live on Showmax Premier League.

Power, passion and legacy: binge Cheta M S2 on Showmax
Executive producer and showrunner James Omokwe talks about Cheta M S2 and its dramatic finale. All the episodes are now available to binge-watch on Showmax.