Freemen on Showmax

Freemen

Made in Nigeria

Nigerian Showmax Original Freemen is a seven-part documentary that explores the Igbo Apprenticeship System. All episodes now streaming.

The Igbo Apprenticeship System has been a cornerstone of the eastern region of Nigeria for generations. The practice involves young individuals placed under the tutelage of experienced traders, artisans, or professionals to learn a trade or skill for a period of time, after which they gain “freedom”, typically including a cash settlement or seed money that will allow them to begin their own trade. In recent times, the business model has gained worldwide traction, and in 2021, Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe's work on the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) was published in the Harvard Business Review.

The seven-part documentary series features prominent Igbo businessmen such as Dr Anene Okeke, Dr Cosmas Maduka aka Coscharis, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Okey Japan, Bartholomew Duru Nwanguma alongside his son Peter Nwanguma, and other notable entrepreneurs. These successful businessmen share their personal stories and reflections on how the Igbo Apprenticeship System shaped their careers and paved the way for their entrepreneurial success.

Freemen is co-produced by multiple-award-winning rapper Tobechukwu Ejiofor, aka ILLBLiSS (King of Boys), who also produces the soundtrack for the show.

Share:

More documentaries to stream

Anora is on Showmax

Anora leads 10 sex workers who break the pole

No shame in the game! Mikey Madison on how Oscar winner Anora dodged sex worker stereotypes to join the ranks of our favourite on-screen hustlers.

First
Anora is on Showmax

Anora (2024)

An Oscar-winning romantic drama that follows a young sex worker who marries the son of an oligarch. Life is good, until the news reaches Russia...

First
Sibusiso Vilakazi believes his former club Mamelodi Sundowns will edge out Pirates in the second leg of the MTN8 semi final.

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

This weekend, all eyes will be on Lucas Moripe stadium as Mamelodi Sundowns face off against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final.

LiveMade in South Africa
Newcastle and Liverpool battle it out at St James Park on Monday, 25 August 2025. Catch all the action live on Showmax PL.

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

The Premier League drama is back in full swing, and this coming weekend promises another thrilling rollercoaster ride for football fans worldwide.

Live
Telemarketers S1 on Showmax

5 reasons to pick up HBO’s Telemarketers

Scam caller alert! Five reasons to find out who’s really cashing in on a job that everyone hates, in the HBO documentary series The Telemarketers.

The Valley S1 on Showmax

The Valley S2

Their lives might have slowed down, but the drama hasn't. Vanderpump Rules's former West Hollywood partygoers embrace the next chapter of their lives in the Valley.

BBNaija S10 on Showmax

What your BBNaija S10 Housemates are watching on Showmax

From Dune to Tinsel, here’s what the BBNaija Season 10 housemates are watching on Showmax right now.

OriginalMade in Nigeria
Law & Order - Season 23

Law & Order S23-24

The original Law & Order resumes its classic two-part approach following both the police who investigate crimes and the DAs who prosecute them.

Have you watched Bae Beyond Borders?

Sadau Sisters S1 on Showmax

Best reality TV shows to stream this August on Showmax

Showmax has a stellar lineup of reality TV series to watch this month, from the new season of BBNaija to all episodes of Sadau Sisters, The Real Housewives of Lagos and more.

OriginalMade in Nigeria
Bae Beyond Borders is on Showmax

Bae Beyond Borders Season 1 finale: It's a yes from all four ladies

In the final episode of Bae Beyond Borders, the ladies finally decide if their love will survive beyond borders. All episodes are available to binge on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Bae Beyond Borders S1 is streaming on Showmax

Bae Beyond Borders episode 8 recap: Is Chidu's celibacy an issue for Vuvu?

In episode 8 of Bae Beyond Borders on Showmax, couples take the major leap to solidify their love, and Chidubem makes it official with Vuvu.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Bae Beyond Borders on Showmax

Bae Beyond Borders Season 1 episode 7 recap: Mali regrets her decision

In episode 7 of Bae Beyond Borders, Malibongwe is forced to share some big news with Luciano that could alter their future plans. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Bae Beyond Borders on Showmax

Bae Beyond Borders episode 6 recap: It's down to the final hour

In episode 6 of Bae Beyond Borders, the ladies have to make their final call on who to take to South Africa. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Bae Beyond Borders on Showmax

Bae Beyond Borders Season 1 episode 5 recap: Vuvu and Eric hit it off

In episode 5 of Bae Beyond Borders, Vuvu's date with Chidu flops, but she enjoys an intimate moment with Eric. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Bae Beyond Borders on Showmax

Bae Beyond Borders Season 1 episode 4 recap: Zezethu drops Kingsly for Peter

In episode 4 of Bae Beyond Borders, Zezethu ends things with Kingsly while Peter sits on his throne. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Bae Beyond Borders is on Showmax

Bae Beyond Borders episode 3 recap: Flirty in-person dates

Sparks fly as chemistry grows between the four discerning South African women in Bae Beyond Borders and their Nigerian dates.

OriginalMade in South Africa