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.
A deeper look into Freemen
Daro Umaigba, executive producer and director of Freemen, on telling African stories
Executive producer and director of Showmax Original Freemen, Daro Umaigba, talks about the importance of telling African stories.
Showmax’s Freemen highlights the origin story of Nnewi’s most successful businessmen
The Showmax Original documentary Freemen highlights how Nnewi breeds successful businessmen like Dr Alex Chika Okafor and Dr Cosmas Maduka. All the episodes for Freemen are available to stream.
“I earned my first million at 24” – Dr Cosmas Maduka in Freemen
Dr Cosmas Maduka talks about how the Igbo Apprenticeship led to the breakthrough in his career. New episodes of Freemen land every Wednesday.
“Discipline is the pinnacle lesson” – Obi Cubana from Freemen
Entrepreneur and businessman Obi Cubana discusses lessons from Igbo Apprenticeship as Showmax documentary Freemen starts streaming.
Freemen S1
A thoughtful Nigerian documentary that explores the age-old Igbo Apprenticeship System, which gives youngsters a chance to learn a trade.
Freemen
Nigerian Showmax Original Freemen is a seven-part documentary that explores the Igbo Apprenticeship System. All episodes now streaming.
Made in NigeriaShowmax documentary Freemen explores the Igbo Apprenticeship System
Showmax premieres its brand-new Nigerian documentary on the Igbo Apprenticeship System.
More documentaries to stream
Chimp Crazy S1
Tiger King filmmaker Eric Goode delivers another view into exotic animal owners – this time, focusing on the lengths chimpanzee “owners” go to keep their ape babies.
All That Breathes (2022)
Two Muslim brothers devote their lives to protecting black kites, a majestic bird of prey falling from New Delhi’s skies at alarming rates.
Boyzone: Life, Death & Boybands S1
In exclusive interviews, Boyzone band members reveal personal experiences in their massively successful boy band and the true cost of global fame.
1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed (2023)
Emmy-winning filmmaker and comedian W Kamau Bell tackles the joys and challenges of growing up mixed-race through conversations with kids and families, including his own.
100 Foot Wave S1-3
This Emmy-winning docuseries follows big-wave pioneer Garrett McNamara’s decade-long odyssey chasing a massive wave in a small fishing village in Portugal.
Wild Wild Space (2024)
A high-stakes HBO doccie that chronicles the modern-day, celestial land grab – a fast-paced, high-stakes race of epic proportions in which companies compete to blast satellite-carrying rockets into low Earth orbit.
Wild Wild Space and 10 more titles to join your space race
We have liftoff! As new HBO documentary Wild Wild Space takes us into low orbit, mission control has 10 more titles ready for space junkies, from Apollo 13 to Interstellar.
Anatomy of Lies: Women who con
Grey’s Anatomy’s most shocking medical case took place behind the scenes. Find out how co-executive producer and writer Elisabeth Finch faked cancer and personal tragedy, and meet five more of the world’s most questionable con women.
Have you watched Bae Beyond Borders?
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.
Made in NigeriaBae 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.
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.
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.
Made in South AfricaBae 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.
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.
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.
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.
The best of West Africa
Iyanu S1
When a teenage orphan discovers she has magical powers, she embarks on a remarkable journey with her friends to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland.
Made in Nigeria
Cheta M Season 2: The story so far
Plot, betrayals and major twists on Cheta M Season 2, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Made in Nigeria
Iyanu comes to Showmax in June with an all-Nigerian voice cast
Iyanu, led by Serah Johnson, alongside Okey Jude, and Samuel Kugbiyi, arrives fresh off its success as the number-one show on Cartoon Network. Premiering on Showmax 13 June.
Nigerian
Nigerian Idol 10 live shows begin!
The highly anticipated Nigerian Idol Season 10 premiered its live shows on Sunday, 25 May. Live shows stream every week, at 7pm on Sundays.
Made in Nigeria