Freemen S1
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.
The documentary is structured in four distinctive parts, providing an in-depth exploration of the Igbo Apprenticeship System. These segments include the Pick-Up and Negotiations Period, Trial Period, Solidification of Agreement and Work Period, and Settlement Period, each offering a unique perspective on the apprenticeship journey.
Freemen is co-produced by multiple-award-winning rapper Tobechukwu Ejiofor, aka ILLBLiSS (King of Boys), who also produces the soundtrack for the show.
All episodes are now streaming.
More like this
You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)
In this introspective high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo relives her tortured adolescence.
Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1
This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.
Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School (2023)
This heartfelt documentary follows a unique music programme at Hill-Freedman World Academy, which teaches students to create original songs.
“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War
Nikki Comninos talks about directing the raw and haunting documentary series Unspoken War, now streaming on Showmax.
Unspoken War
The South African Border War left broken nations and haunted lives. Unspoken War reveals the hidden cost of the conflict.
Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens
Reney Bouwer opens up about the glamour, pain, and truth behind life as a slay queen. Stream Slay Queens now on Showmax, with new episodes on Fridays.
The Insurrectionist Next Door (2023)
An intriguing and insightful documentary that focuses on the individuals who stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.
No Accident (2023)
A lawsuit followed the deadly Charlottesville rally, targeting white nationalist leaders. Who were the conspirators? And were they held accountable?
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax
More eye-opening documentaries
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Emmanuel Adebayor's life story is one of miracles and staggering perseverance, beginning in abject poverty that few can comprehend.
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
Christall Kay shares what to expect on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, landing 28 November on Showmax and 6 December on Mzansi Magic.
You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)
In this introspective high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo relives her tortured adolescence.
Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1
This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.
Latest Stories
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
What to watch on Showmax in November 2025
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Youngins S3: Toka Mtabane on Khaya and Amo's relationship
Finding Optel to hit Showmax after BFI London Film Festival
Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation
Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe
Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2
Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break
Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special
South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations
What to watch on Showmax in October 2025
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa
