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
Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.
High Horse: The Black Cowboy S1
Jordan Peele creates this vibrant, eye-opening three-part pop culture and historical documentary. It confronts and reclaims the Wild West while revealing the untold history of the Black cowboy.
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.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming soon
More eye-opening documentaries
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa
Get ready for a world-first experience with an all-African cast! Meet the fiery ladies from Nairobi, Lagos, and Abuja. New episodes land on Fridays.
Blessing Lung'aho opens up about fame, misogyny and his transformation in Adam to Eve
Blessing Lungaho opens up about fame, misogyny, and transforming for Showmax’s gender-swap dramedy Adam to Eve, where he plays three bold roles.
Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back
Breakout star Keketso Mpitso talks about his villain role as Tlali in Outlaws Season 2, now streaming on Showmax. New episodes land every Monday.
Where to stream Bel-Air S4 online in Africa
Bel-Air is back! Stream the highly anticipated Season 4 of the Fresh Prince reboot, now available on Showmax. New episodes land Wednesdays!
Latest Stories
.png&w=3840&q=100)
Youngins' Kealeboga Masango on Buhle's pregnancy shock
Where to see the cast of Outlaws S2 on Showmax
Mamodibe as Buang: The woman behind the warrior in Outlaws
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War
Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
Hakeem Kae-Kazim on Showmax crime thriller Masinga - The Calling
Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2
Slay Queens: Inno Morolong on the dark side of the lifestyle
10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day
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
From The Office to The Paper
