Wura, a bold adaptation of South Africa’s The River, set against the backdrop of the gold mining industry in the Iperindo community of Osun State and tailored to reflect Nigerian culture and societal themes, has enjoyed critical acclaim since it started airing on Showmax.

Performances from its stellar cast including Yomi Fash Lanso, Carol King, Ego Iheanacho and Martha Ehinome have made it the number one programme among Nigerians who see is not just another telenovela, but a must watch — it’s a visual tapestry woven through intricate lighting, composition, and camera movement.

Uti Prince Chiejine is the heart of that artistry.

As the Director of Photography, his contributions on Wura are not just that of framing scenes—they enrich stories, elevate performances, and craft immersive visual narratives.

Through consistency, technical mastery, and an understanding of character-driven storytelling, he plays an instrumental role in defining the show’s cinematic vision, thus, leaving a mark on Nollywood’s journey toward cinematic sophistication.

Setting The Scene: Iperindo’s Atmospheric Backdrop

Wura unfolds in Iperindo in Osun State—once a gold mining hub—with his lens revealing both its stark beauty and raw authenticity.

Though filming on location has posed challenge, from the unpredictable rain in Ile-Ife to maintaining visual consistency across the episodes shot, his strategic framing and lighting choices do not just capture place—they evoke mood, culture, and history.

Long-Form Visual Consistency

Wura demands a level of visual endurance rarely seen in Nigerian series. Uti ensures each episode resembles a standalone short film—high cinematic quality with consistent narrative flow: Whether in intimate interiors or where gold dust floats in shafts, his cinematography keeps viewers visually hooked.
Cinematic Techniques And Visual Language

• High-end equipment: Collaborating with director Rogers Ofime, Wura is shot on RED cameras—no small feat for a Nigerian telenovela.
• Mood-enhancing lighting: He balances the dual worlds of Wura—her warm home life and steely corporate persona—using colour and contrast to reflect her inner conflict and emotional stakes.
• Framing for emotional impact: Close-ups of Scarlet Gomez are artfully shot to highlight Wura’s ambition, while sweeping wide shots of the mine created a sense of scale and tension.

Collaborative Storytelling

As the Director of Photography, his collaboration extended beyond framing. He shapes the show’s tone alongside directors such as Maigari and Ofime. The result: Wura is one of Showmax’s most watched Nigerian originals.
Visual Storytelling As A Cultural Force

Wura isn’t just another soap — it pushed boundaries, talking about gender, power, culture, and morality. Uti’s visuals enhance these themes, turning complex story moments into immersive, unforgettable experiences.
Legacy And Influence

His work on Wura has proven that Nigerian television can match global cinematic standards. The naturalistic lighting, emotional resonance, and bold visual choices you brought to the series are now benchmarks for future Nollywood serial productions.