If you check the number 1 show on Nigeria’s Netflix, it’s a South African show called ‘The Polygamist’.
There’s a good reason for this: everyone loves scandalous, Tyler Perry-like TV. The conversation concerning the show is increasing, with many people lauding the plot, but it ultimately circles back to whether Nigerians and other Africans should even watch it at all due to South Africa’s open xenophobia against African immigrants.
The movie is based on a Zimbabwean novel of the same name by Sue Nyathi and is executively produced by a Nigerian, Akin Omotoso. 
The plot of ‘The Polygamist’
Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy South African business tycoon, lives a life driven by intense greed and lust. He is married to his wife of over 20 years, Joyce, and together they have two adult children, Mpume and Menzi. Despite their long marriage, Jonasi continuously cheats on his wife and engages in destructive behaviour that threatens to ruin his family.
South Africa’s Recent Actions
The question then remains: how do we draw the distinction between movies people watch for enjoyment and the concept of solidarity or sanctions? This week, thousands of Africans touched down in their home countries after years of living and building their lives in South Africa, running away after their shops were looted and burnt because some South Africans believe all immigrants are job stealers or drug peddlers. Many more have been lynched, and others who didn’t survive have been killed. This is obviously terrible behaviour from South Africans.
While their government on one hand says they are not in support, their actions are not aligned with actively stopping this bad behaviour from their citizens who have placed a June 30th deadline for all immigrants to leave. The South African government is even threatening to charge Nigerians the cost of repatriating illegal citizens.
Meanwhile, other African countries are making their borders visa-free, and a visa is unheard of for citizens of the EU, but Africans don’t seem to have that same camaraderie.
Should Nigerians and Other Africans Watch ‘The Polygamist’
The concept of sanctions exists; in fact, many countries were sanctioned for acknowledging South Africa’s apartheid state. So, it feels like emotional treason to watch 22 episodes of a show made chiefly of a South African cast and crew, notwithstanding the author and executive director. However, you may argue that in Christian doctrine, you shouldn’t repay evil with evil and so you are justified in enjoying a good show.
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