Nigerian model, actor, and former Mr. Nigeria, Emmanuel Ikubese has screened his health-challenging movie which focuses and raises awareness on sickle cell disease.
Mzigo, which translates to “burden” in Swahili, is a cinematic gem that premiered in Lekki, Lagos at the Private Cinema, Jewel by AEIDA-Segun Jade Theatre on Friday, October 17, 2025, literally left the audience captivated with its raw emotion, strong literary appeal, and grandiose universal themes.
The film features a stellar cast, including Angel Unigwe, Fred Amata, and Tanzanian superstar Elizabeth Michael. Ikubese said the film is part of his broader effort, through Mzigo, to promote screening for newborns and improve access to healthcare.
Directed by a passionate team committed to authentic African storytelling, the film explores the weight of sacrifice, the strength of hope, and the complexities of love in a Pan-African contemporary context. It equally marked a significant moment, with attendees lauding the film’s relatable, heartfelt narrative and cultural resonance.
The brain behind the project also expressed concern that there is still inadequate medicals for sickle cell patients care. Ikubese shared that his motivation for the project stems from the tragic loss of his cousin to sickle cell disease. “I lost a cousin of mine to sickle cell. It was due to ignorance,” the actor said.
The lead actor and producer also received a resounding applause from his audience who openly acknowledged that the film speaks to the external challenges faced by those living with the condition, especially those imposed by the kin, family, friends and society at large, such as stigmatisation and discrimination, mockery, rejection, name-calling and body-shaming.
Reacting to this Emmanuel said, “This can birth feelings of interiority, erode self-esteem, and even engender depression.” He stated that the film sought to address gaps in the control of sickle cell in Nigeria, including capacity building, research policy development and implementation, and monitoring and evaluation which are necessary for the sustained management and control of sickle cell disorder with the intention to depopulate and mitigate the spread.
Driven by a desire to make an impact, the actor stated that he founded Mzigo, an awareness and support initiative for sickle cell patients. “I felt compelled to use my voice, time, resources, passion, commitment, expertise, etc to raise awareness and inspire hope and I want all relevant stakeholders such as local and international NGOS, governments, corporate organizations to key into this advocacy so that we can reach our 92% target of awareness and to also positively impact humanity,” he said.
He further stated that he recently collaborated with the Sickle Cell Advocacy Management Institute (SAMI) to organise the “Run4AWarrior” challenge, intending to raise funds for health insurance (HMO coverage) for low-income sickle cell patients. “Our goal was to raise awareness and funds to provide HMO coverage for those in low-income areas living with sickle cell.,” he added.
His biological father, a community leader and human rights activist, Chief Austine Ikubese commended the efforts of Emmanuel, prayed for him and as well showed appreciations to all those who have partnered with him to come up with the mega project. Giving his insights about the movie he said every Nigerian is directly or indirectly affected by sickle cell disorder.
He explained that if Nigerians learned more about the disorder, including the cause, and shared accurate information about the disease it would be reduced. He further noted that said the government should provide practicable and implementable policies and laws to reduce the burden of the disease. He disclosed that sickle cell is an inherited disease and genetic disorder. It has to do with genes, lineage and heredity from parents to their children.
Chief Ikubese urged Nigerians to create awareness about the disease, as deaths caused by sickle cell are out of ignorance and preventable, saying, “Parents should take their babies to the hospital whenever they notice signs and symptoms of sickle cell anaemia or any other related ailment. The media, religious leaders in churches and mosques and influencers should help to deepen this campaign so that we can significantly minimize the scourge.
“People should know their genotypes before going to the altar to say I do. This movie is loaded in every sense and I have no doubt that it will attract major awards and recognitions locally and internationally, the sound, the props, the costumes, the technical details are just excellent. Your mother and I are proud of you, God bless you Emmanuel and God bless all your partners too.”
During the panel session anchored by NOVARTIS, Dr Adeseye Michael Akinsete said the film essentially addressed the realities doctors are confronted with at the clinics as well as the ways treatments are administered and the excruciating pains those living with the health condition go through.
He disclosed that sickle cell is an inherited disease and genetic disorder and its effects on mental health. It has to do with genes, lineage and heredity from parents to their children. “I appreciate the aspect where the film portrays the multilayered psychosocial challenges affiliated with what the warriors are faced with in the society. We always tell people to stop discriminating and stigmatising against people living with sickle cell disorder because it is not contagious and infectious.”
Emmanuel in his vote of thanks expressed his gratitude to the supportive roles extended to him by American Society of Hematology (ASH) based in Washington, United States, NOVARTIS, MIKANO, NULI (Nuli maker of fresh, indigenous healthy foods), LASACO Assurance Plc, his parents Chief Austine Ikubese and Hon. (Mrs.) Sarah Ikubese, cast and crew of the movie and everyone who have contributed to the success of the project.
Movie enthusiasts and other industry stakeholders, including Ifeanyi Kalu however believe the production can usher in a new window for Nollywood in conventional storytelling and will go on to pick up awards on the international film festival scene, while also describing Mzigo as an artistic triumph and a landmark moment for Nigerian filmmaking.
In 2014, Ikubese won the Mr. Nigeria pageant and secured the first runner-up spot at Mr. World. He gained recognition as an actor for his role in the MTV series ‘Shuga’. In 2019, Ikubese made his directorial debut with the Ugandan series ‘Kyaddala’. He has since received multiple awards, including Peace Personality of the Year at the 2015 Peace Achievers Awards.
See more pictures below:
