Society has always had a script for love, a flattened path with clear, if unspoken, rules. In modern Nigeria, these rules often dictate who you can love, how you should love, and at what age. It is within this dilemma of expectation that Zikoko, the culture-defining media platform, wades into the world of narrative filmmaking with its new “Zikoko Life” anthology series. At the heart of this is “Something Sweet,” a short film that is as tender as its title suggests, and as stimulating as its premise demands.
The story introduces us to Ziora, a woman who has evidently “made it.” She is a successful business owner, a figure of poise and accomplishment in her 40s. Her life is a tribute to quiet, curated order. But love, true to its nature, is rarely quiet. It arrives in the form of Leke, a young man in his 20s. It is at this point that lesser stories might conveniently lean into the tired and cynical trope of exploitation, but “Something Sweet” chooses a braver course. The film boldly rejects that narrative and presents he connection between Ziora and Leke not as a transaction, but as genuine, soul-stirring love.
What makes this narrative so refreshing and urgent is its commitment to portraying Leke not as a boyish opportunist or a passive “cub,” but as a man of conviction. The central conflict is not just Ziora’s internal battle. In a powerful display of character, Leke stands his ground, an equal partner who is not just receiving affection but actively fighting for the relationship they are building together. This subversion is the film’s masterstroke.
The “noise” threatening their peace is not a vague societal whisper; it is given a formidable, deeply personal voice in Leke’s own mother, whose disapproval is a potent force from the very beginning. This grounds the film’s conflict in a relatable family drama, raising the stakes immensely and forcing the question: is their love strong enough to withstand not just the judgment of strangers, but the rejection of family?
The casting, viewed through this lens, is even more perfect. Michelle Dede, an actress of immense grace, is perfectly suited to play Ziora, a woman who must find the courage to accept a love she deserves, even if it’s one she never expected. Opposite her, the casting of Ogranya becomes even more intriguing. His role demands more than just gentle charm; it requires the portrayal of a quiet fortitude, a man who must stand firm against maternal pressure, making his performance a cornerstone of the film’s defiant spirit. The chemistry required is not just one of romance, but of a united front against a world of doubt.
“Something Sweet” is one of three films in the “Zikoko Life” anthology. Together with “What’s Left of Us” and “My Body,” it forms a bold statement from a platform that has built its reputation on giving voice to the authentic, intimate, and often unspoken realities of being Nigerian. By translating its beloved “Love Life” franchise into watchable content, Zikoko is going beyond storytelling and amplifying necessary conversations.
Will Ziora and Leke give up on their chance for happiness, or will they prove that real love, the ageless kind, is now defined by courage and commitment? “Something Sweet” promises a deeply human, visually striking, and emotional journey. It is a film that champions a love that must prove its worth, not only to the world, but to those closest to them. Head over to Zikoko’s YouTube channel and indulge in a story that is as intense as it is sweet.
Copyright 2025 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle