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Heaven is the 10th Avenue Estate; heaven is not for everyone. That was the opening scene for Africa Magic’s 10th Avenue.
Seven weeks into this captivating series you’ll soon find that 10th Avenue is nowhere close to heaven as every household is intertwined with a web of lies that have further added to the series’ appeal as you cannot help but be immersed in the chaos going on in every episode.
To put it simply, in the esteemed 10th Avenue neighbourhood, everything is not what it seems. Centred around Efe and Malik Johnson, who enter the estate with a mission to avenge their father’s death, the siblings, under their guise as a married couple, interact with families to catch their culprit.
However, the siblings, as side quests, find love. Malik gets up close and personal with Kessiana Jones, and Efe gets close with the Estate Chairman hopeful, Taiye Aregbesola.
On the outside, the Akinloye Akinpelus are the perfect couple. Anjolaoluwa, the wife, is a supportive spouse who loves her husband, and Akinloye is a doting husband and competent architect with unshakeable morals.
Soon, their facade slips. Anjolaoluwa seeks romance with the former estate manager, Osagie, who eventually dies following a string of unfortunate events, including an investigation by the FCC that points to his corrupt practices backed by The Godfather. Akinloye, on the other hand, seeks solace and romance with Gbemi, his single neighbour, who eventually plays a bigger role in Felix Savage’s imminent downfall.
Felix Savage, played by Caleb Richards, is married to Colette Savage on the show. Although his wife can be categorised as crazy, Felix is the spawn of the devil. His character does not only show a lack of empathy but is obsessed with a wealth he didn’t help create.
Taking advantage of his wife’s feelings, he plans to take all that belongs to her with his secret wife, Akunna. Meanwhile, Colette mourns the kidnapping of their daughter, and in the later episode, their dog, Lauretta, has come to provide her solace amidst the chaos created by their missing daughter.
As the season progresses, Taiye Aregbesola and Akinpelu fight for the mantle to lead the estate after the demise of Osagie. Taiye, backed by Osagie’s godfather and Akinpelu by his tainted morals, go head to head for episodes, with Taiye resulting in tricks that continue to taint Akinpelu’s honourable facade.
The Johnsons, while navigating their personal relationships, forge relationships that would eventually impede their mission. At the same time, the Savage family is a ticking bomb. Especially with their maid, who seems to think Shawn (Chimezie Imo) loves her enough for her to do uncanny things to ensure he gets money to forge ahead in his career.
The acting on 10th Avenue has been top-notch, with cinematography so vivid that it propels the storytelling. The series’s synopsis reveals that The Johnsons do not have the relationship we think they have, but in the thirteen episodes of the show, that truth is yet to be established. However, it’s a great watch that continues to give with every episode.
To follow the exciting series, tune in to Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151) on Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 PM.
