Nollywood’s “Different World” or Ike’s American Princess

“Different World” is a Nigerian romantic movie that began somewhat akin to “Eddy Murphy’s Coming to America”. Except in this case Prince Ike (played Kenneth Okoli) unassumingly went to the USA alone, did not work in a fast food and his parents didn’t come to fetch him. The movie was directed by Terrence Rosemore and Chris Eneaji, shot in Nigeria and New Orleans as indicated by among others, the hustling Candyman in Nigeria and the Carnival Cruise ship in the background in New Orleans or the dancing crowd on the intersection of N Villere St & Kerlerec St New Orleans.

On a three months adventure to the United States, the first time he met Zaria (played by Tadasay Young) at her art gallery, either in an attempt to flaunt his wealth or because he was wowed by her beauty, he handed her a wad of cash for a painting. On a subsequent visit again he offered to buy all her artwork and asked her out, which she turned down unbeknownst to her that he is a Nigerian prince.

Through his persistence, they had a first date and eventually things became romantic from there on. But not until some private investigation on social media by her friend, Liyah (played by Jordan V. Allen) revealed he is a prince, who is to be married soon.

Some details I found unusual among others are: Handing the chauffer and Zaria a wad of cash, going home with a drunk lady, the obviously fake gold worn by the king and prince, the kingdom had no chiefs, and the fact that no one thought of contacting the American embassy when an American was kidnapped.

Cast List

Kenneth Okolie as Ike

Tadasay Young as Zaria

Kofi Adjorlolo as King

Ngozi Ezeonu as Queen

Jordan V. Allen as Liyah

Tamara Archibong as Zika

Charity Awoke as Ada

Sean Beard as Driver

Mason Beauchamp as Marcus

Emonie Ellison as Drunk lady / Shannon

Lilian Esoro as Nigerian Princess

Austin Ogbuefi as Daren

Tamyra Taylor as Candice

Emem Ufot as Tito

Rhonda Mitchell as Waitress

Curtis Smith as Pilot

C.L. Taylor as Cee