The Smart Money Woman

The Smart Money Woman is a drama web television series originally aired on Netflix in September 2020, adapted from an eponymous best-selling book by Nigerian author Arese Ugwu. This distinctive African series tells the story of a modern woman, juggling between her contemporary life and compelling financial crises. The plot intricately ties the African culture with contemporary financial lessons, giving it a fresh and distinct outlook, rarely seen in other television series.

The protagonist of The Smart Money Woman is Zuri, an upwardly mobile woman who lives in Lagos, Nigeria. As an accomplished manager at a real estate firm, Zuri appears to have her life together with a satisfying career and a strong group of friends. She dresses in designer clothes, drives a luxury car, and has a desirable residence in a high-end neighborhood. Nonetheless, beneath this opulent façade, Zuri struggles with significant financial difficulties. Her excessive spending habits and lack of financial literacy have led her into a rut of financial turmoil.

The Smart Money Woman dexterously addresses the financial crisis faced by the protagonist and parallels the struggles faced by many contemporary women worldwide. Packed with drama and intrigue, the series skillfully weaves a tale of friendships and romantic relationships while primarily focusing on Zuri's quest for financial independence and sophistication.

The storyline includes Zuri’s four best friends: Tami, the flighty fashion designer; Lara, a successful lawyer faced with societal pressure; Adesuwa, a driven and hard-working oil sector executive; and Ladun, a rich housewife. The friends, all from different walks of life, handle their financial situations uniquely; they face up to their real-life situations from a twisted love life, societal pressure, work hassles to duplicit tactics. Despite their differences, they support each other through life's trials and triumphs.

Zuri's struggle to balance her finances, in turn, sheds light on the importance of financial literacy, as well as the wider socioeconomic issues that frequently plague African societies. Replete with a compellingly vibrant Lagos backdrop, the show portrays the glitz and glamour of an affluent African life along with their complexities and challenges.

While the series does a commendable job highlighting the value of understanding personal finance, it doesn't preach or belabor the points. Instead, it ingeniously incorporates relevant lessons into the storyline, making it an enjoyable and informative watch. The visualization of Arese Ugwu's book uniquely presents a contemporary African woman's journey and nuances of her sophisticated world.

One of the key aspects of The Smart Money Woman that stands out is its cast and characterisation. The performance by Osas Ighodaro, who plays the lead role of Zuri, is powerfully captivating. Other members of the cast deliver compelling performances that highlight the complexities of their characters. Together, they paint a realistic picture of their lives and struggles, underlying the narrative with authenticity.

The series also explores other social issues, including sexism, domestic violence, and societal pressure. It lucidly portrays how the earthy realities of African society intersect with the aspiration and challenges of the urban middle class.

Notably, the series excels in its representation of Nigerian culture, with noteworthy production aesthetics. The show effectively captures the vibrance of life in Lagos, from the bustling street markets to the towering corporate buildings. The costumes and set designs are reflective of their contemporary African setting yet have a universal appeal.

In conclusion, The Smart Money Woman is an empowering series that dwells heavily on financial literacy and economic self-reliance. It's a groundbreaking television series that not only entertains but educates, featuring grounded reality with a slice-of-life storytelling technique. With its high-energy drama, depth of characters, and captivating performances, the series provides not just an engaging watch but also leaves the viewer with valuable takeaways about personal finance. This series is a winning blend of entertainment and education, making it a must-watch on Netflix's global platform.