Marriage Proposals in Nollywood: Cinematic Representation of Men Kneeling and Cultural Power Plays

Abstract

This study examined how marriage proposals are depicted in Nollywood films, particularly focusing on the cultural significance of men kneeling and the related gender power dynamics. It studied select popular Nollywood romantic dramas and comedies released between 2010 and 2024, the research investigated how the act of kneeling during proposals was portrayed, challenged, or accepted within Nigerian cultural narratives. It used content analysis, grounded in postcolonial theory and gender performativity. The findings indicated that Nollywood served as both a mirror and a mold for societal attitudes, where the kneeling man was both celebrated and mocked, showcasing a conflict between traditional African patriarchal values and Western ideals of love and expression. In some films, kneeling was depicted as a modern performative act, suggesting emotional openness and gender equality among men. Conversely, in others, it was viewed as emasculating, tapping into cultural narratives that saw men as the dominant decision-makers in marriage. The paper argued that these portrayals go beyond mere dramatic elements; they represent cinematic negotiations of a shifting Nigerian identity within a global media landscape. This study adds to the ongoing discussions about gender, media, and cultural hybridity by illustrating how Nollywood shapes evolving views on masculinity, romance, and cultural authenticity. It also prompts important questions about who gets to define modernity in African cinema and whose perspective dictates what constitutes acceptable romantic behaviour.