“Skinny Girl in Transit” is one of the most highly anticipated web series of 2024. It made a triumphant return to YouTube with over 500k views in its first week after much anticipation.
The show debuted in 2015 and ran for six seasons, following the life of Tiwalade as she navigates societal pressures while striving to lose weight and excel in her career. The seventh season is now underway, featuring the original cast as well as new faces.
Abdul Tijani-Ahmed & Vincent Nwachukwu
We had the chance to interview producers Vincent Nwachukwu and Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, who is also the writer for Season 7, to get all the details about the new season.
Hello, Abdul and Vincent. How are you doing?
Abdul: I am doing well! Thank you for asking.
Vincent: Thank you! I am also doing very well.
Skinny Girl in Transit is finally back, and you are a writer for this season, Abdul. Episode 1 dropped, and fans couldn’t contain their excitement. Let’s address the elephant in the room: “Why did it take this long?”
Abdul: You know, the show is more than just a show; it’s a movement. Bringing a season together involves a lot of effort, from writing to production. The process of getting the season approved is something Vincent can speak more about, as he played a pivotal role in making it happen.
Vincent: Much like you, I am a big fan of the show and had the chance to work on it from the very beginning. When we filmed at the start of the year, it was clear that the fans were eager for the show to return. We presented the case to the higher authorities, and the rest is history.
How did you manage to create a storyline that keeps the existing fans engaged while introducing fresh and exciting elements?
Abdul: The writing process involved collaboration among three writers who are all deeply invested in the characters’ journeys. We aimed to create moments that fans could relate to and react to.
Did you take into account specific reactions from fans during the writing process?
Abdul: Absolutely. The show had been on hiatus for a few years, so it was important for us to deliver a season that was worth the wait and would evoke reactions from the audience.
When it comes to the returning characters, what can viewers expect in terms of their journeys and relationships? Bigger dreams, bolder choices, or a season of healing and reflection?
Abdul: Viewers can expect the characters to navigate life’s challenges much like real people do. The characters’ experiences will resonate with the audience as they strive to carve out their paths in life.
Vincent: The writers did a fantastic job of intertwining the characters’ stories, presenting a mix of bigger dreams, bold choices, and opportunities for healing and reflection. Episode 1 has already set the stage for this. The inclusion of a therapy scene is particularly noteworthy, as it’s a rare portrayal on screen, especially within the African context.
What thrilling moments can the audience anticipate in the new season of “Skinny Girl in Transit”?
Vincent: Viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, plot twists, and new cast additions that will make the season a compelling watch, promising a fun time for fans as with the preceding six seasons.
Season 7 is finally here! I’m eagerly looking forward to all the comments and feedback as fans experience this lovely season of the show.
Will season 7 address more challenging or intricate themes that resonate with young adults today?
Abdul: Definitely. The first episode has already kicked off with Shalewa’s therapy, which a lot of people connected with. I don’t want to give too much away, but expect more themes like that this season.
The show has an incredible fanbase! Can you share some heartwarming or interesting reactions you’ve seen from fans so far?
Vincent: The show is undoubtedly one of the biggest web series in this region, and so we did expect the fans to be happy it’s returning for a new season. However, the comments, hilarious tweets, posts, and prayers for their own Mide in the last week were a beautiful reminder of the incredible community that follows this show. 1 week in and more than 500k views is a testament to this. I am grateful that the talent and hard work of the writers, the amazing cast, and the incredibly hard-working crew are paying off.
Abdul: Vincent has said it all, really. I have been laughing so hard at the reactions and tweets. The fact that people are saying they thought they had moved on but, after watching the pilot, are back to being hooked warms my heart. This is the first time in a long time that the producers of the show are changing. So there was a slight worry and pressure about Vincent and me keeping up with what the previous producers had delivered. With the fan reactions so far, it’s very reassuring that we did good.
Is this the final season, or can we expect spin-offs?
Vincent: This question is for the people at Ndani O, or do you have an answer, Abdul?
Abdul: Who I be? Just Writer/Producer. That’s up to the Ogas at the top.
Every creative journey has its ups and downs. What were the biggest challenges you faced while writing this season, and how did you overcome them? And, of course, what were your proudest and most rewarding moments?
Abdul: Writing this season was a collaboration. Everyone brought something unique to the table. Fifi being brilliant as always, and Bunmi has written for the show for years and directed it as well. The major challenge was where to go from where the last season ended. The actors who play these characters are also very passionate about their characters and care about where the writers want to take them. We all had to find a balance, listen to each other, and be open to everyone’s contribution. The proud moment would be seeing the pages come to life, which I was honoured to be part of as a producer as well, and the reward is always seeing the fans pleased while finding teachable moments on the show.
What advice would you give to aspiring producers, writers, actors, and those dreaming of bringing their own stories to life?
Vincent: It’s a beautiful and rewarding journey to do what you love and earn from it, so keep pushing and keep learning. You would have to be at a place of action always so you recognise opportunities when you see them because that’s really what sets Mr A apart from Mr B: being allowed to do, to execute. And every time you get an opportunity to do work, you owe it to yourself to knock it out of the park! Because that’s the only way the next one becomes possible, and that’s how you grow.
Abdul: Always network across and not focus too much on networking up. Your peers are your best bet at creating the magic you require. It will be hard, but it will be worth it. There will be ups and downs, but it will all just make you a better filmmaker, and that is what will set you apart and prepare you for when the big opportunities come. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and do not let “no” stop you.
And finally, what message do you hope viewers will carry with them after watching Season 7 of “Skinny Girl in Transit”?
Abdul: That you can take a break, make a comeback, and knock it out of the park!!
Vincent: Haha! Well, there is that! I hope the viewers will find inspiration in the journeys of each character, their resilience, their personal growth, and the strength that comes from facing everyday life challenges. I hope that even with all of the love and laughter that is guaranteed, they are reminded that in whatever situation you find yourself in, you can come out stronger and more empowered.
