Commercialisation of Popular Culture in Cinematic Ideology: A Critical Reading of A Trip to Jamaica

Abstract

The growing commercialisation of popular culture in Nigeria is traceable to the increasing volume of Nigerian video films constantly  released both on formal and informal platforms. These video films are mediated cultures which assimilate popular aspirations and  dreams of the mass audiences. This essay is therefore aimed at exposing how commercialisation of popular culture can be concealed in  ideology with the ultimate aim of box office triumph. By so doing, it critically examines Robert Peters‘ A Trip to Jamaica and its sequels  using film theory and criticism. These films are contextualised as commercialisations of popular culture in bald-faced ideology. It is found  that the sensationalism of anticipation created before the release of contemporary commercial films helps disguise their commercial  nature to boost box office sales.