Do you have to have seen the original Bongoland to follow Bongoland II

A common question is constantly asked whether you need to have seen the first Bongoland movie to follow the story in Bongoland II. The answer is NO.

If you want a quick independent review which tries to connect the two movies, here is an account from Kassim Mwitondi which was written in 2004 after Kassim saw the original Bongoland.

Flying so close to the sun in wings of feather and wax...

Author: Kassim Mwitondi from Leeds, England - 11 July 2004

The fate of Juma Pondamali (name carefully chosen probably to honour one of Bongoland's all-time goal-keeping legends) epitomises an experience that remains deeply buried in the minds of a lot of people who have struggled (some unsuccessfully) to brighten their future by penetrating the corridors of success in foreign lands for many years.

Getting money, securing a well-paid job, paying rent, winning a relationship, supporting parents and relatives, traveling to Bongoland, owning a beautiful car, house, buying an air ticket, tube ticket, nike trainers and many more are only a few fields characterising a typical Bongolander's database table at any given moment be it in metropolitan Tokyo, suburban Stockholm or central Milan.

Particularly to those who ever took the bull by the horns as young graduates trying to "gate-crash" into the western labour market, Bongoland will have brought old memories flooding back. Juma Pondamali portrays a brave personality as he refuses to accept a low status amidst limited options. To some he may have flown too close to the sun in wings of feather and wax - but presumably he doesn't plunge to his death by retreating back to Bongoland. With his education as an asset surely Juma will live to fight another day.

How many qualified doctors, engineers and other professionals from the developing world remain trapped in the west today - most earning a living as taxi drivers, plumbers and even cleaners and how many of them have the audacity to "voluntarily" board a plane heading Bongoward?

I watched the movie and would like to follow and track Juma's progress in Bongoland. May be the Kibira's will bring him up again - either as a successful consultant sought by a number of American financial institutions, a well-established Bongo executive or probably (and God forbid) a frustrated common man drowning in alcohol and drugs.