'Tides': Good music, family drama and the elephant in the room

I believe The Sweetest Taboo by Sade is one of the greatest songs ever written and Sade Adu is one of the greatest performers of all time.

I love Sade, and last week I saw a movie that reminded me of the group. In a very strange way, watching Tides, I couldn't help but wonder whether the director and writers had the group in mind.

Directed by Reuben Odanga and produced by Multan Production, Tides is a musical romance drama set on the Kenyan coast. It follows Salma (Sarah Hassan) and Biko (Brian Kabugi), a struggling musician couple trying to balance love, ambition, and the crushing reality of poverty while caring for their ill daughter.

Alongside them is Minnie Kariuki (Brenda) the sister and Morgan (Dumisani Mbebe), a worldly character whose presence complicates the family’s journey. The film blends family drama with music, and while it doesn’t always succeed, it offers some intense character moments and drama.

There’s a balance between experienced younger actors and more mature performers in this film that gives the story a sense of depth. Sarah Hassan is great as Salma, especially in her musical performances, where her costumes and stage presence elevate the character, she is good in this, though I still maintain we need a role that pushes her further. Kabugi’s Biko in writing is flawed, but his performance gives the character the edge, and though his arc feels rushed in places, he remains compelling.

Mbebe’s Morgan has the look and I was glad that, in the writing and performance, they avoid stereotypes and delivers a grounded, polished character who feels authentic to the world rather than defined by nationality, in simple terms, amapiano doesn't play when he first appears. Even when flashes of his South African roots slip through, it is appropriately applied within the context of the story and moment.

Minnie Kariuki adds the necessary contrast that is needed to drive Salma’s arc, even though she has her own spicy run in the story, though I thought the writing could have taken her further. I thought Sikukuu Hamisi Jumaa gives the most realistic performance in the film, as she has an authentic coastal touch that grounds and creates a realistic coastal family feel to a lot of her scenes.

The casting of Biko's parents was perfect, it's one of those moments you will need to see for yourself.