Nigerian singer and creative force Nissi Ogulu is set to captivate audiences with an upcoming animated short film titled Sopo, a tribute to the legendary Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti. The film, which draws inspiration from Kuti’s early years, promises to bring an authentic African story to the screen, reimagining history through an innovative lens.
‘Sopo’, which translates to “connect” in Yoruba, is loosely based on Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold, a memoir penned by Benson Idonjie, Fela Kuti’s first band manager and a respected Nigerian broadcaster. First published in 2016, the memoir serves as the foundation for the story, which takes a creative spin on Kuti’s life to explore themes of family, music, and reconciliation.
Produced by Creele Animation Studios, a Lagos-based animation company co-founded by Nissi herself, Sopo tells the story of Oyejo, a young and talented musician struggling to gain the approval of his father, Dotun. A man of high expectations, Dotun fails to recognize Oyejo’s unique musical gift, creating a rift between father and son. However, when Dotun finally hears his son’s music, the power of music bridges their divide, leading to a heartwarming reconciliation.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Nissi shared her vision for Sopo, describing the film as a celebration of African roots and the transformative power of music. “This is not just an animated film; it’s a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement,” Nissi said. “Sopo is more than a film—it’s part of a larger movement to Make Africa Cool Again, showcasing the continent’s creative brilliance to the world.”
The film’s historical significance plays a pivotal role in Creele Animation Studios’ mission to bring authentic African storytelling to a global audience. Nissi emphasized the importance of telling stories with depth and authenticity, reinforcing her company’s dedication to pioneering African narratives in the global entertainment space.
John Etienne, the business manager of Creele Animation Studios, revealed plans to expand Sopo into a full-length feature film, with discussions already underway with major producers and financiers. The short film will serve as a prequel, and further announcements regarding the feature are expected in the second and third quarters of 2025.
Musical fans will be thrilled to know that Sopo features an original score by Made Kuti, Fela’s grandson, adding another layer of depth to the film’s cultural resonance.
Produced in Lagos, Sopo will have its private screening in May, before embarking on a festival tour and a limited theatrical run in Nigeria. The creators are also in talks with distributors and streaming platforms for an international release, ensuring that this powerful story will reach audiences far and wide.
The post Nissi Ogulu to release Fela-inspired animated short film ‘Sopo’ appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
from Nigerian Entertainment Today https://ift.tt/H9SVXdW
via IFTTT
Post a Comment