Legendary filmmaker, Tunde Kelani is set to hit to the cinemas with a biopic on the late Yoruba music icon, Ayinla Omowura who passed about 40 years ago.
Kelani said the movie is meant to honour the late Apala music maestro. ‘‘It’s been forty years after Ayinla Omowura’s death and no one has captured his unique life on film. I believe Yoruba has not appreciated him enough. ’’ Kelani said in a video.
Kelani first gave a hint on the project when he took to his Instagram page to reveal the idea behind the concept.
Kelani said the idea for the biopic refused to die despite the COVID-19 pandemic. he said, “The idea or obsession which gives birth to this story lasted more than three years and refused to die despite twists and turns including the covid-19 pandemic,”
‘‘This movie is bigger than Ayinla Omowura itself. It’s about the culture and history of Yoruba people particularly Abeokuta. This movie is different from other movies I have made in the past. In the past, I think I was just learning film making. This new movie, ‘‘Ayinla’’ is the real deal, it’s a pacesetter and it will set new trends. It’s a celebration of our life and our culture as a people. You know, Abeokuta produced many music legends including Fela Kuti, Ebenezer Obey. Ayinla was a contemporary of those legends. Its life is worth celebrating.’’
Kelani said, “The movie is an important and an unusual film by many standards because the story of Ayinla is about the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people,”
The filming for Omowura’s biopic has kicked off with the crew, equipment, and cast at the Abeokuta location. The home of Tunde Kelani. Omowura churned out several musical albums with his Apala genre. He used music as a medium to preach against bad leadership and other societal ills. Ayinla’s Apala music was a favourite in many Yoruba homes, parties and cultural events. He was beloved by thousands of Yoruba men and women for his eclectic use of Yoruba nuances in his music. The movie is directed by Tunde Kelani, Kunle Afolayan, Actor Mr Macaroni, Bimbo Manuel, Omowunmi Dada and many others.
The late Apala singer was born in 1933 in Itoko, Abeokuta, Ogun state. He was stabbed to death during a brawl in his hometown in 1980.