Filmmaker and documentarist, Ayo Shonaiya, has disclosed his intention to tell the story of famed globetrotter, Olabisi Ajala, famously known in the 1960s as ‘AJALA The Traveller’ in a documentary series.
To be directed by Ayo Shonaiya and jointly produced with Olabisi Ajala jnr, the series is expected to tell the story of “the accidental diplomat” who between 1957 and 1962 toured 87 countries across five continents on a scooter.
“He was also a Hollywood actor, who acted in films with the greats like Robert Mitchum and former US president Ronald Reagan. He was also a show promoter who took many Nigerian artistes to perform concerts in Europe!
In a long post on his social media handles, Shonaiya, who is currently in production for the Season Two of ‘Afrobeats: The Backstory’ said:
“Of course through his adventurous life, he had his fair share of escapades, especially with the ladies. Ajala sired many children across the world, and this documentary also follows the story of his last son, Olabisi Ajala Jnr, as he travels around the world in search of, and to meet his global siblings in person for the first time, and his dream of organizing a “family reunion”.
According to him, the story is narrated by Olabisi Ajala Jnr., who is also a co-producer of the project and mixed with exclusive footage and interviews by many who knew him, with rare, never been published pictures and family films.
The documentary ‘AJALA The Traveler’ according to Shonaiya who is also a lawyer is an inspirational and exciting journey through time and how the legend of the name “Ajala” was born.
Production of the documentary series is expected to start in September 2023 by R70, in conjunction with Opulence Mind LLC, Kola Tubosun, and Abby Ogunsanya.