Much anticipated 3D animated musical movie; Grammy and the Living Things has hit the cinemas. The film from Utricle Studios which blends cutting-edge animation with original music and vibrant storytelling features top acts like rapper, Jude Abaga popularly known as M.I., Pete Edochie, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Segun Arinze, John Dumelo, Bovi among others.
Speaking about his role, Abaga who played the major character, Gammy said: “I would say, I have been where Gammy was. When I was in Jos before moving into Lagos where my career started, I had this dream of making it big. A lot of times when you want to make it big, it is like where you are is too small or people around you do not have the same big dreams as you. That is where Gammy is. Gammy represents any young Nigerian that was born maybe outside of a very rich family or big city. You have big dreams; you want to go change the world.
The vision seems so big but by the time I read the story, I saw the work they are putting into it, the structure and everything, I fell in love with the project. I am very proud of what we have done and be part of this project. All the actors, the whole team did a great job.”
The movie Producer, and CEO, Utricle Studios Nduka Enweliku further explained the essence of the flick.
He said: “It is the story of an Agama lizard that left the hinterland and went in search of a better life in Lagos. He left there with his band because Gammy is the head of a music band. The movie details his journey from the hinterland to Lagos.
“It took us a while to come up with the movie. That is why it is difficult to see animation in Africa because of the cost and skill level. Someone has to lead the charge in going into animation. We led the charge to ensure that Nigeria becomes a destination for animation outsourcing. That is another way to create employment for our people and increase our own non-oil exports. The animation you see abroad basically are not done in the United States, some are done in Asia-Vietnam, Indonesia, China, India – all those places.
“Funny enough, people associate animation with kids but it is not only for kids. In this movie, you will hear a lot of old songs like Majek Fashek’s Send Down the Rain, Mandator’s Rat Race, Willy Onyeabors, Higher, Higher.. .a lot of old songs. It resonates with both the old and new generation. This particular animation cuts across. It is a Nigerian story. And for the older audience, it takes them back to where we were as a nation and for the kids, they will understand where we are coming as a nation and get inspired.”
