It promises to be fun today, Sunday, June 13, as ‘Ayinla’, the latest movie of ace cinematographer, Tunde Kelani, premieres in Lagos.
Centred on the life of the late Abeokuta, Ogun State-born apala exponent, Ayinla Omowura, principal photography commenced on the Jade Osiberu directed movie on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
It features Lateef Adedimeji as Ayinla, Kunle Afolayan, Bimbo Ademoye, Mr Macaroni, Omowunmi Dada, Ade Laoye, Jumoke Otedola, and Bimbo Manuel.
The movie’s lead sponsor, FirstBank Nigeria Plc, which announced the premiere on Saturday, said it was delighted to be involved in the project and others in the country.
Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney said, “For over 127 years, FirstBank has been at the forefront of nation-building, enabling Nigeria and Nigerians through resourceful partnerships to build the Nigerian creative industry value chain, especially the arts and entertainment sub-sectors. We remain proud of this sponsorship that creates an excellent platform to showcase Nigeria to the world as being part of a collective goal to continually keep dreams and hope alive, holding strong to our commitment to reignite cultural heritage.”
She added that, “Without a doubt, the movie industry remains part of the creative and entertainment industry value-chain across the globe and indeed a powerful channel to drive our heritage and culture, which resonates with our legacy of being woven into the fabric of society.”
Also highlighting the movie’s significance, Kelani, said “the making of ‘Ayinla’ allows us to throw a glance over our shoulders to our often-neglected intangible heritage. Nigeria is blessed with huge cultural diversity, and locked away are thousands of stories we can share with a global audience. FirstBank’s partnership with us at this stage is not a mere coincidence, owing to its over hundred years of historical contribution in unlocking the huge potentials in Nigeria which can offer continental and global audiences”.
Speaking on the movie, Osiberu said, “Working with the great Tunde Kelani is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and I am so glad that we were able to do it on a project like Ayinla. This collaboration was an interesting experience. I am glad everyone finally gets to see the film we made in the cinemas nationwide from June 18 2021. I want to thank the management of First Bank of Nigeria Limited for choosing to come on this journey with us.”
Omowura, who died 41 years ago, was a famous musician who ruled the roost at Mushin, Lagos, his native Abeokuta and across the southwest. He was a fan favourite renowned for his acerbic wit.
Kelani’s feature film is another vital contribution to the body of work on the musician who remains a toast of people across the southwest.
The movie will open at the cinemas on June 18.
