Streaming giant, Netflix, has licensed Tunde Kelani’s 2021 musical eponymous film ‘Ayinla’.
According to reports monitored by TCN, the film based on the iconic Apala singer, Ayinla Yusuf, better known as ‘Ayinla Omowura’ is set to make its debut to African Netflix subscribers on May 20.
The Jade Osiberu-produced film which is set in 1980 – the same year Ayinla died, chronicles the events that led to the music icon’s death.
The film stars Lateef Adedimeji (as Omowura) alongside Debo ‘Mr Macaroni’ Adebayo, Bimbo Manuel, Ade Laoye, Bimbo Ademoye, Omowunmi Dada and Kunle Afolayan (who doubles as executive producer) in supporting roles.
‘Ayinla’ recorded an impressive theatrical release, grossing over ₦70 million in box office after launching in 33 cinema locations.
The Kelani-directed film’s success at the box office was capped by award nominations and an AMAA win for its Achievement in Cinematography category.
‘Ayinla’ joins other Nigerian titles on Netflix. The streamer kicked off 2022 with original titles including the Bolanle Austen-Peters’ ‘The Man of God’ and the soon-to-debut Ebonylife studio’s ‘Blood Sisters’.
Ayo Shonaiya’s anticipated documentary ‘Afrobeats: The Backstory’ is also expected to hit Netflix on May 27 while Play Network studio’s ‘Glamour Girls’, among other titles are expected to debut later this year.
