Andy Boyo
Th enowned film director and patron of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), has spoken out about how he got kicked out of school because of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
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Fela, a legendary Nigerian artist and political activist, died in 1997 at the age of 58 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Fela is considered the main creator of Afrobeat, a Nigerian musical style that mixes West African rhythms with American funk and jazz.
But Boyo is gearing up to bring the iconic life of the Afrobeat legend to the big screen in a much-anticipated biopic.
After three years of planning, Boyo has acquired the music rights and is ready to start filming in Nigeria, the UK and the US in 2025. Rumor has it that the much talked about film will have a wide cast, including 27 actresses who will play Fela’s wife.
Director Boyo, known for hit films such as Untamed and Spirit of Assassins, will also direct, write and produce the biopic.
Boyo spoke about his love for Fela and the project he is working on, saying, “This project is a labor of love.”
Boyo said: “Fela has always been my passion. I got expelled from Glorious College, Ibadan for sneaking out to watch his performance of “Havana Nights” at the University of Ibadan. Fela was my mentor. I admired his personality and his music. I got expelled when I went back to school.
The film tells the story of Fela’s existence, struggles and triumphs as the ruler of Afrobeat. Thanks to Boyo’s skill and dedication, the film will revolutionize the cinematic world and challenge the status quo of African cinema.