Acclaimed film director Andy Boyo has shared how his teenage defiance to watch Fela Anikulapo Kuti perform led to his expulsion from school, ultimately setting him on a path to now direct a landmark biopic about the legendary musician. The ambitious project, slated to begin filming in 2025, promises to be one of the most comprehensive portrayals of the Afrobeat pioneer’s extraordinary life.
Boyo, a prominent figure in the Directors Guild of Nigeria and the creative force behind successful films like “Untamed” and “Spirit of Assassins,” recently revealed how a fateful night at the University of Ibadan’s ‘Havana Night’ changed the course of his life. “Fela has always been my passion,” Boyo reminisced. “I was expelled from Glorious College, Ibadan, for sneaking out to watch him perform. Fela was my mentor; I admired his personality and music.”
This personal connection to Fela’s legacy adds a unique dimension to the upcoming biographical film, which has been three years in development. The project has already achieved a crucial milestone by securing the rights to Fela’s music, a essential component in telling the story of the man who created Afrobeat by masterfully fusing West African rhythms with American funk and jazz.
The planned production, which will span multiple continents with filming locations in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aims to capture the global impact of Fela’s musical innovation and political activism. One of the most intriguing aspects of the production is the anticipated casting of 27 actresses to portray Fela’s wives, reflecting the complex personal life of the musical icon who passed away in Lagos in 1997 at the age of 58.
Boyo’s deep personal investment in the project is evident in his description of it as “a labor of love.” His triple role as director, writer, and producer underscores his commitment to ensuring that the film authentically captures the essence of Fela’s revolutionary spirit and artistic genius. The project represents not just a biographical documentation but a cultural preservation effort, aiming to introduce new generations to Fela’s influential legacy.
The timing of this announcement coincides with a global surge in interest in African music, particularly as Afrobeats – a genre distinct from but influenced by Fela’s Afrobeat – continues to dominate international charts. This contemporary context adds additional significance to the project’s goal of exploring the roots of African musical innovation through one of its most iconic figures.
The ambitious scope of the production suggests a departure from traditional Nigerian filmmaking approaches, potentially setting new standards for biographical storytelling in African cinema. By spanning multiple continents and encompassing the various facets of Fela’s life – from his musical innovations to his political activism – the film promises to offer a comprehensive portrait of a figure whose influence extends far beyond music.
Boyo’s personal history with Fela’s music and performance adds an intimate dimension to the project that could distinguish it from other biographical films. The director’s teenage rebellion, which led to his expulsion from school, demonstrates the magnetic pull of Fela’s artistry and the profound impact it had on Nigeria’s youth during his lifetime.
The film’s development comes at a time when African stories are increasingly finding global audiences, suggesting that Fela’s story could resonate with viewers worldwide. The project’s international filming locations reflect both the global nature of Fela’s influence and the growing interconnectedness of the modern film industry.
As preparations for the 2025 filming commence, expectations are high for a production that promises to not only document Fela’s life but also capture the spirit of innovation and rebellion that characterized his music and activism. Through Boyo’s vision, shaped by his personal connection to Fela’s legacy, the film aims to preserve and celebrate the memory of a musical pioneer while pushing the boundaries of African cinema.
The project stands as a testament to both Fela’s enduring influence and the evolving capabilities of African filmmaking. As Boyo transforms his teenage fascination with Fela into what promises to be a groundbreaking biographical film, he exemplifies how personal passion can drive artistic innovation and cultural preservation.
