Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Burna Boy is making his debut as an executive producer on the upcoming Nollywood thriller “3 Cold Dishes”. This marks a significant career move for Burna Boy while signaling a growing trend of top artists collaborating with rising filmmakers to create groundbreaking African cinema.
A Story of Revenge, Resilience, and Sisterhood
“3 Cold Dishes” promises to be a gripping, emotionally charged cinematic experience. Directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Asurf Oluseyi and penned by talented screenwriter Tomi Adesina, the film follows the harrowing journey of three teenage girls who fall victim to the cruel world of sex trafficking. Torn apart by circumstance, they are reunited thirteen years later, bound by a shared trauma and an unquenchable thirst for vengeance.
Set against the vibrant and varied backdrops of Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, “3 Cold Dishes” explores hard-hitting themes of survival, the lasting impact of trauma, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. It’s a story that is at once deeply personal and universally resonant, promising to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Burna Boy’s Foray into Film: A Natural Evolution
Burna Boy’s involvement in “3 Cold Dishes” comes as part of his broader venture into the world of film production. The artist co-founded Spaceship Films with his mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, signaling his intention to expand his creative output beyond music. This move feels like a natural evolution for the artist, who has always been known for his storytelling prowess and socially conscious lyrics.
Speaking about his involvement in the project, Burna Boy expressed his deep connection to the story and its potential impact. “I’m proud to be a part of a film that tackles such a critical issue,” he stated. “‘3 Cold Dishes’ is a powerful story that deserves to be told, and I believe it will resonate with audiences around the world.”
Burna Boy’s passion for the project is evident, and his involvement is sure to bring added attention and anticipation to the film’s release. As an artist who has always used his platform to speak out on issues of social justice, his alignment with a story that confronts the horrors of sex trafficking feels both authentic and impactful.
A Pan-African Cast and Crew
One of the most exciting aspects of “3 Cold Dishes” is its truly pan-African cast and crew. The film features a mix of established Nollywood stars and rising talents, representing a cross-section of the continent’s incredible acting pool.
Wale Ojo, known for his intense and compelling performances in films like “The Wedding Party” and “Before 30,” brings his considerable skills to the project. Osas Ighodaro, fresh off her AMVCA win for her role in “King of Boys,” is another major draw. The cast also includes standout talents like Femi Jacobs and Ruby Akubueze, as well as a selection of promising Ivorian and Senegalese actors, further cementing the film’s pan-African credentials.
Behind the camera, director Asurf Oluseyi brings a fresh and dynamic vision to the project. Oluseyi expressed his excitement about working with Burna Boy, noting, “Having Burna Boy on board as an executive producer is a huge honor. His passion for storytelling and his commitment to social justice perfectly align with the vision for ‘3 Cold Dishes.'”
Breaking New Ground in Film Financing
“3 Cold Dishes” isn’t just pushing boundaries in terms of its story and cast. It’s also making history as the first African film to be partially financed through the sale of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). This innovative approach to funding demonstrates a willingness within the African film industry to embrace new technologies and explore alternative financing models.
The use of NFTs in film financing is still a relatively new concept, but it’s one that could have significant implications for the future of independent filmmaking. By allowing fans and investors to own a piece of the film in the form of a unique digital asset, NFTs create new opportunities for audience engagement and investment.
For “3 Cold Dishes,” the use of NFTs not only provides an additional source of funding but also generates buzz and interest around the project. It’s a strategy that could well become more common in the coming years, as filmmakers look for new ways to finance their projects outside of traditional channels.
A Milestone for Nollywood
The collaboration between Burna Boy and the “3 Cold Dishes” team represents a significant milestone for the Nollywood film industry. It’s a powerful example of how established artists can use their platforms and resources to support and elevate African storytelling.
This kind of cross-pollination between the music and film industries isn’t entirely new, but it’s rarely been seen on this scale in the African context. By lending his star power and creative vision to the project, Burna Boy is helping to bring Nollywood further into the global spotlight.
The impact of this collaboration could be far-reaching. It not only raises the profile of “3 Cold Dishes” and its cast and crew but also opens the door for more such partnerships in the future. As more global stars like Burna Boy invest their time and resources into African film projects, it could lead to a new era of growth and international recognition for the industry.
A Film to Watch
While “3 Cold Dishes” is still in production, it’s already generating significant buzz. Burna Boy’s involvement, the film’s powerful premise, and its talented pan-African cast have all contributed to a growing sense of anticipation.
As more details about the project emerge, including a release date and distribution plan, that excitement is only likely to grow. “3 Cold Dishes” has all the ingredients of a breakout hit – a compelling story, a passionate creative team, and the backing of one of Africa’s biggest stars.
More than that, though, “3 Cold Dishes” represents something larger. It’s a testament to the incredible storytelling potential of African cinema and the power of collaboration across creative industries. It’s a film that could not only entertain audiences but also spark important conversations about some of the most pressing issues facing our society.
The Future of African Storytelling
As we look to the future of African film, projects like “3 Cold Dishes” offer a tantalizing glimpse of what’s possible. They demonstrate the incredible depth of talent and creativity that exists across the continent and the potential for African stories to resonate with audiences around the world.
Burna Boy’s involvement in the project is significant not just for what it means for “3 Cold Dishes,” but for what it represents for the industry as a whole. It’s a powerful statement about the value and importance of African storytelling and the role that artists across all mediums can play in bringing those stories to life.
As “3 Cold Dishes” moves closer to release, it’s clear that it’s a film to watch in more ways than one. It’s a project that could not only captivate audiences but also mark a new chapter in the evolution of African cinema. And with Burna Boy at the helm, it’s a journey that promises to be as thrilling as it is impactful.
