11th June, 2023
Tourism has met with art in the project which is showcasing the beauty of the Yoruba culture in a yet to be released Afro-Hollywood movie project titled, ‘Take Me Home.’
The project, which was initiated by the Asoju Asa Oodua, Ambassador Alfred Oladotun Taylor, seeks to connect African Americans with their roots and Yoruba heritage.
In the movie, the city of Ile-Ife, Osun State in Nigeria, served as one of the locations for foreigners (Americans) to trace their roots.
His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (Ọjájá II) and his Yoruba culture ambassador in the United States, Alfred Oladotun Taylor, welcomed the African American tourists into Nigeria recently.
The Ooni emphasized the importance of knowing one’s origin and root, stating that it brings him joy and a sense of belonging.
At Ile-Ife, the American tourists visited some of its historical sites, namely the iconic Opa Oranmiyan, Moremi, Osun groove among other places in the city and had memorable experiences.
According to Taylor who led the tourists to Nigeria, with the aid of technology, the African Americans were able to trace their roots back to West Africa, visited Lagos.
The Ooni of Ife emphasized on the importance of identifying one’s origin and root, stating that it brings joy and a sense of belonging.
Ogunwusi stressed the excitement that comes with identifying the root of one’s origin.
“If you take a closer look at yourselves in comparison to your kinsmen and women here, you will agree with me that there is no difference between us. The only difference is that my own forefathers missed the boat that yours caught up with, but luckily for you, your source (Ile-Ife) which is within the Federal Republic of Nigeria is filled with lovely people and it’s a very safe environment,” Ogunwusi said.
He also commended on the ‘Take Me Home’ project initiated by Alfred Oladotun Taylor, which seeks to help African-Americans identify their roots and connect them with their ancestral home, lauding his cultural ambassador, Taylor for this impactful project which educates and promotes the culture of the Yorubas.
“The ‘Take Me Home’ project is a commendable initiative that seeks to connect African-Americans with their ancestral home. I cannot overemphasize the joy and fulfillment that comes with identifying one’s origin and connecting with their roots.
“It is a step towards cultural awareness and identity preservation. I commend Alfred Oladotun Taylor and his team for their efforts, and I urge everyone to support this laudable initiative,” said Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Mrs. Delzora Dotson, who is now to be addressed as Mrs. Delzora Omotilewa Dotson who spoke on behalf of American tourists, described the experience as worthwhile.
Dotson said she can’t wait to tell her friends and family members about her discovery. “Right now, I am feeling the connection of origination and I am happy to be back home,” she said.
Taylor and other dignitaries who were present at the meeting with Ooni noted that part of what transpired, makes up some of the scenes of ‘Take Me Home’s movie which is set in Hollywood Studios and Ile-Ife.
Speaking about the trip, the Asoju Asa Oodua, Dotun Taylor said, “some of them (Americans) went into trance. Also, I saw some of them touch the Opa Oranmiyan and touched it and went into trance. I saw some of those that cried.
“You know, it was ecstatic actually, particularly when only a few can trace their ancestral roots. I used that same title Take Me Home for this for the first quarter trip because we are planning to have another one towards the Olojo festival which is in September.”
The movie ‘Take Me Home’ which is about the quest for originality and one’s root that led to the characters to question the status quo and take action in discovery of destiny.
It is about repatriation of African artifacts and the Halloween experience in the United States, will be released to the American audience during the Halloween festival in November and later to other African countries
It featured Hollywood actors like Dave Sheridan, Felissa Rose, Amber Rivette, Mefi Black. The movie also starred Nigerian Nollywood actors; Abdullateef Adedimeji and Bayo Bankole known as Boy Alinco, Dotun Taylor and a cameo appearance of the Ooni of Ife.
According to the producer, the $100,000 movie is already in post-production stage and being edited by a Hollywood editing company.
“As regards screening in Nigeria, we are talking to all the distributors because what is the essence of making a movie if no one watches it? So Take Me Home is coming to all Cinemas,” he added.
The ‘Take Me Home’ project involves a comprehensive genetic and genealogical analysis, which identifies the ancestral roots of African-Americans and connects them with their Yoruba heritage.
It has been well-received, with many African-Americans expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with their cultural roots.