9th November, 2024
By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Renowned Nigerian film director Andy Boyo has shared a fascinating story of how he was expelled from school because of his deep love for the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Boyo, a key figure in the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), spoke about the incident in an exclusive interview, revealing that his passion for Fela’s music led him to sneak out of Glorious College, Ibadan, to attend a Fela performance at the University of Ibadan’s “Havana Night.”
Unfortunately, his rebellious act came with consequences: “Fela has always been my passion. I was expelled from Glorious College for sneaking out to watch him perform. When I returned, I was expelled from school,” Boyo recalled.
Despite the setback, his admiration for Fela never reduced, and it’s this passion that has fueled Boyo’s new venture: a much-anticipated biographical film about the life of the Afrobeats legend.
After three years of meticulous planning, Boyo has secured the rights to Fela’s music and is gearing up for the film’s production in 2025.
The biographical project will be shot across Nigeria, the UK, and the US, with an extensive cast set to bring the iconic story to life.
Rumours suggest the film will feature 27 actresses portraying Fela’s numerous wives, highlighting his complex and multifaceted relationships.
Boyo, whose past works like Untamed and Spirit of Assassins have been well-received, will not only direct the film but also write and produce it.
Describing the project as a “labour of love,” Boyo stressed his deep respect for Fela, who he views as a mentor and a great force in the music industry.
“This film will chronicle the battles, victories, and the extraordinary life of Fela, the ruler of Afrobeats,” Boyo said.
