Omowunmi Dada has opened up about her role in the movie, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
The Nollywood star played the role of Grace Eniola Soyinka, the mother of Nigerian novelist and Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka in the biopic.
Dada shared her thoughts on portraying Ransom Kuti’s character, highlighting the importance of bringing a significant historical figure to life.
“It is an honor to portray Grace Eniola Soyinka and to bring her story to audiences worldwide. She was not only a devoted mother but also a fearless advocate for justice and equality. I am honored to embody her spirit and showcase her legacy to the world,” she said.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti chronicles the life of Kuti, the mother of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, from her pioneering days as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti. Together, they opposed injustice and founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union, leading to significant conflicts with both traditional and colonial authorities. The movie also explores the establishment of the Abeokuta Women’s Union by Soyinka’s mother and her aunt-in-law, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, to protest unfair taxes imposed by the Alake of Abeokuta. This union, which grew to include 20,000 women, eventually became the national organization, the Nigerian Women’s Union.
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters and Ibrahim Taofik, the film features a star-studded cast including Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Adunni Ade, Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, and Iremide Adeoye.
Omowunmi Dada, known for her versatility, has solidified her place as one of Nigeria’s most talented actresses, with notable roles in The Gods Are Still Not To Blame (2012), The Ghost and the Tout (2018), Shuga (2019), Madam KoiKoi and Ada Omo Daddy.
Recall that Dada was selected as the 2023 Global Artist in Residence at the University of Michigan.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti premiered in cinemas on May 17th.
