The brilliantly written biopic by Tunde Babalola and directed by Bolanle Austen Peters, starring an impressive cast led by Kehinde Bankole, brings to life the detailed accounts of the 1947 Women's Riots led by the activist Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. These riots successfully abolished the flat rate tax on market women and resulted in the embarrassing dethronement of the then-Alake of Abeokuta. The film also highlighted the heroine's personal and romantic growth.
Fresh off her AMVCA win for Best Actress, Bankole may be cruising for a second win due to her stellar performance as Olufunmilayo. The film's impressive cast also complements her performance, including Adebayo Salami, Dele Odule, Prince Jide Kosoko, Omowunmi Dada, Iymide Ayo Olumoko, who plays the young Funmilayo and Ajoke Silva, who’s skilful portrayal as the older Olufunmilayo was responsible for immersing the viewer in the series of flashbacks that shaped the narrative. In addition to its brilliant casting, it also features special appearances by three of Funmilayo’s grandchildren, Yeni, Kunle and Dotun Kuti.
Though it was a brilliant production overall, it had some minor drawbacks. The Egba dialect was not emphasised enough for a biopic set in 1940s Nigeria’s Southwest town of Abeokuta. Funmilayo’s immediate family, including her famous sons Olikoye, Fela, and Beko Kuti, who became notable figures in Nigeria’s medical and music history, was poorly profiled.
Nevertheless, the biopic not only serves as a tribute to Funmilayo Ransome Kuti’s legacy but, most importantly, a piece of history and treasure restored into the consciousness of the present and future generations. Suffice it to say that it also stands out as a significant cinematic experience.
The combined efforts of exceptional scripting and direction, with remarkable performances, make Funmilayo Ransome—Kuti a must-watch. It highlights a pivotal moment in history with profound resonance.
- Jimi D Baldheaded Guy
Fresh off her AMVCA win for Best Actress, Bankole may be cruising for a second win due to her stellar performance as Olufunmilayo. The film's impressive cast also complements her performance, including Adebayo Salami, Dele Odule, Prince Jide Kosoko, Omowunmi Dada, Iymide Ayo Olumoko, who plays the young Funmilayo and Ajoke Silva, who’s skilful portrayal as the older Olufunmilayo was responsible for immersing the viewer in the series of flashbacks that shaped the narrative. In addition to its brilliant casting, it also features special appearances by three of Funmilayo’s grandchildren, Yeni, Kunle and Dotun Kuti.
Though it was a brilliant production overall, it had some minor drawbacks. The Egba dialect was not emphasised enough for a biopic set in 1940s Nigeria’s Southwest town of Abeokuta. Funmilayo’s immediate family, including her famous sons Olikoye, Fela, and Beko Kuti, who became notable figures in Nigeria’s medical and music history, was poorly profiled.
Nevertheless, the biopic not only serves as a tribute to Funmilayo Ransome Kuti’s legacy but, most importantly, a piece of history and treasure restored into the consciousness of the present and future generations. Suffice it to say that it also stands out as a significant cinematic experience.
The combined efforts of exceptional scripting and direction, with remarkable performances, make Funmilayo Ransome—Kuti a must-watch. It highlights a pivotal moment in history with profound resonance.
- Jimi D Baldheaded Guy