Joke Silva, the Nigerian actress, and three Kuti family members are to star in the biopic of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the late foremost human rights activist.

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Bolanle Austen-Peters, the Nigerian film director, shared a short video on her Instagram page on Friday, wherein the family members and Silva appeared to be in the development stage of film production. 

In a note that accompanied the video, Austen-Peters revealed the movie cast to include Yeni Kuti, the first child of Fela, the late Afrobeat legend; Kunle Kuti, his son; and Dotun Ransome-Kuti.

“Funmilayo had four children. Dolupo, Olikoye, Olufela ala “Fela” and Bekolari. They were all represented by their children and niece for Dolupo,” she wrote. 

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“The head of the Ransome Kuti family was there; Mr Dotun Ransome Kuti (the son of Olikoye playing his dad, Olikoye; the first child of Fela was there too, Yeni playing her Aunt Dolupo and Fela’s son too, Kunle was there playing Fela, his Father.

“They came to pay homage but they did more. Loading FRK the movie. 

“Thanks to the estate of Funmilayo who entrusted me with the story and access to family archives. This story will inspire many of us.”

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On November 21, Austen-Peters announced that she had acquired the rights to produce a movie on the late human rights activist and mother to Fela, the late African biggest pop music influencer.

According to her, the project, tentatively titled ‘Funmilayo: The Lioness of Lisabi’, is expected to hit the cinemas between 2022 and 2023.

Funmilayo died on April 13, 1978.

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