Entertainment

“Elesin Oba” hits Nigerian cinemas  October 28

252

By David Adebayo

The wait for the much-anticipated movie, “Elesin Oba”, The Kings Horseman, is now over as the movie is set to hit Nigerian cinemas big time from October 28 to November 4.

According to a statement by EbonyLife on Wednesday, the movie which is based on on real-life events in Nigeria in 1943, will feature in various cinemas to include EbonyLife, Film house, Genesis and VIVA in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Akure, amongst others.

Set in the Oyo Empire, between sunset and sunrise, the king’s horseman, Elesin Oba, must commit ritual suicide to follow his deceased master into the afterlife.

His best intentions are derailed by his sexual desires, which leads to catastrophic consequences and ends in a deadly clash with the British rulers of the day.

The horseman is unable to fulfill his ultimate commitment to the king, leaving his spirit to roam the earth, thereby spelling doom for the land and its people.

The original “Death and the King’s Horseman”, was a stage play written by Prof. Wole Soyinka, who won Africa’s first Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. It is the first time that one of Soyinka’s works has been made into a feature film.

The screen adaptation was written and directed by the late Biyi Bandele.

The film stars Odunlade Adekola as Elesin Oba, Shaffy Bello as Iyaloja, and acclaimed musician Olawale ‘Brymo’ Olofooro, making his screen debut as the Praise Singer.

They are joined by Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, and veteran actors Jide Kosoko and Kevin Ushi. Also featured are Jenny Stead and Mark Elderkin as Jane and Simon Pilkings, Langley Kirkwood, and a special appearance by Ajoke Silva and acting legend Taiwo Ajai-Lycett.

Co-founders of FilmOne Entertainment, Kene Okwuosa and Moses Babatope, are enthusiastic about the release.

“There is a new wave of indigenous epic dramas steering the course of African storytelling on to the global stage, and we believe that Elesin Oba will make a massive, positive impact for our continent.

“We are excited to partner with Ebonylife Films in bringing this masterpiece to the big screen,” they said.

Mo Abudu, CEO of the EbonyLife Group and executive producer of the film, said: “In filming Elesin Oba, we chose to stay close to the original work, which is already well-known globally as a great example of African drama.

“It’s an honour to see this compelling introduction to African thought and tradition on screen.

“Its interweaving of European and Yoruba ideals, to depict universal themes of cultural responsibility, has never been more important than now.”

 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Dayo Amusa debunks trending baby picture, confirms birth of new baby

Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has addressed rumours surrounding a trending picture purported...

After disappointing exit from Miss South Africa, Chidimma Adetshina, shines as Miss Universe Africa

Last Saturday, Chidimma Adetshina turned disappointment into triumph as she was crowned...

Ahead of his birthday, Davido pledges N300m donation to orphanages, anti-drug abuse charity

Nigerian music sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced a...

I didn’t build my wealth by dating politicians or taking shortcuts, Ashmusy declares

Popular content creator and entrepreneur Amarachi Amusi, also known as Ashmusy, has...

Portable dismisses Olamide’s role in his fame, credits self, others for success

Controversial street singer Portable has rubbished Olamide’s involvement in his rise-to-fame journey,...

Annie Idibia shuts down age critics, declares self sexiest 40-year-old actress alive

Annie Idibia, Nollywood actress and wife of musician 2Baba, has addressed critics...

Marriage not for everyone—Nkcehi Blessing

Controversial Nigerian actress, Nkechi Blessing is in the news again—this time addressing...

My from beneath to grace story: Anni Idibia celebrates 40th birthday with gratitude, reflection

Annie Idibia, the wife of legendary musician 2Baba, has expressed her excitement...

Skit Maker, Mummy Wa, opens up on sexual harassment in movie industry, latest flick, My Sunshine

Popular social media sensation and skit maker, Kemz Mama, better known as...

Nigerian stars set to shine at 2025 Grammy Awards with record nominations

Nigerian music stars have taken the spotlight in the 2025 Grammy Award...

Funke Akindele set to light up the big screens with “Everybody Loves Jenifa” premiere

LDecember is shaping up to be an unforgettable month for Nollywood fans...

My health badly affected after robbery of my store, Uche Ogbodo cries out

Nollywood actress and businesswoman Uche Ogbodo has called on influential Nigerians to...

At wife’s Christian wake: I saw the storm coming but never imagined it would claim her life—Dare Melody

It was a sombre weekend for many sympathizers at the Christian wake...

Exclusive: How personal losses ‘pushed’ AY, Basketmouth to reconcile after 18-year rift

Following 18 years of discord, Nigerian comedy icons Ayo Makun, famously known...

Song theft allegation shatters P-Square as Rudeboy drags Mr. P over new song

Just when the Okoye brothers’ fans believed the past wounds had finally...

US poll: Kamala Harris calls Donald Trump, concedes defeat

Vice President Kamala Harris has officially conceded the 2024 presidential election, offering...

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, director Dimeji Ajibola is dead

Dimeji Ajibola, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker behind the popular series Shanty Town,...

Veteran Yoruba actor Charles Olumo, a.k.a. Agbako, dies at 102

The Nigerian film industry and Yoruba cultural subset have been thrown into...

Kcee and Flavour engage in heated exchange over Igbo music style

The Nigerian music industry is once again witnessing a brewing fiery clash...

I didn’t marry Sen. Ned Nwoko for material possessions, Regina Daniels breaks silence

Amid lingering controversies surrounding her marriage to Nigerian billionaire and senator, Ned...