Ayinla (film)

Last updated

Ayinla
Ayinla Poster.jpg
Directed by Tunde Kelani
Produced by Jadesola Osiberu
Starring Lateef Adedimeji
Omowumi Dada
Bimbo Manuel
Ade Laoye
Kunle Afolayan
Bimbo Ademoye
Mr Macaroni
Distributed byFilmOne
Release dates
  • 13 June 2021 (2021-06-13)(Lagos premiere)
  • 18 June 2021 (2021-06-18)
Running time
110 minutes
CountryNigeria
LanguageYoruba
Budget₦50 Million
Box office₦91,470,900 [1]

Ayinla is a musical eponymous film based on the life of Ayinla Yusuf popularly known as Ayinla Omowura, an Apala musician who was stabbed to death by his manager named Bayewu in a bar fight on 6 May 1980 at Abeokuta. [2] The film premiered on 13 June 2021 in Lagos and was released to theatres on 18 June 2021. [3] [4] [5] Directed by Tunde Kelani, the film was set in the 1970s and early 1980s and shot in Abeokuta, Ogun State. [2] Lateef Adedimeji assumed the role of Ayinla, starring alongside Omowumi Dada, Bimbo Manuel, Ade Laoye, Kunle Afolayan, Bimbo Ademoye and Mr Macaroni. [6] [7] [8] Ayinla is Kelani's first major film since his 2015 release of Dazzling Mirage . [2] The budget for this feature film is officially given as ₦50 Million. [3]

Contents

Synopsis

Ayinla is a quick-tempered and promiscuous Apala musician at the peak of his career. Ajala, a show promoter, offers to take Ayinla and his Apala group on tour in London, as their music has been in high demand in the city. While arrangements for the London trip are underway, Ayinla takes his manager, Bayewu's girlfriend, which leads to enmity between them. Ayinla decides to confront Bayewu in a bar, leading to an unintended brawl and Ayinla's untimely death.

Cast

Production and release

Ayinla was set shot on location in Abeokuta. [9] It was produced by Jadesola Osiberu and the production was sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria. [5] [10] The film premiered on 13 June 2021 in Lagos. [5]

Reception

A reviewer scored the film 7 out of 10 saying "Conclusively, Ayinla proves to be worth the hype. That it succeeds is largely due to Adedimeji Lateef and director Tunde Kelani. No film is perfect but this one takes its place among the Nollywood greats in recent times. [11] Commenting on the movie in a Nigerian Tribune review, Adekunle Sulaimon said "some scenes that Ayinla songs are being sung, Adedimeji’s voice was not at par with the music played and the feud between Bayewu and Ayinla was not adequately represented, a scene of their squabble is not enough to tell of the duo arch-rivalry despite how heated their enmity was spoken of in Abeokuta." He rated the movie 8 out of 10. [9] Also, a review published on The Lagos Review, reiterated why the film was not exactly a biopic, "What the film lacks in biographical fidelity, it makes up for in performances, costuming, locations and props, etc. There is no controversy at all in describing Ayinla as a musical. Right from the first scene, the audience is immersed in the melodious baritone and drums that are characteristic of Omowura’s Apala music. This tempo is maintained through a significant part of the film. The implication of this is that there are no dull moments for the audience, at least until the melancholy of tragedy sets in." [12] Vivian Nwajiaku of Afrocritik rated the film 6.4/10 and said "Ayinla is undoubtedly an impressive film. What it lacks in plot, it makes up for with great acting. Indeed, in spite of its flaws, it places Nollywood on the right path and sets a precedent for future biopics". [13]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultRef
2021 Africa Movie Academy Awards Best Actor in a Leading Role Lateef Adedimeji Nominated [14]
Achievement in Cinematography AyinlaWon
Best Film in An African Language Nominated
Best Nigerian Film Nominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kunle Afolayan</span> Nigerian actor, director and producer (born 1975)

Kunle Afolayan is a Nigerian actor, producer and director. He is widely credited for elevating the quality of Nollywood movies through larger budgets, shooting on 35mm, releasing in cinemas, and improving cliché Nollywood storylines. After starting his film career as an actor in the 1999 political drama Saworoide, Afolayan made his directorial debut in 2006 with Irapada, a Nigerian supernatural thriller, which won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Film in an African Language. His subsequent directing credits include The Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1, and Citation.

<i>Dazzling Mirage</i> 2014 film by Tunde Kelani

Dazzling Mirage is a 2014 Nigerian drama film, produced and directed by Tunde Kelani; it stars Kemi "Lala" Akindoju, Kunle Afolayan, Bimbo Manuel, Yomi Fash Lanso, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Seun Akindele. It also features special appearances from Adewale Ayuba, Sean Tizzle, Tunde Babalola and Steve Sodiya. The film is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare, adapted to screen by Ade Solanke. It tells the story of a young sickle-cell patient and the various social and emotional challenges she is faced with.

Yemi Shodimu is a Yoruba dramatist, television presenter, film director and filmmaker.

Kabirah Kafidipe is a Nigerian film actress, director and producer. She is popularly known as “Araparegangan” for her role in Saworoide, a 1999 Nigerian film produced and directed by Tunde Kelani.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bimbo Ademoye</span> Nigerian actress (born 1991)

Bimbo Ademoye, is a Nigerian actress. She won Best Actress in a Comedy/TV series at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for her role in the film Selina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omowumi Dada</span> Nigerian actress (born 1989)

Omowunmi Dada is a Nigerian actress, best known for her role as Folake in the M-Net television series Jemeji. She was also cast in the 2017 Yoruba language film Somewhere in the Dark, which won the award for Best Indigenous Film at the 2017 AMVCA Awards, and for which she received a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2017. In 2018, Dada played the voice of the titular character in Nigeria's first animation full-length feature film, Sade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lateef Adedimeji</span> Nigerian actor (born 1986)

Adetola Abdullateef Adedimeji is a Nigerian actor and filmmaker. He gained popularity with his first major role in Yewande Adekoya's 2013 movie titled Kudi Klepto and has acted in over 100 Nigerian movies since he began acting 15 years ago. He is currently a brand ambassador for Airtel and Numatville Megacity.

<i>Sugar Rush</i> (film) 2019 Nigerian film

Sugar Rush is a 2019 Nigerian crime action comedy film written by Jadesola Osiberu and Bunmi Ajakaiye, and directed by Kayode Kasum. The film stars Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye in the lead roles. The film had its theatrical release on 25 December 2019 coinciding Christmas and opened to mixed reviews from critics. Despite the mixed reviews, the film became a box office success and became the fourth highest grossing Nigerian film of all time.

<i>The New Patriots</i> 2020 Nigerian political drama film

The New Patriots is a 2020 Nigerian political drama film directed by Adebayo Tijani and Terry Ayebo. The film was produced by Rotimi Adelola, from a screenplay by Niji Akanni and translated to Yoruba by Prof. Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adebowale. The story was written by Rotimi Adelola, inspired by Patriots and Sinners, a novel written by Nnenna Ihebom. The script contributors include Tunde Kelani, Rotimi Adelola, Niji Akanni, Muritala Sule, film director Dami Taiwo and Jibola Soyele. The film received positive reviews from critics and was screened at several international film festivals

Jadesola Osiberu is a Nigerian writer, director and producer and founder of Greoh Studios. She is known for Isoken (2017), Sugar Rush (2019), Brotherhood (2022) and Gangs of Lagos, the first Nigerian original film set to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. In September 2022, Osiberu's Greoh Studios signed a three-year deal with Amazon to develop and produce original scripted TV series and feature films.

<i>Citation</i> (film) 2020 Nigerian film

Citation is a 2020 Nigerian drama film directed by Kunle Afolayan, written by Tunde Babalola and starring Jimmy Jean-Louis, Temi Otedola, Bukunmi Oluwashina, and Gabriel Afolayan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr Macaroni</span> Nigerian comedian (born 1993)

Adebowale "Debo" Adedayo, known by his stage name Mr Macaroni, is a Nigerian actor, content creator and citizen activist. A trained thespian, his popularity grew from his comic skits on social media, where he plays the role of a political figure cum sugar daddy called "Daddy Wa" or a sadistic lecturer called "Professor Hard Life". Debo popularized catchphrases like "Ooin", "Freaky freaky" and "You are doing well".

<i>Breaded Life</i> 2021 Nigerian comedy-drama film

Breaded Life is a 2021 Nigerian dramedy film written and directed by Biodun Stephen. Co-produced by Biodun Stephen, Tara Ajibulu and Kayode Sowade, it stars Timini Egbuson, Bimbo Ademoye, Tina Mba and Adedimeji Lateef. It premiered on April 10, 2021 at iMax Cinema Lagos, and was released nationwide on 16 April 2021. Breaded Life is a spin-off of the 2016 romantic comedy, Picture Perfect, and contains some of the original cast members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayinla Omowura</span> Nigerian Apala musician

Waidi Ayinla YusufGbogbolowo better known as Ayinla Omowura was a Nigerian Apala musician born in Itoko, Abeokuta in 1933.

<i>King of Thieves</i> (2022 film) 2022 Nigerian film

King of Thieves (Agẹṣinkólé) is a 2022 Nigerian thriller film produced by Femi Adebayo and directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani. It stars Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, Broda Shaggi, Adebowale "Debo" Adedayo aka Mr Macaroni, Lateef Adedimeji,Ibrahim Yekini and Ibrahim Chatta. The Epic Yoruba-language movie was produced by Femi Adebayo's Euphoria360 media and co-produced by the Niyi Akinmolayan's Anthill studios. The movie's premiere was held on April 4, 2022, and the star-studded event was held at the IMAX Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos which featured lot of trends and talk-point. The movie hit the cinema nationwide from April 8, 2022,

Strangers is a 2022 Nigerian drama film written by Anthony Eloka, produced by Banji Adesanmi and directed by Biodun Stephen. The movie won the Gold Award for Directing at the International Independent Film Awards held in Los Angeles. and it stars Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Oshin, Bolaji Ogunmola, Debbie Felix.

<i>Aníkúlápó</i> Nigerian film

Aníkúlápó is a 2022 Nigerian epic fantasy film produced by Kunle Afolayan and distributed by Netflix. Released on 30 September 2022, it stars Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale,Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Taiwo Hassan. The film was shot in Oyo State and Afolayan has described the work as a "Game of Thrones recreated in Nigeria but with a better representation of our culture ".

<i>Jagun Jagun</i> 2023 Yoruba language film

Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) is a 2023 Netflix original epic Yoruba film produced by Femi Adebayo Salami and Euphoria360 Media. It was directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami. The film stars Femi Adebayo, Adedimeji Lateef, Bimbo Ademoye, Faithia Balogun, Mr Macaroni, Bukunmi Oluwasina, Ibrahim Yekini and Muyiwa Ademola. It was released on Netflix streaming platform on 10 August 2023. It won the Best Indigenous Language Movie (West Africa), and the Best Costume Design award category at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

References

  1. ↑ "Tunde Kelani's 'Ayinla' hits N70.5m in box office — one month after release". TheCable Lifestyle. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Augoye, Jayne (11 December 2020). "Tunde Kelani commences movie on late Apala legend, Ayinla Omowura". Premium Times . Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  3. 1 2 Akintunde, Dami (18 May 2022). "Ayinla – From Box Office To Netflix: How It Turned Out To Be A 2021 Big Screen Underdog". Shock NG. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  4. ↑ Ajayi, Dami (1 March 2021). "Nigeria's Ayinla Omowura: The original gangster and patron saint of Abeokuta's working class". The Africa Report . Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 Odutola, Abiola (12 June 2021). "FIRST BANK'S sponsored movie 'AYINLA', premieres this Sunday in Lagos". Nairametrics. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  6. ↑ Nwogu, Precious (14 December 2020). "Tunde Kelani announces production of Ayinla Omowura biopic titled 'Ayinla'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  7. ↑ Odutuyo, Adeyinka (16 December 2020). "Mr Macaroni, Kunle Afolayan, others spotted on set of Tunde Kelani's film". Legit.ng . Archived from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  8. ↑ Agesin, Ooreofejesu (22 December 2020). "Kunle Afolayan completes work on Ayinla set, returns to new movie". QED.NG. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  9. 1 2 Sulaimon, Adekunle (26 June 2021). "'Ayinla' movie review: X-raying Aristotle's poetics in the life of the Apala connoisseur". Nigerian Tribune . Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
  10. ↑ Nwogu, Precious (24 May 2021). "Here's the official trailer for 'Ayinla' directed by Tunde Kelani". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  11. ↑ "'Ayinla' Review: Tunde Kelani's Movie Worth The Hy..." allnews.ng. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  12. ↑ "Demystifying Ọmọwúrà: Review of Tunde Kelani's "Àyìnlá" - 'Joba Ojelabi". The Lagos Review. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  13. ↑ "Movie Review: Tunde Kelani's Ayinla". Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  14. ↑ Banjo, Noah (29 October 2021). "FULL LIST: Ayinla, Omo Ghetto: The Saga bag multiple nominations at AMAA 2021". Punch Newspapers. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.

Ayinla at IMDb OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.