Nissi Ogulu, a Nigerian singer and granddaughter of Benson Idonjie, Fela Kuti’s first band manager, is set to release an animated short film called ‘Sopo’.
The film is inspired by Fela Kuti’s early life and is loosely adapted from Idonjie’s memoir, ‘Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold’.
Nissi, who is the younger sister of Afrobeats star, Burna Boy, in an interview with Deadline, said the animated film will celebrate African roots and highlight music’s transformative power.
She said “Sopo is not just an animated film; it’s a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement.
“This project is a celebration of our roots and an exploration of the transformative power of music. Sopo is more than just a film – it’s part of a larger movement to Make Africa Cool Again, showcasing the continent’s creative brilliance to the world.
“The cultural and historical significance of this story makes it imperative to be told with authenticity and depth, reinforcing Creele Animation Studios’ commitment to pioneering African storytelling on a global stage.”
John Etienne, the business manager, said plans are ongoing to expand ‘Sopo’ into a feature-length film, with the short serving as a prequel.
“We are already in discussions with prominent producers and financier to expand this into a feature film imminently, alongside other projects currently in development with announcements coming sometime in Q2/Q3 2025,” he said.
‘Sopo’ features music and an original score by Made Kuti, Fela’s grandson.
The short film, which was produced in Lagos, is set for a private screening in May after which it will embark on a festival tour and a limited theatrical run in Nigeria.
Creele Studios also announced ongoing discussions with distributors and streaming platforms for an international release.
The Cable
