Actress Kehinde Bankole has stated that her role in the new movie The Lioness of Lisabi, a biopic on late rights activist Funmilayo Ransome -Kuti, will be challenging as she has heavy shoes to fill.
The 36-year-old made this known on Instagram on Thursday as she made the announcement.
The actress also prayed for God’s grace as she takes on the challenge of playing the young version of Ransome-Kuti alongside veteran actress Joke Silvas who plays the older version of the activist.
“God over to you. Heavy shoes. Very heavy shoes. Grace Lord, please, say one word of prayer for us. This is to the exemplary women who continue to lead us by example. And a great appreciation to the visionary woman and director per excellence @bolanleaustenpeters who is birthing this vision,” she wrote.
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, The film will recount the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, mother of late Fela Kuti and will include appearances from her grandchildren Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti and others.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the movie, Bolanle wrote: “So we started and made history today. We wanted to create a legacy project so we went for authentic stuff. How can it get more authentic than having the true blood of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti in the room. Funmilayo had four children. Dolupo, Olikoye, Olufela ala “Fela” and Bekolari. They were all represented by their children and niece for Dolupo.
“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.”
