By Adeyemi Falade
While this saddens me, it can be easily remedied, as Ayeni Adekunle, the editor of 2face’s biography has shown.
So here are Nigerian celebrities whose stories should be told in biographies, autobiographies and maybe even film.
Several materials currently exist documenting the life of Afrobeat creator Fela, from Broadway plays, to documentaries and even books. However, one thing missing is a proper Hollywood film, a blockbuster made about the great Fela. Hopefully, a Nigerian will get to play the lead role, and scenes shot in Lagos!
- The Kuti Family.
The family that birthed Fela is one of the most prominent and influential clans ever in the history of Nigeria. From the Patriach, the late great Rev Ransome Kuti, who was a great educator, missionary and clergy man. His wife, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, was the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria. She was also an activist, leading protests against the colonial masters and even an Egba King. No surprise she gave birth to Fela, Beko, and Olikoye. Add stories from the generation of Femi, Seun and Yeni to the list and you get a Hollywood blockbuster!
If ever there was an inspiring story, this is it, and seeing him in his full elements, performing at Felabration 2015 confirms that. Majek has seen it all – the good, the bad and the ugly. His life’s story told in a book or on film will be a huge hit!
- Hubert Ogunde
The story of this pioneer of drama and theatre in Nigeria deserves to be told. In fact, a film should be made about him. Nollywood owes him that much.
A biography might not work for this, but a book analyzing the lyrics and stories behind them definitely would, much like Jay Z’s Decoded.
The music, the longevity, the many (many) women and children, the Grammy nominations, international deals and performances, the money and that anti-aging potion. The story of this great musician needs to be told for him or by him.
Omotola’s early marriage, her meteoric rise to fame, her ageless beauty and family values. Consider Genevieve’s childbirth when she was a mere teenager, her love(less) life, the money and all the rumours. No two women have rocked Nollywood more in recent history. There’s quite a story there.
A Papilo biography would be an instant hit. His career, his struggle with heart disease, the many titles and awards, his family… a true grass-to-grace story.
It is not often that a past military head of state makes a comeback in a democratic setting the way Buhari did, after running for office enough times to rival Abraham Lincoln. The story can run from his military career, the coups, family and then end with his inauguration in 2015.
