BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Nigeria’s animation landscape is experiencing a renaissance, and at the forefront of this revolution is Nissi Ogulu, the creative powerhouse behind Creele Animation Studios. With the release of Sopo, the studio’s debut 3D animated short film, Ogulu cements her place as a visionary storyteller dedicated to preserving and celebrating African heritage through cutting-edge animation. Sopo is not just another animated short–it is a mesmerizing, deeply personal tribute to the transformative power of music, inspired by none other than the legendary Fela Aníkúlápó-Kuti.
The film follows the journey of Oyejo, a young musician whose burning desire to earn his father Dotun’s approval fuels a complex and emotionally charged narrative. As their relationship teeters on the brink of estrangement, music emerges as the binding force that reconnects them. The title Sopo, meaning ‘connect’ in Yoruba, perfectly encapsulates the film’s core theme–music as a bridge that heals wounds and unites generations.
Bringing an authentic voice to the project, Sopo is loosely adapted from Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold, a memoir penned by renowned broadcaster and music critic Benson Idonije. Idonije, who was Fela’s first band manager and lifelong confidant, offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the Afrobeat icon. With such a profound literary foundation, Sopo is poised to become a landmark piece in African animated storytelling.
Further deepening its authenticity, the film’s soundtrack is composed by Made Kuti, Fela’s grandson and a distinguished Afrobeat musician in his own right. The infusion of original Afrobeat rhythms ensures that Sopo remains sonically rich, breathing life into its animated world while honoring the musical genius that shaped generations.
Production on Sopo has been completed, and anticipation is at an all-time high as the film gears up for its grand unveiling. A private screening is set to take place in Lagos this May, after which Sopo will embark on its festival circuit journey before securing a limited theatrical release in Nigeria. Given the film’s powerful narrative and stunning animation, it is expected to leave an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
For Nissi Ogulu, Sopo represents more than just a milestone in her career–it is a visual and historical odyssey chronicling the birth of a movement. Her previous directorial work on The Satchel in 2020 showcased her ability to blend compelling storytelling with top-tier animation, but Sopo elevates her artistry to unprecedented heights. Ogulu describes the film as “a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement,” underscoring its significance beyond entertainment.
Bose Ogulu, Nissi’s mother and the formidable force behind the management of both Nissi and Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, serves as an executive producer on the project. She exudes confidence in the future of African animation, asserting that Sopo is only the beginning of their mission to revolutionize storytelling and make African narratives accessible to a global audience.
With a powerful story, breathtaking visuals, and a soundtrack steeped in Afrobeat legacy, Sopo is set to redefine animation in Africa. For those eager to witness this groundbreaking achievement, a first-look preview of Sopo is now available, offering a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be an extraordinary cinematic experience. As African animation takes its rightful place on the global stage, Sopo stands as a beacon of creativity, cultural pride, and artistic excellence.
