Owobo Ogunde, the actor who plays the villainous Baṣorun in the Netflix epic fantasy series Anikulapo, has revealed that he is the last son of the late theatre legend Hubert Ogunde. In an interview with BBC, Owobo said that he inherited his passion for acting from his father, who was regarded as the father of Nigerian theatre and contemporary Yoruba theatre.
Owobo recalled that in the 1970s, he played the role of Oriadekigbe, a young prince who falls in love with a slave girl, in his father’s play Aropin N’Tenia, which was staged at the Glover Hall in Lagos. The play, which was later adapted into a film in 1982, was a historical drama that depicted the political and social upheavals in the Oyo Empire in the 19th century.
Owobo said that he learned a lot from his father, who taught him the art of storytelling, the importance of culture, and the value of hard work. He also said that he was proud to continue his father’s legacy by being part of Aníkúlápó, a film that showcases the rich and diverse Yoruba culture and mythology.
Anikulapo, which is produced by Kunle Afolayan and distributed by Netflix, tells the story of Saro, a weaver who gains the power to resurrect the dead after an affair with a queen. Owobo plays Baṣorun, one of the king’s chiefs who becomes Saro’s nemesis. Owobo said that he enjoyed playing the role of Baṣorun, who he described as a complex and ambitious character. He said that he had to do a lot of research and preparation to portray Baṣorun convincingly.
Owobo also praised his co-stars, especially Kunle Remi, who plays Saro, and Bimbo Ademoye, who plays Queen Arolake. He said that they had a great chemistry and rapport on and off the screen. He also commended Afolayan for his vision and direction, and for creating a film that celebrates the Yoruba heritage.
Owobo said that he hopes that Aníkúlápó will inspire and entertain the viewers, and also educate them about the history and culture of the Yoruba people. He said that he is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a groundbreaking and innovative film, and that he looks forward to more projects that will showcase the beauty and diversity of Nigeria.
“Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre” is a six-part epic TV mini-series based on the successful 2022 movie “Anikulapo”, directed and produced by Kunle Afolayan. Here’s the intriguing plot:
In a race against time to avoid a dismal fate, the traveller Saro returns to the mystical land of Ojumo with orders to complete a nearly impossible task. As Saro delves deeper into the heart of Ojumo, he discovers that the stakes are higher than he ever imagined. Along the way, he encounters allies and adversaries, including the Arolake, the Alaafin Ademuyiwa, and the mysterious Bashorun.
The series weaves together elements of drama, fantasy, and mystical folklore, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope.
Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre is perhaps Kunle Afolayan’s most ambitious and daring project yet, as it explores the mystical world of Ojumo, where ancient secrets and powerful forces collide. The series features a cast of veteran and new actors, stunning cinematography, authentic language, and intricate details that showcase the depth of Afolayan’s storytelling abilities.
Compared to Afolayan’s other works, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates his versatility, creativity, and vision as a filmmaker. It is also a testament to the potential and growth of the Nigerian film industry, which has been undergoing a revolution in recent years. Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys epic sagas that transcend time and reality.
Well-Crafted Folklore for the 21st Century
The sequel’s writers undoubtedly understand their onion, and they deserve their accolades. They achieved a smooth link with the previous work without any lapses, considering the technicality of the storyline and how irrelevant and uninteresting it might seem to today’s reality.
Crafting folklore for 21st-century viewers is no small feat. Yet, the sequel excels by paying meticulous attention to even the most minor and seemingly insignificant details, which becomes one of its strengths.
One beautiful aspect of the Anikulapo franchise is the intergenerational involvement of all veteran actors, who have a knack for interpreting their roles almost flawlessly; they all fit in perfectly for their roles, dialogue and contributions.
