Kehinde Bankole Stars As Young Iconic Activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti In New Biopic

We are excitedly waiting to see award-winning actress Kehinde Bankole tackle Africa’s biggest role as she takes on the part of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti a Nigerian educator, politician, suffragist, and women’s rights activist.

As a tribute to the first-ever female political leader, women’s rights activist, educator, and mother of the famous Kuti dynasty and Afrobeat legend Fela, “Funmilayo: the lioness of Lisabi” is the unofficial title of the biopic by director Bolanle Austen Peters.

Kehinde Bankole will portray the young version of the activist in the film alongside Joke Silva who plays the older version.

According to Kehinde Bankole herself on Instagram, these are indeed some big shoes to fill. She wrote:

“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

God over to you. Heavy shoes. Very heavy shoes. Grace Lord.”

Funmilayo Ransome Kuti had four children. Dolupo, Olikoye, Olufela ala “Fela” and Bekolari and they were all represented by their children and niece for Dolupo.

According to the producer Bolanle Austen Peters; the head of the Ransome Kuti family, Mr Dotun Ransome Kuti the son of Olikoye will play his Dad, Yeni the first child of Fela will play her Aunt Dolupo and Fela’s son Kunle will play Fela, his Father.

Austen-Peters has kept fans updated on the progress of the biopic, including locations and the cast members since production started.

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A post shared by Bolanle Austen-Peters (@bolanleaustenpeters)

Ransome Kuti’s early life and rise to acclaim as a renowned activist who fought tirelessly for the underprivileged will be the focus of the biopic.