First Bank Takes Ayinla to the Big Screen

First Bank Takes Ayinla to the Big Screen

Priding itself as a custodian of Nigerian arts and culture, First Bank of Nigeria collaborates with filmmakers Tunde Kelani and Jadesola Osiberu to resurrect the life and times of the legendary singer Ayinla ‘Omowura’ Waheed Yusuf in the full-length feature film ‘Ayinla’ that debuts in cinemas today.

The film, which arrives 41 years after his demise and captures Ayinla in his prime, highlights his contributions to amplifying the apala genre into the mainstream in the ‘70s across the South-west.

The plot’s timeline kicks off after he visits Mecca on a holy pilgrimage (1975). As it progresses, the beginning to his end surfaces – a tour to perform in London. What would have been a milestone in his career turned around to feed the greed, ego, and ambitions of all parties involved, thus revealing the fragile bond between him and manager Bayewumi (Debo Adebayo, aka Mr Macaroni).

Beyond the tour, the plot introduces the audience to a character who finds pleasure in the company of beautiful women, a competitive musician who thrives on feuds, and an extrovert who is quick to express his emotions.

Set in Abeokuta in the mid-70s, it is a time capsule that offers a panoramic view of the social setting of the Egba people in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The rich culture of the people manifests through fashion, lifestyle, food, music, and architecture.

“We are very proud to be the sponsor of ‘Ayinla’ the movie, MD/CEO FirstBank, Adesola Adeduntan said to a crowd of select personalities at the screening recently at EbonyLife Place in Lagos.

He continued: “Over time, we have been involved in the sponsorship of several socio-economic initiatives in the creative arts industry. The bank’s sponsorship of ‘Ayinla’ affirms its support for the development of arts under our First@arts initiative. We believe that our culture and art are essential parts of who we are and should not perish. That is what this movie emphasises a lot.”

Rendered solely in Yoruba vernacular, it retains authenticity through language.

‘Ayinla’ vividly showcases Ayinla in his most proper form to a new generation. The film starts new conversations around the singer, opening doors to creatives to draw influence from his work, thus extending his legacy.

Other cast members include Kunle Afolayan, Omowunmi Dada, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Ademoye, Ade Laoye and Lateef Adedimeji who played the eponymous character.

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