Entertainment
“Expect different film genres from me”- Akorede Alli
American trained filmmaker, Akorede Alli has said that his debut film ‘Ran Mi Lowo’ has the capacity to initiate global conversations among filmmakers. According to him, he is sure of this based on the energy and commitment put into the production.
Born to the Akinsemoyin royal family, Akorede Alli is one of Nigeria’s new actors, directors and filmmakers with international affiliations whose production outfit is set to release its debut Yoruba Language film, Ran Mi Lowo.
Read his thoughts on this exclusive interview with him.
Please introduce yourself to us and what you do for a living
Answer: I am Akorede Alli, I’m a film director, an Actor, a Producer, An Executive Producer and a business man.
How did acting start for you?
Acting started for me when I was a boy growing up in Chevron Estate Satellite Town, where they used to hold children acting programs and I was always chosen as the one to play lead.
How challenging has it been sustaining your interest in acting abroad?
It’s never a challenge because I love what I do, I learn a lot and get to meet new people on every set that I have been blessed to work on
Akorede Alli Setting Camera Angle at a Movie location
Where did you grow up and Which schools did you attend?
I was born and raised in Lagos State Nigeria
I grew up in Chevron Estate Satellite Town.
I attended Kings High School Satellite Town
Pefti Film Institute Nigeria The School of Visual Art in New York City.
Do you have plans for a cinema project any time soon?
Absolutely. I have a couple of scripts I’m reading and am excited about them and when I feel that way about a script, that’s a good sign.
Nollywood has become the second-largest film industry in the world in terms of the number of movies produced. Do you think our industry can someday compete in terms of the quality of films produced?
Nollywood has already started making quality films, to be the largest film industry in the world.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, the people making those films you’re talking about worked their way up there, so for me, nothing is impossible.
Most film industries of the world have built infrastructure to an enviable level, yet Nigeria cannot even boast of a film village. Whose responsibility do you think this is, the government, the practitioners or independent investors?
That’s a good question. I think it’s everyone’s responsibility because at some point those bodies you mentioned benefit from the industry. If the notion of
“I am the only one doing great things” can be replaced with “Let’s come together to do great things” in people’s minds then those infrastructures can come to play.
Akorede Alli directing a movie
Nollywood thrives on drama and many times we don’t explore too many diverse genres, can we expect some of these previously ignored genres from you, like fantasy, adventure, action…?
My new movie is a Thriller. So it’s safe to say. You can expect different genres from Akorede Alli.
Movies like Black Widow, No Time To Die suffered COVID-19 related delays and many other films like it took more than a year or two to make, yet we see some Nigerian movies shot, edited and released in the space of weeks. As a producer who has trained outside the shores of Nigeria and now operates in Nigeria, how long do you think it should take for a good movie to be produced?
There are stages to producing a quality film and all stages are very important and have their own time frame. Respect the craft. I’ve found that producers and investors often focus on profit over product and lose both in the process. A few years back, I walked away from investors because of their insistence on a quick turnaround and I patiently waited until I was able to executive produce my own film and could take the time necessary to produce a quality film
Kanwulia’s Lagos Amerikana Who’s That Girl Tour reached its climax at the LIJF 2024 Showcase. The event showcased Kanwulia’s incredible talent and captivated the audience with her unique blend of Nigerian and American influences. With her remarkable performance, Kanwulia solidified her status as a rising star in the music industry.
In a harmonious blend of soulful tunes and vibrant rhythms, Kanwulia’s Amerikana Who’s That Girl!? Lagos Tour reached its climax at the prestigious Lagos International Jazz Festival 2024 Showcase. Hosted at the Live Lounge Victoria Island, Lagos, the event stood as a beacon of musical excellence and cultural fusion.
Spanning nearly a fortnight, Kanwulia’s tour swept through Lagos, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances and infectious energy. From the lively media rendezvous at The Rhodes BBQ in Alausa, Ikeja, where she received her PMAN Work License Card from PMAN Lagos Governor and legendary African Female Drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, to the mesmerizing jazz ambiance of Scotch Bonnet Jazz, and the scenic waterfront setting of The Bay Lounge Lekki, her presence resonated at every stop.
Highlights of the tour included an engaging appearance at the Umutu Jazz Immersion Show and a poignant tribute appearance at Freedom Park in honor of the late arts and culture luminary, Jimi Solanke.
Official meet and greets with music industry icons like Pretty Okafor, the current PMAN National President, and Collins Enebeli, affectionately known as Mavin Grandpa and father to Ace Nigerian producer Don Jazzy further enriched the tour experience.
At the LIJF 2024 showcase, serving as the tour’s grand finale, Kanwulia commanded the stage as the headliner, delivering a captivating performance that enthralled the audience. Other acts in the event lineup included the talented 10Strings All Stars Band and an array of guest acts like Ire, Chiamaka, Akan, Alessandra from Panama, as well as inioluwa, Champion and Prince Charles. Special appearances by renowned DJ Jimbo and the Jazzahead Bremen Germany-bound AFRO4 superband added to the night’s allure.
Packaged by the innovative minds at Inspiro Productions with support from the dynamic Volkano Productions crew, the tour and its LIJF 2024 Showcase underscored the transformative power of music and the enduring impact of Kanwulia’s musical prowess.
As the final chords echoed, it was clear that Kanwulia’s tour had forged a lasting connection between music, culture, and community.
Entertainment
Atlanta-based Musical Sensation, Kanwulia Sparks with Lagos Easter Tour Packaged by Inspiro Productions and Volkano Productions
The tour commenced with a sensational welcome as Kanwulia touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, greeted by the infectious energy of her devoted ‘Team Kanwulia’ and adoring fans. It was a scene set to kickstart an unforgettable musical voyage through the heart of Nigeria’s bustling metropolis.
The excitement reached fever pitch at The Rhodes BBQ Alausa Media Meet & Greet, where Kanwulia took center stage and stunned the media with an impromptu rendition of her chart-topping anthem, “Bigger Things”. The energy was palpable as they were impressed by her magnetic performance.
During the press meet and greet, Ara Olumuyiwa, PMAN Lagos Governor and esteemed African Drummer, proudly presented Kanwulia her official PMAN Lagos work card, recognizing her exceptional talent and impact in the music industry.” I am honored to present this well-deserved recognition to Kanwulia,” remarked Inspiro Productions CEO Ayoola Sadare expressing his admiration for the artist’s boundless creativity and dedication to her craft. “Her music transcends boundaries and inspires us all,” added the Convener of the Prestigious Lagos International Jazz Festival.
In her speech, Volkanoproductions CEO Diana Nwandu highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the tour, emphasizing the importance of creativity and innovation in shaping the future of music entertainment. “Kanwulia’s tour is a testament to the power of collaboration and the limitless possibilities of artistic expression,” she explained.
The tour promises to take Kanwulia to the heights of Lagos’s vibrant music scene, with stops at iconic venues such as Scotch Bonnet, BayLounge, Sol Beach, Umutu Jazz Club, Freedom Park, Jazz Hole & Eko Hotel amongst others culminating in a spellbinding performance at The Lagos International Jazz Festival 2024 showcase to be held at Live Lounge where Kanwulia will headline alongside a stellar lineup of top musicians.
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