Ayinla is a 2021 eponymous musical film inspired by the life of Ayinla Yusuf, popularly known as Ayinla Omowura, a renowned Apala musician tragically stabbed to death by his manager, Bayewu, during a bar fight on May 6, 1980, in Abeokuta. Directed by Tunde Kelani, the film was set in the 1970s and early 1980s and filmed on location in Abeokuta, Ogun State. It premiered on June 13, 2021, in Lagos and was released in theaters on June 18, 2021. The production, which marked Kelani’s return to feature filmmaking since Dazzling Mirage (2015), was budgeted at ₦50 million and sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria.
Plot Summary
The film follows Ayinla, a temperamental and flamboyant Apala musician at the height of his career. Ajala, a show promoter, proposes taking Ayinla and his band on a tour to London, where their music is highly sought after. However, a conflict arises when Ayinla becomes romantically involved with Bayewu’s girlfriend. The rivalry intensifies, culminating in a bar confrontation that tragically ends Ayinla’s life.
Cast
- Lateef Adedimeji as Ayinla
- Omowumi Dada as Deborah
- Bimbo Manuel as Uncle Sam
- Ade Laoye as Jaye
- Kunle Afolayan as Ajala
- Bimbo Ademoye as Fali
- Mr. Macaroni as Bayowa
- Kemi Adewale as Secretary
- Adekunle Adeosun as Abesujobi
- Dare Agbejo as Ewe
- Kayode Akindina as Willy
- Olalekan Akinyelu as Kushoro
- Abidemi Apoku as Badira
- Gbenga Goke Fadiran as DPO
- Tunde Kelani in a cameo
- Edunjobi Abdulganiu as Ayinla’s Driver
- Abdul Wasiu Olaiya as Ajasa
- Owolabi Johnson as Ajasa’s brother
Production
Produced by Jadesola Osiberu and filmed in Abeokuta, Ayinla vividly recreates the atmosphere of the era through its authentic costuming, props, and locations.
Reception
Critics praised the film for its performances and production design, though some noted issues with plot and historical representation:
- Adekunle Sulaimon (Nigerian Tribune) rated the film 8/10, appreciating its musical appeal but critiquing its inadequate depiction of the rivalry between Ayinla and Bayewu.
- The Lagos Review highlighted its musicality and authenticity, calling it more of a musical than a biopic, and lauded its consistent pacing and immersive scenes.
- Vivian Nwajiaku (Afrocritik) gave it a 6.4/10, acknowledging its impressive acting but pointing out weaknesses in the plot.
- Another review scored it 7/10, commending Tunde Kelani’s direction and Lateef Adedimeji’s performance, calling it one of Nollywood’s recent successes.
While not a perfect biographical film, Ayinla delivers compelling performances and a rich cultural experience, cementing its place as a significant addition to contemporary Nollywood.
