Culture

Oonirisa makes movie debut in Take Me Home

Published

4 years ago

February 3, 2023

In a major breakthrough that has the trappings of royalty and prestige, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (Ọjájá II) CFR has made debuts into the Hollywood movie production playing a unique role that befits his throne as the custodian of the Yoruba culture and brings royalty, honour and authority into the make-believe industry.

The movie is about the quest for one’s origin and root that led the characters to question the status quo and take action in the discovery of destiny.

The Ooni of Ife epitomizes the source of the Yoruba people which historically is Ile-Ife and this plays out in the movie ‘Take Me Home’ in a thought-provoking manner.

Oba Ogunwusi who is the spiritual and traditional leader of the Yoruba race is saddled with the responsibility of making supplications to God and the Òrìṣàs on behalf of his people.

‘Take Me Home’ shot in the Hollywood Studios in California, United States, throws light on the essence of culture and tradition of the Yorubas to the western world.

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A post shared by Dotun Taylor (@taylordotun)

It is a unique movie laced with African cultural narratives – mystery, courage, and self-belief. It is a story of an American family that gets stuck in a series of Pandora’s Box when their daughter gets possessed after wearing an African masquerade costume which was stolen during a tour of Ile-Ife. In a bid to save the life of their daughter, the entire family gets into a new can of trouble following the promises of two African immigrants.

‘Take Me Home’ produced by historian filmmaker, broadcaster and cultural ambassador; Dotun Taylor, featured Hollywood actors like Dave Sheridan, Amber Rivette, Felissa Rose, and Meji Black also stars Nigerian Nollywood actors; Lateef Adedimeji and Bayo Bankole (Boy Alinco) among others.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”