‘Sopo’, a new 3D animated short from Creele Animation Studios, draws from Fela Kuti’s legacy, celebrating the power of music in a father-son tale
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] new 3D animated short film, Sopo, is set to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and stunning animation.
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Produced by Creele Animation Studios, a Nigerian startup based in Lagos, the film draws inspiration from the life of the iconic Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Aníkúlápó-Kuti.
Directed by Nissi Ogulu, co-founder of Creele, Sopo reimagines Fela’s journey through the eyes of Oyejo, a young musician struggling to earn the approval of his father, Dotun.
Loosely adapted from Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold, a memoir by veteran broadcaster and music critic Benson Idonije—Fela’s first band manager and lifelong friend—Sopo explores the universal theme of generational conflict.
As tensions rise between father and son, music becomes the catalyst that ultimately reconciles them. The title, Sopo, which means “connect” in Yoruba, encapsulates this central theme of music as a healing force, bridging the gap between generations and different worlds.
The film’s production, completed in Lagos, has already created a buzz, with a private screening scheduled for May 2025.
Following this, Sopo will make its way to film festivals before a limited theatrical run in Nigeria.
The film’s journey marks the beginning of something bigger, as John Etienne, Creele’s business manager, reveals plans for a feature film adaptation and other exciting projects currently in development.
“We are in discussions with prominent producers and financiers to expand this into a feature film imminently,” Etienne said, with announcements expected in Q2/Q3 2025.
For Nissi Ogulu, Sopo holds a personal significance. “Sopo is not just an animated film, it’s a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement,” she shared.
Ogulu emphasises the importance of telling this story with respect and authenticity, honouring both the cultural and historical roots of the narrative.
“This project is a celebration of our roots and an exploration of the transformative power of music,” she added. Sopo aligns with Creele Animation Studios’ broader mission to showcase African creativity on a global stage, part of the larger “Make Africa Cool Again” movement.
Produced entirely in Lagos, Sopo is also closely tied to the Kuti family’s musical legacy. The film’s soundtrack is composed by Made Kuti, Fela’s grandson, who has already established himself as a prominent Afrobeat star.
Made Kuti expressed his excitement about contributing to the film, saying, “Music is at the heart of Sopo.
It’s an honour to bring the soulful sounds of Afrobeat to this narrative and connect with our heritage.”
Bose Ogulu, Nissi’s mother and manager of both Nissi and her son Burna Boy, serves as an executive producer on the project.
She spoke about the potential of African animation, saying, “We believe in the future of African animation. Sopo is just the beginning of our journey to redefine storytelling and make it accessible to all.”
As the first step in a promising journey for Creele Animation Studios, Sopo not only celebrates the rich musical heritage of Nigeria but also highlights the growing potential of the African animation industry.
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The film is set to leave a lasting impact, bridging the gap between the past and the future with its blend of art, culture, and history.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
