Nigeria's Creele Animation Studios Unveils 3D-Short ‘Sopo' Inspired By Afrobeat Star Fela Kuti & Int'l Ambitions
EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian startup Creele Animation Studios has unveiled first images and details for its upcoming 3D short Sopo, inspired by the early life of revered late Afrobeat star Fela Kuti.
The Lagos-based animation company says the work, directed by Nigerian singer songwriter and co-founder Nissi Ogulu, marks a step in its ambition to introduce African animation to the world.
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It is loosely inspired by Nigerian broadcaster and music critic Benson Idonije's 2016 memoir 'Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold', paying tribute to Kuti, whose work has inspired a host of contemporary artists such as Wycliff Jean and Beyoncé.
Idonije was well-placed to write the biography having been Kuti's first band manager and life-long friend.
In Sopo, Kuti's story has been transposed into the tale of Oyejo, a young musician yearning for the approval of father Dotun, a man too consumed by expectation to recognize his son's true gift. Their rift grows until Dotun discovers Oyejo's talents, thanks to music speaking louder than words, which leads to a heartfelt reconciliation.
Sopo which translates as 'connect' in Yoruba, one of Nigeria's major indigenous languages, has just rounded up production.
Creele Animation Studios will unveil the film in a private screening in May In Lagos, followed by a festival tour and a limited theatrical run in Nigeria. The company is also in discussions with distributors and streaming platforms for an international release.
Business manager Jean Etienne says plans are a foot to expand Sopo into a feature-length film, with the short serving as a prequel to the bigger story.
'We are already in discussions with prominent producers and financier to expand this into a feature film imminently, alongside other projects currently in development with announcements coming sometime in Q2/Q3 2025,' he said.
Sopo is the second animated short from Nissi Ogulu – who is also Idonije's granddaughter – after 2020 work The Satchel.
'Sopo is not just an animated film, it's a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement,' she said.
'This project is a celebration of our roots and an exploration of the transformative power of music. Sopo is more than just a film—it's part of a larger movement to Make Africa Cool Again, showcasing the continent's creative brilliance to the world,' she continued.
The cultural and historical significance of this story makes it imperative to be told with authenticity and depth, reinforcing Creele Animation Studios' commitment to pioneering African storytelling on a global stage.'
Produced entirely in Lagos, Nigeria, the work features music and an original score by Made Kuti, Fela Kuti's grandson who has also forged a career as an Afrobeat singer, songwriter and instrumentalist.
'Music is at the heart of Sopo. It's an honor to bring the soulful sounds of Afrobeat to this narrative and to connect with our heritage,' he said.
Businesswoman and talent manager Bose Ogulu, who is Nissi Ogulu's mother and also manages her musical career alongside that of her brother Burna Boy, is an executive producer.
'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,' she said.
Etienne added the short film was part of the company's wider drive to position African animation on the global stage.
'There has never been a better time to take African animation mainstream. Nollywood is a major film market and the third-largest in the world by production volume, behind Hollywood and Bollywood,' he said.
'At Creele, our mission is simple—to produce African animation for a global audience. Incredible stories are waiting to be told, and it would be unfair to keep them hidden. We are entering a coming-of-age decade for Nollywood, and Creele is ready to lead the charge for Indigenous animation integration'
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