By Rita Okoye
Popular Nollywood actress and producer, Funke Akindele has got tongues wagging with her new movie, A Tribe Called Judah. The movie, which hit the cinemas on December 15 2023, was premiered on Sunday December 10 2023 at the Filmhouse Cinema IMAX, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Funke Akindele flanked by fellow actors and film makers, Seun Akindele and Odunlade Adekola at the premiere.
It was a night to remember. Several notable Nollywood acts and other celebrities from the movie, music, fashion and other sectors of the entertainment industry thronged to the venue donning assorted scintillating costumes. Their appearance on the red carpet, many would admit, was simply stunning. They radiated elegance, class, glitz and glamour.
Funke was the cynosure of all eyes as she made her grand entrance to the event magnificently accoutred in a an aesthetically appealing golden Tinkerbell costume.
The theme of the premiere was ‘Costume Party Extravaganza.’
Funke Akindele has for long earned applause and salutations for her exceptional talent, with several productions that have continued to wow audiences long after they were made. Her latest offering, A Tribe Called Judah, has added another feather to her cap.
Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, popularly known as Captain Degzy, A Tribe Called Judah explores the story of a family of boys who decides to rob a small mall with the help of their mother. However, on getting there, they are faced with armed robbers. The plot develops to an intriguing story that will leave the audience spellbound and glued to their seats until the movie’s very end.
In the cast are Funke Akindele, Boma Akpore, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, Etinosa Idemudia, Fathia Balogun, Jide Kene Achufusi, Nse Ikpe Etim, Olayode Juliana, Olumide Oworu, Paschaline Alex, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Makinde, Uzor Arukwe, Yvonne Jegede, and Genovevah Umeh, among others.
Among those at the premiere are celebrities such as Cute Abiola, Broda Shaggi, Sydney Stalker, Officer Woo, Woli-Agba, Odunlade Adekola, Denrele Edun, Muyiwa Ademola, Ini Edo, Juliana Olayode aka Toyo Baby, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Ruth Kadiri, among others.
In a chat with journalists about the movie, Funke Akindele noted: “The story is so dear to my heart. It has a part of my late mum in it, and it represents the struggles faced by many single parents and mothers in society.
“There’s often a stigmatisation surrounding women who have children out of wedlock. They get labelled with unprintable names with the assumption that their children will amount to nothing.
“The film also sheds some focus on rebellious children. When they start out being rebellious, their families tend to give up on them. However, it is important to look for something special in your child; help them nurture their talents, and they will become great with it.”
She said the story revolves around Jedidah Judah, a woman who has five sons from five different men, all belonging to different tribes.
“This fact alone is enough to shock people and lead them to pass judgment. This movie will resonate with people from all walks of life, be it the high-class, middle-class, low-class, or the grassroots. I made sure that everybody was represented in it. It aims to tell our stories, the African way, by showcasing our reality and struggles.”
On how she ensured she selected the right cast for the movie, she said: “I love to be realistic and objective when casting. Sentiments do not influence my decisions; you have to be talented to work with me, and I admire disciplined actors.
“I had the pleasure of working with an exceptional cast for this movie: Nse Ikpe Etim, Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe and so many others. I set out looking for actors that would give me what I wanted, and I got the best.”
Funke insisted that she’s under no pressure to meet public expectations based on the high standards she had set with her previous movies, such as ‘Omo Ghetto’, ‘Battle on Buka Street,’ and others.
Said she: “The sky is big enough for everyone to fly. Just keep doing what is right and promoting your content. Your work will speak for you, and if it’s good, it will sell. I’m just going to keep doing my thing and doing it well.
“To be honest, the pressure does come sometimes, but I self-reflect and remind myself to do my part and leave the rest for God. After all, some people came before me, paving the way for my journey.”