A Funmilayo Randsome-Kuti biopic is officially in the works!

BAP Productions has secured the rights to produce a biopic based on Nigerian heroine Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti.

Set to be directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the film which is intended to hit the big screens in 2022/23 will reportedly follow the legendary activist's life, reflecting on her multi-faceted parts. With a working title 'Funmilayo: The Lioness of Lisabi', the biopic will also feature cameos from Kuti's grandchildren; Femi, Yeni Kuti and great grandchild Made Kuti.

Confirming BAP's latest acquisition, Peters said: “Having directed the stage version of the story of great women such as ‘Queen Moremi’, ‘Oluronbi’, and ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’ (the story of the 27 women that danced and married Fela Anikulapo-Kuti), I am interested in telling the story of this phenomenal woman, Funmilayo.

“She was a woman of many parts and was first in many things. She was the first girl to attend an all-boys school, first woman to drive a car in western Nigeria. She was also a political activist who fought for the rights of women, was the first woman to found a political party, and she confronted traditional and colonial authorities in unprecedented mass protests. Apart from these, she was a loving wife and mother who raised four successful children, including Fela.’’

The 'Collision Course' director also took to Instagram with details of the forthcoming production's cast.

According to Peters, the biopic will star Kehinde Bankole, Joke Silva, Omawunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman and Patrick Diabuah.