History will remember me for playing Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti - Kehinde Bankole

Top actress, Kehinde Bankole has opened up on taking on the momentous role of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the legendary activist and Afrobeat matriarch.

The revered role interpreter who won the Best Lead Actress at the recently concluded Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) and also landed the role of Moremi in Disney animated anthology series, Kizazi Moto noted that history will remember her portrayal of the role and it reminds me I have to write my own.

“Playing this role is more than just acting.It’s a chance to truly understand the struggles and triumphs of a woman who paved the way for so many. History will remember me for this.

“The impact the film has had since its release has been incredible. Hearing stories of women inspired by Funmilayo’s story, of the fight for justice being rekindled in people, that’s what makes this project so special.

“It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the legendary Funmilayo herself, and it reminds me that I have to write my own history. I’m simply grateful to have been a part of sharing it with the world alongside the Producer and Director, Bolanle Austen- Peters”.

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Bankole, known for her captivating performances in films like Sista is no stranger to challenging roles. However, embodying Funmilayo presents a unique opportunity.

“Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a force of nature. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice are an inspiration. I know through this film, audiences will not only be entertained, but also learn about the incredible legacy she left behind and learn more about our history as a people”.

She also added that playing the role impacted the direction of her own NGO, The Kehinde Bankole Foundation ‘What about the people’.

“Funmilayo’s relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria ignited a fire within me. It challenged me to not just be a displeased observer, but to become an active participant in creating positive change. This profound shift led to the creation of WATP – What About The People? – a non-profit organization dedicated to re orientating and empowering communities and advocating for social and behavioural change”.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.