Kehinde Bankole Reflects on Playing Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Kehinde Bankole Reflects on Playing Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Top Nigerian actress Kehinde Bankole has expressed profound pride in her portrayal of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the iconic activist and Afrobeat matriarch. Bankole, who recently won the Best Lead Actress at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) and secured a role in Disney’s animated series, Kizazi Moto, believes her role as Funmilayo will be a lasting part of her legacy.
A Role That Resonates with History
Bankole sees her portrayal of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti as a significant milestone in her career. “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,” she said. Bankole emphasized the enduring impact of the film, highlighting how it has rekindled the fight for justice in many viewers. “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.”
Bringing Funmilayo’s Legacy to Life
Bankole’s dedication to embodying Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti stems from her admiration for the activist’s resilience and commitment to justice. Known for her compelling performances in films like “Sista,” Bankole found portraying Funmilayo both challenging and rewarding. “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.”
Bankole’s performance is not just a career highlight but a significant cultural contribution, offering a deeper understanding of Funmilayo’s pivotal role in Nigerian history and the broader struggle for equality and justice.
Inspiring Social Change Through the Kehinde Bankole Foundation
Bankole revealed that her experience playing Funmilayo has profoundly influenced her own activism, particularly through her non-profit organization, The Kehinde Bankole Foundation. “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 inspiration led to the creation of ‘What About The People?’ (WATP), an NGO focused on reorienting and empowering communities and advocating for social and behavioral change.
Bankole’s foundation aims to continue the legacy of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti by fostering community development and promoting social justice. “This profound shift led to the creation of WATP – What About The People? – a non-profit organization dedicated to reorienting and empowering communities and advocating for social and behavioral change,” she explained.
In portraying Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Kehinde Bankole not only honors a historical icon but also channels that legacy into contemporary activism, demonstrating the enduring power of film to inspire real-world change.
