New Film On Fela: Ejiofor Takes Lead Role, As D’banj Fails

STAR singer Dapo Oyebanjo (a.k.a D’ Banj), has failed to meet the role of Fela in a Broadway musical audition for a movie, which chronicles the life and times of afro-beat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who was born (Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti).

Titled: Fela: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon, the organisers said D’ Banj was part of the audition in New York a few weeks ago, but opted for Hollywood actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor as the best artiste for the role of Fela in the biopic about the legendary musician and activist.

Ejiofor is an award-winning U.K-based Nigerian professional artiste, whose impressive profile in the movie industry arguably gave him an edge for the role. Ejiofor was in 2001 nominated for a Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for the 2000 season, for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Blue and Orange at the Royal National Theatre, Cottesloe stage.