By Yemisi Suleiman

The much anticipated Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectrum returns as a series in March, with award-winning actors Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and a new cast, Adedimeji Lateef, amongst others, giving audiences across the globe a spectacular and intriguing show. 

 ANIKULAPO – RISE OF THE SPECTER takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring the concept of reincarnation and the idea that our souls are connected across lifetimes.

 The sequel to ANIKULAPO is Kunle Afolayan’s debut feature series with over 600+ cast and crew members, it was released on Netflix on March 1st.

The actors were revealed to the media at a glamorous premiere held at the Eko Hotels and Suites Lagos, where Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi and Bimbo Ademoye spoke on their movie roles and challenges. 

Bimbo Ademoye 

Tell us about your role in the Movie ‘Anikulapo‘

I played Arolake in the Movie Anikulapo. I was given to the King but I became the favorite queen of the Alaafin and I was hated by other queens. Normally, this type of conflict and competitive jealousy occurs in any polygamous home. I never had a child for him and the other queens saw that as an opportunity or advantage used against me.

How would you describe your character as a   Star actress in the movie? 

The character  Arolake is nothing compared to Bimbo. Arolake personality became overwhelming, because of the hatred around her. I don’t think in reality as Bimbo I would do the things Arolake did. She was able to fall in love with the traditional weaver, (Saro)and we both eloped. A young promising bachelor, though he was a commoner.

How were you able to handle your dual character in the movie as a queen and then an ordinary villager?

Although, I  was betrayed by my lover, Saro as he was seen with several women. Arolake equally fell from grace to grass. I was in love with him at that time which gave me peace of my mind. You could see that I gave the king peace of mind but I didn’t have that peace. I came down from my exhausted seat as a queen to become an ordinary person and then back to being a queen. Things one does for love.

“Saro and Arolake were caught in a forbidden romance. I was an unhappy wife of the King. When we eloped, Saro becomes a man of influence after being saved from death by a mysterious bird. Soon, we turned apart because of betrayal

At that point what was in your mind lesson learnt?

A lot of lessons are embedded in Anikulapo. Contentment is necessary in life. One doesn’t need to be greedy. We should not be greedy and must be careful always. He was greedy, and Saro became greedy. “The storyline, revealed time in death, as limitless. When it is not time for you to go. If death comes, there is a possibility that you will have to go somewhere else away from your people to complete the rest of the years you should spend in life. So, it depicts the Yoruba people’s myth and belief in  reincarnation.

I have heard a series of stories on reincarnation in Yoruba land apart from it being in the movie. It exists, and going about it in a movie is another way for people to know about it. Moreso, greed was never an option in the case of Bashorun. While Saro got another chance to live.

‘Arolake lost focus again. It was very easy to deliver the role of Arolake but it was not the most exciting thing about the character. I just had to let go of everything Bimbo would do as a person.

What was more challenging for you?

It was the part where I had makeup hair on my armpit it was not funny, I tried to create comic relief from it as a character. But it was annoying. The part where I had the armpit hair, I think about it now as uncomfortable. The makeup hair on my armpit was a big challenge and I felt uncomfortable. But our effort was worthwhile especially the terrain, dust, and the makeup we wore. You have to take it off every day. You can change your makeup 3 times a day. It was challenging.

How were you able to act Arolake perfectly? 

I just interpret the script and flow with directions from the Director. I ripped off who Bimbo was when I got to KAP village. I just had to think of myself as Arolake who that character is. Saro betrayal damaged Arolake. She later discovered that all that glitters was not gold.

 Last word for the audience? 

Anikulapo would be an experience for the audience. I want the audience to enjoy the movie because there is more to it now.

Lateef Adedimeji

I played the role of Awolaro, the son of Balogun in the movie. One needs to put in your best in whatever you are doing. Be it a lead or a sub-lead, close your mind from every distraction just soak yourself in the role and go on to deliver. And that is exactly what I did.

What does your character depicts? 

“My role was just a character with a rollercoaster of emotion that depicts a soft, timid, teary, naive village boy though at some point got angry try to show a little bit of a strong boy.

How do you get into character, considering the different roles you have played as an actor?

I don’t remember me. I only remember what I have been given to play which is the character. The character of Awolaro is a soft and timid person who doesn’t get angry, or talks. Those are what I get to put in my head and bring forth the action.

I just forget about my person and soak myself in the character. If I’m existing in that character, you’ll see a Lateef in that character. But if I’m not existing, then you’ll see a timid Awolaro. It is just you closing your mind to yourself and getting the character you’re supposed to make. 

How would you describe the movie in your opinion?

Honestly,” the movie is a major blockbuster that is going to disturb the world, not just Nigeria alone. Every part of the world would testify to the fact that we have arrived when they see it.

Kunle Remi 

You played a major role in the movie Anikulapo’ and Rise of the Specter, tell us about it? 

I played the character  Saro. Saro portrayed how as human beings, we evolve. For instance, as a child, you crawl,  walk, and run eventually . You do things as your age progresses. As you grow, you have different experiences. 

Different things happen to you that shape your life and that’s Saro. For instance, If this is season 1, then season 2, Saro still has a journey. And you enjoy the journey with the experience that comes with it. 

The movie has a rich cultural setting, portraying a typical Yoruba people. Tell us about it? 

When talking about the Yoruba culture, Yoruba culture is beyond what we talk about. Wherever you see our culture, you can identify with it. But we are trying to bring some lessons to people that whatever you do, your son or daughter will surely get the repercussions before you go or maybe you yourself. Watching Amikulapo, you are going to gain a lot of things in it.