Nissi Ogulu, a singer, artist, and engineer, is making waves in the African animation scene with the launch of SOPO, a groundbreaking 3D-animated short film. As the founder of Creele Animation Studios, Ogulu continues to expand her creative footprint, this time through storytelling that blends history, music, and culture.
Set to premiere this year, SOPO—which means “Connect” in Yoruba—promises to bring a fresh African narrative to the global animation landscape.
A Story Rooted in Legacy and Music
Inspired by Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold, a memoir written by legendary musician Fela Kuti’s friend and former manager, Benson Idonije (who is also Ogulu’s grandfather), SOPO offers a unique perspective on Afrobeat’s cultural impact. However, rather than a direct retelling of Fela’s story, the film reimagines themes of music, legacy, and father-son relationships.
At its core, SOPO follows Oyejo, a young musician yearning for his father Dotun’s approval. As Dotun struggles to recognize his son’s true gift, tension builds—until an unexpected turn changes everything.
Bringing SOPO to the World
The film will debut with a private screening in Lagos this May before heading on a global festival tour. A limited theatrical release in Nigeria is also in the works, alongside ongoing negotiations with international distributors and streaming platforms.
For Ogulu, SOPO is more than just animation—it’s a movement. “It’s a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement,” she says, emphasizing that the film is a celebration of Africa’s musical roots and the transformative power of music.
Produced entirely in Lagos with contributions from top animation teams worldwide, SOPO boasts an original score by Afrobeat singer Made Kuti and is executive-produced by renowned talent manager Bose Ogulu.
Pioneering African Animation on a Global Scale
Bose Ogulu sees SOPO as just the beginning of something bigger. “We are optimistic about the future of African animation. SOPO is merely the start of our journey to redefine storytelling and make it accessible to everyone,” she shares.
Creele Animation Studios’ Business Manager, John Etienne, echoes this vision. “There has never been a better time to take African animation mainstream. Nollywood is already the third-largest film industry by production volume, behind Hollywood and Bollywood,” he notes. “At Creele, our mission is simple—to produce African animation for a global audience.”
Indeed, SOPO represents a major leap forward for African storytelling. By blending history, music, and culture, it not only pays tribute to the Afrobeat movement but also signals a new era for African animation on the world stage.
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