When the Anikulapo pilot was released on Netflix two years ago, it was well-received for its brilliant story and commendable performances of the lead actors, Kunle Remi’s Saro and Bimbo Ademoye’s Arolake, whose on-screen chemistry commanded attention, as they skillfully navigated their characters’ arcs, conveying a range of emotions with depth and conviction.
Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre, a 6-episode extension of the pilot, continues with the story of Saro and Arolake, adding twists and turns while introducing new characters to help drive the story in this vast Yoruba land to its climactic ending.
Ahead of Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre premiere, Michael Kolawole had an exclusive conversation with the cast members for What What Kept Me Up. In conversation with him were Taiwo Hassan who plays Alaafin Ademuyiwa, Aisha Lawal who plays Olori Sunkanmi, and Layi Wasabi who plays Akani.
The actors share their experiences during the shooting of the 6-part series, challenging and memorable scenes, and what they want the audience to learn and take away from the series.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Spoilers Ahead
What convinced you to be a part of Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre? And how did you prepare for your roles?
Layi Wasabi: I was called to play the role and I loved the character when I read the script. Although there was a mental preparation for my role before I got on set, I fully got into the character when I was on set. I praise the director and other actors on set for my ability to perfectly play my role. The director, especially, did a great job of shaping me into his desired character for the series.
Aisha Lawal: I don’t know what made the director choose me for the character I played in the pilot episode (2022’s Anikulapo), but while reading the script, I was engrossed in the character. I was eager to showcase my art, to let people know that I’m capable of switching roles when needed.
How did you immerse yourself in your role to authentically portray your characters?
Aisha Lawal: The language, I would say, isn’t the normal day-to-day Yoruba language. I have been in a couple of highly traditional Yoruba films, and I have faced and overcame the challenge. So, it wasn’t that difficult for me to switch into character and speak the core Oyo Yoruba.
Layi Wasabi: Switching into character and speaking the deep Oyo Yoruba was a bit challenging. But with the help of the director and other actors on set, I was able to blend easily into the language of the series. The excellent direction of the director brought the best out of me.
What was the experience like working with other actors on set in Oyo? Also, was there any particular moment that stood out for you during the filming?
Layi Wasabi: I’m glad you asked this question. I have been itching to talk about this particular scene that touched my heart during the production. The reunion of Arolake and Saro in the prison touched my heart. I have seen drama but that was one of the best levels of acting I have seen in a long time. I believe I wasn’t the only one whose heart was touched by the scene. We were captivated by the emotion of the scene and after it ended, everyone took time to digest it. It was a humbling moment for me as an actor.
Aisha Lawal: A film set is often a learning process for me because I learn so much by working with new and old actors by copying their mannerisms and other essential aspects.
A scene between Alaafin Ademuyiwa and Arolake, when she comes to tell him that she is tired of running, was very touching for me. I related the scenario to a normal life, where someone is trapped or moves in a circle because of the mistake they made. We have all made mistakes in our lives but how to overcome the mistakes and move forward with our lives is one of the greatest challenges we face as humans.
I love how she immersed herself in her character and I felt her feelings inside out. It was beautiful. I love it.
Taiwo Hassan: My colleagues have said so much about it but I will add a few. As an actor, when working on a set, whether with old or new actors, I study everyone and learn a lot from the way they play their roles. This allowed me to give my best and the director clapped for me.
I, a respected king, sneaking out of his palace at midnight searching for a very beautiful lady (Olori Arolake) would seem stupid to some people and they would question my action but that’s what love does. That scene showed me that love can conquer anyone, no matter how powerful they are. People should expect to be entertained.
Anikulapo explores the themes of power, destiny, and sacrifice. How do you think your character’s journey reflects these themes?
Aisha Lawal: Judging my character from the pilot, I will say that she was destined to be a mere third wife of Alaafin Ademuyiwa who struggles to be seen and loved. For this series, my character portrays destiny, power, and sacrifice. She lost everything. She fought to restore herself, not as a neglected Alaafin Ademuyiwa’s wife, but as someone with authority in the community. And she lost everything again. I don’t want to let the cat out of the box but I ticked all these boxes in the Anikulapo pilot and series.
Taiwo Hassan: Alaafin Ademuyiwa’s journey is deeply connected with these themes. Though he is highly respected by everyone, from the pilot and throughout the series, he grapples with questions of fate and the responsibilities that come with wielding power. His decisions and sacrifices ultimately shape not only his own destiny but also the fate of those around him. These are some of the lessons in the pilot and series.
Layi Wasabi: My character’s journey in Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre embodies the intricate interplay of power, destiny, and sacrifice. Raised from death by a man with power over death, only to meet his demise at the man’s hands. Yet, in his spectral form, I become a guide, a helper to the man, while awaiting the fulfillment of destiny, the moment when the one who ended his life will lead him to the afterlife. In this deep cycle of sacrifice and redemption, my character’s journey resonates deeply with these themes, revealing the complexities of fate and the transformative nature of power.
Also, my character, just like that of other ghosts like me, is a passenger-rider to Saro. We have a love-hate relationship with him. Initially, we were mad at him for taking our lives while he was enjoying his instead of leading us to the afterlife. At some point, we pitied and began to support him on his earthly journey. That shows how relationships grow and how we help others to nurture their friendship with them.
What do you want the audience to take away from your role when the series comes out?
Layi Wasabi: I want them to see beyond my real-life comic skits and embrace, and learn from my character’s relationship and journey with other ghosts and Saro.
Taiwo Hassan: They should see my character for who he is and understand the sacrifice he made for love.
Aisha Lawal: Though what we do as actors is make-believe, people should try to pick the lessons in this series and learn from it.
Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre is now streaming exclusively on Netflix with six episodes.
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