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‘Did You Sell Us?’ Popular filmmaker, Dotun Taylor, to produce docu-drama on Diasporan blacks
Popular filmmaker and cultural ambassador, Dotun Taylor, has finalised plans to produce a docu-drama titled, ‘Did You Sell Us’. Taylor disclosed that the production is centred on millions of blacks in the Diaspora that are desirous of tracing their roots and heritage but without any institutional support or proper lead.
He added that the idea derives from the contentious historical theory that there were Africans that colluded with foreign slave trade merchants during the slave trade era in Africa. According to him, “It is high time that we as Africans rose to help our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora many of whom have lost their identities and origin due to no fault of theirs. This has been a part of my missions as a cultural ambassador. They are in millions. We need to find and link up with them.
The documentary is a partnership between Taylor’s Roots and Heritage Renaissance Initiative (RHRI), and two American entrepreneurs, Gena Hampton and TaShunda Scott. “I will be leading my two Black American partners to Nigeria and, particularly, to the cradle of mankind, the palace of the Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on a fact-finding mission as part of production activities for this project. To my African brothers and sisters across the globe who are in this dilemma, I say, help is on the way.”
Hampton, a professional business consultant and American radio broadcaster, said, “I am more than happy to be working with Ambassador Taylor on this very insightful and humanitarian project. Everyone deserves to know their identity, their true origin irrespective of wherever they live and work or find themselves across the world. I am so passionate about this and I will do everything within my capacity for the actualisation of this fantastic project.”
Similarly, TaShunda Scott, a public service expert in the city of Texas, USA, said, “For me, this is just one of the reasons for our existence, to be our brother’s keeper. This project will help the millions of Africans in the Diaspora who can’t trace their origin. African governments need to do more in tracing and identifying their citizens scattered across the world and they should also support initiatives like this.”
Thus, he tasked the Hon. Abike Dabiri-led Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and other similar commissions and agencies across the African continent to do more in tracing and identifying Nigerians and Africans at large in the Diaspora that are eager to trace their origin.
Appointed a cultural ambassador by the Ooni of Ife for his passion and commitment to the elevation of Yoruba culture and tradition some years ago, Taylor announced that the revered monarch will play a key role in actualising the project because of his advocacy for unity among blacks across the world.
Indeed, as part of his efforts to foster peace among Africans in the Diaspora and reunite the descendants of the Yoruba race, the Ooni, on a visit to Bahia, in Brazil, pronounced the city the headquarters of Yoruba Nation in the Americas.
Taylor and his partners would be chaperoned to the Ooni’s palace by his co-ambassador, Morounranti Ashabi Alebiosu, a cultural enthusiast and former Senior Special Assistant to former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State on Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations. Also an accomplished broadcaster, baritone-voiced Taylor has lent his voice to hundreds of movies, reality shows, radio programmes, jingles and documentaries e.t.c. He is also the brain behind many contemporary music videos.
Nollywood actress Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello has expressed her support for former Queen Naomi Silekunola, who is facing difficulties following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organized in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of young lives
A top Nollywood actress and movie producer, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, has joined numerous well-wishers who have expressed their support for former queen of Ife Kingdom, Naomi Silekunola, who is currently facing challenges following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organised in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of children’s lives.
The beautiful thespian, popularly called Ajitannawo, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, sent a message of encouragement, urging Queen Naomi to stay strong.
In her heartfelt message, Arewa Amos-Bello expressed sorrow over the incident and offered prayers for Queen Naomi’s courage and resilience in the face of the tragedy.
“Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you. And He will never forsake you my Queen Silekunola. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time of yours. My prayer is with you always. God bless you in this difficult time,” Arewa Bukky wrote, while she offered her sincere condolences to families and parents of the victims.
Arewa Amos-Bello stated that she feels every bit of what Queen Naomi feels at the moment because she is also a philanthropist who understands that the former Ife Queen did what she did with good intentions.
She added, “I know she meant well because I’m also into charity. The Ibadan event was not her first nor was it the second. We can only pray that God help her and console the victims.”
“I want to assure her of my valid support; she is not alone. Her struggles are valid and real, and in acknowledging this, she finds our solidarity. When things like this happen, we may feel ashamed and find it hard to cope, yet even in such a dark time as this, we share our burdens, support one another, and find strength in our unity. She must not give up on her goal and she is encouraged to continue her philanthropic endeavours.”
South African TikTok star Beandri Booysen has passed away at the age of 19 following a valiant battle with progeria, a rare genetic disorder that caused her to age rapidly—eight years for every year of her life.
Her mother, Bea Booysen, announced the tragic news in a heartfelt post within a Facebook group dedicated to Beandri’s journey. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” the grieving mother shared.
Beandri, known for her uplifting presence and brave attitude, touched the hearts of many across the world. Her legacy as an inspiration to others facing adversity lives on, as she remains an unforgettable figure in the South African social media scene.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” the bereaved parent wrote.
Nigerian journalist Stephanie Busari celebrates 25 years in journalism by launching the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy, a pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing 100,000 storytellers over the next decade.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian journalist Stephanie Busari celebrates 25 years in journalism by launching the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy, a pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing 100,000 storytellers over the next decade.
The academy, backed by a $100 million fund, will provide training, mentorship, and resources to aspiring journalists, filmmakers, and creators across Africa.
Busari, an Emmy, Peabody, and Gracie award-winning journalist, used the occasion to not only celebrate her achievements but also unveil her vision for the future of African storytelling.
“The Academy will equip a new generation of storytellers with the tools to share their truth,” Busari stated. “If we are to shift global perceptions and unlock Africa’s full potential, we must invest in the people who will shape how the world sees us.”
The academy is just one part of Busari’s broader vision. She also launched SBB Media, a consultancy focused on taking African narratives global.
SBB Media will offer a range of services, from documentary filmmaking and media training to public speaking coaching and strategic communications.
The launch event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, drew a crowd of dignitaries, media personalities, and supporters.
Tributes poured in from prominent figures such as Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the first female President of Mauritius, and Richard Quest, a renowned anchor at CNN.
Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, praised Busari’s career as a testament to the power of storytelling, while Olori Atuwatse III, a Nigerian royal, highlighted the cultural significance of Busari’s work.
The launch of the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy and SBB Media marks a new chapter in Busari’s career and a significant development for African storytelling.
By empowering a new generation of storytellers and ensuring their voices reach a global audience, Busari is committed to reshaping the narrative around Africa.
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