‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Has A Part of My Late Mum – Funke Akindele

Popular actress and producer, Funke Akindele, has revealed that her new movie,  ‘A Tribe Called Judah’  holds a part of her late mother.

Akindele disclosed this at the movie’s premiere at the IMAX Filmhouse Cinema, Lagos.

 The actress , noted that just like her mother , the movie highlights the struggles faced by many single parents and mothers in the society, not to mention, society and families’ tendency to give up on children with proven stubborn streak, rather than identifying and working on their unique abilities. 

She said, “There is often a stigmatisation surrounding women who have children out of wedlock. They get labelled with unprintable names with the assumption that their children will amount to nothing. The movie also focuses on rebellious children. When they start out being rebellious, their families tend to give up on them. However, it is important to look for something special in your child, help them nurture their talents and they will become great with it.”

‘A Tribe Called Judah tells the story of a woman Jedidiah Judah played by Akindele, a mother of five sons (out of wedlock) from five different men, of different ethnicities, who reunite to rob a mall for their mother’s sake, but ran into real robbers at the venue.

The actress and producer noted that the background of the character Jedidiah instantaneously draws public shock and judgement. 

“A Tribe Called Judah ‘ resonates with people from all walks of life, be it the high-class, middle-class, lower class and the grassroots. I made sure that everybody was represented in it. It aims to tell our stories the African way by showcasing our reality and struggles.”

On scouting the movie’s cast which include Nse Ikpe Etim, Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe, Tobi Makinde, Kene Achufusi, Fathia Balogun, Boma Akpore among others, she cited talent and discipline as her key qualities to sourcing cast. 

While admitting to the pressure of higher expectation resulting from her delivery with previous works as Omo Ghetto, Battle on Buka Street, Akindele said, “To be honest the pressure does come, but I self-reflect and remind myself to do my part and leave the rest to God. Afterall, some people came before me, paving the way for my journey”.