Talius Dike 
Death and the King’s Horseman, a play by Prof. Wole Soyinka, is set to live on in a new form thanks to EbonyLife Studios and Netflix. The movie, which is predominantly in the Yoruba language, and is based on true events in Nigeria in 1943, will be the first Yoruba language film to be included in the coveted special presentation category at the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF).
Speaking about the historic news, EbonyLife Studios CEO Mo Abudu had this to say:
“In filming Elesin Oba, we chose to stay close to the original work, which is already well-known globally as a great example of African drama. It’s an honour to see this compelling introduction to African thought and tradition on screen. Its interweaving of European and Yoruba ideals to depict universal themes of cultural responsibility has never been more important than now.”
Aptly titled The King’s Horseman for the screens, this movie adaptation is written and directed by Biyi Bandele. It stars celebrated Nollywood stars, including Odunlade Adekola as Elesin Oba, Shaffy Bello as Iyaloja, acclaimed musician Brymo as the Praise Singer, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, Jide Kosoko, Kevin Ushi, Jenny Stead, Mark Elderkin, Langley Kirkwood, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, and Ajoke Silva.
No release date has been announced yet, but we can expect the movie to arrive on Netflix later this year.
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