Film House Cinemas at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos hosted an exclusive screening of the animated musical, “Gammy and the Living Things”. His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, graced the event as the Special Guest of Honour.
The animated musical “Gammy and the Living Things” presents a family-friendly showcase of Africa’s potential. Combining Nigerian storytelling, music, and art with a Pan-African cast and a global perspective, the movie features a 13-track album with a hybrid of song remakes by popular Nigerian music superstars from the 80s and 90s, as well as original tracks.
The film, aiming to transform African animation’s narrative, features a cast of over 40 animated characters voiced by talented performers from Nigeria and across Africa. Notable among the cast are Jude “MI” Abaga, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Segun Arinze, Pete Edochie, John Dumelo (Ghana), Ruby Gyang, Bovi, late Sadiq Daba, and Avril (Kenya).
The movie’s music album “Rites of Passage” showcases an impressive lineup of musical talents, including TuFace, M.I Abaga, Made Kuti, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Ric Hassani, Praiz, Johnny Drille, and Goya Menor. They have created classic remakes from music veterans like Blakky, Ras Kimono, Majek Fashek, The Mandators, and William Onyeabor, adding a unique and captivating sound to the album.
During the event, Professor Osinbajo emphasized the potential opportunities in the creative sector, particularly in the animation industry. He underscored the animation industry’s vast potential for producing exportable content, leading to the creation of employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians.
Professor Osinbajo commended the team at Utricle Studios and Uphorik Sounds for their exceptional work in creating a top-notch film with a team of creatives based in Nigeria. He described “Gammy and the Living Things” as a groundbreaking debut film that showcases Africa’s immense talent, innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness. The movie is poised to become a streaming sensation and aims to reshape the global perception of African animation.
The event was graced by the presence of the movie’s cast, top music artists who performed on the album, as well as prominent figures from the media and entertainment sector. Notable guests included Mr. Ade Ipaye, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Segun Awolowo, the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and current Secretary of the National Action Committee on AFCFTA, Mr. Tayo Amusan, Chairman of the Persianas Group, Mr. Alfred Okoigun, GMD/CEO of Arco Group Plc, Mr. Humphrey Oriakhi, CEO of PAC Capital Ltd, Mr. Dapo Akinsoun SAN, Senior Partner of SimmonsCooper Partners, and Mr. Alwan Hassan, among others.
