Ghanaian director and actress Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante has spilled the beans on why she selected and proposed Fella Makafui for the main Ghanaian character in Anikulapo. Although Kunle Afolayan's Anikulapo was launched in 2022, Juliet signified her selection in a note that Zionfelix.net obtained on March 12, 2025. Former National Film Authority executive secretary explained that Fella's willingness to learn Yoruba was crucial in determining why she was selected.
Juliet talked about how they met: "Why, Fella? I asked her if she could speak Yoruba, and she responded confidently, 'Yes, Ma, I vow to do my best and make you proud.' The vow was made after the first read-through of the script. Fella was online in the cast from Ghana and refused to use any other language. Her effort was cute, and soon, I got a call…"
She continued to add: "Kunle said, 'Juliet, I believe we made the best possible choice.' Fella was never late, one minute late. There is even a funny story about how she woke up from a nap reciting Yoruba in a trance!"
Juliet observed Fella's commitment to work longer hours, memorize lines, and immerse herself in the role with passion. Even communicating in Fante, she readily sought correction to learn it. She and everyone else along, were humble, rode that horse, and had a good vibe, even for those late-night shoot sessions. She wrote me an essay at the end of it all thanking me for the experience. She actually impressed us all."
Juliet concluded by urging Ghanaian actors to take advantage of opportunities with dedication: "As more shooting is brought to Ghana, I hope that everyone who gets the opportunity will study and make it last. Film is work—do the work!"
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