Alinco:Costumes For Testimony

Although he did not make millions from his first film, Oloja Ere, Bayo Bankole, otherwise called Boy Alinco, is getting set to produce a new movie, Eri, writes GBENGA ADENIJI

When dramatist Bayo Bankole starts works on his new movie, Eri (Testimony) in March, one major thing that would engage his mind is how to make the production better in terms of casting, delivery, story line and plotting than his first production, Oloja Ere (Merchant of Dirt).

Bankole, who earned the appellation ‘Boy Alinco’ through his role in Papa Ajasco and Company, produced by Wale Adenuga Production, says he intends to use the movie to deepen his interest in the feminism movement – a movement which aims to establish, define and promote equal economic, social and political rights for women.

He notes that Oloja Ere, a political story on the search for unity by the three major Nigerian tribes, did not receive quality publicity when it was released. Dramatists who featured in the film include Olumide Bakare, Kabirat Kafidipe (Araparegangan), Sunkanmi Omobolanle and Muyiwa Adegoke.

He says he did not really make much from Oloja Ere because at the time he discussed with his marketers, he needed to get the film off his chest. So, he sold it off even at a price that, he says, is less than what he invested.

While preferring to keep details of his coming work close to his chest, Bankole explains, ‘‘The expected publicity was not really given to Oloja Ere even though it is a brilliant story. I started it in 2004 and for some logistic reasons; it was not completed until 2007. It was eventually released on September 2012. The comments I hear from people is that after the film I should be able to do something bigger. I intend to create a dramatic movement that will be captivating.’’

According to him, he is always inspired by the desire to produce movies that will teach morals and be entertaining. Hence, these will also guide him in the production of his forthcoming film.

Stating that Eri might not parade all the big names in the industry, the actor promises to look for talents that would interpret the roles in a fascinating way.

Also, he expresses joy over what he describes as his return to the stable of WAP. Explaining that he is currently on the set of the latest story from WAP’s SuperStory series, Itohan: A Call to Action, he adds that the experience has been worthwhile.

He states, ‘‘The experience is new. One cannot compare it to that of Papa Ajasco and Company because the sets are two different things.’’

Bankole, who adds that he also features in the M-Net TV’s hit soap opera, Tinsel, recalls his role in Papa Ajasco and Company with nostalgia having played the role of Boy Alinco, according to him, for nine years.

‘‘I will forever be grateful to Wale Adenuga for the opportunity he gave me in playing that role. There is no doubt about that. In fact, the night I was called to take up a role in Itohan I never expected it. I had to call back the number to ask if the text was for me. It has been wonderful ever since,’’ He adds.