Samshudeen, one of the sons of late Apala music legend Waidi Ayinla Yusuf, popularly known as Ayinla Omowura, has disclosed that his family received N800,000 from the producer of the 2021 biopic based on his father's life. In an interview with Punch, Samshudeen, who described himself as the second-to-last born of the late musician and a child of his father's last wife, said the original sum sent was N1 million, but only N800,000 eventually reached the family.
Family Receives N800,000 From Biopic Producer
Samshudeen explained that the payment was made by the producer of the film, which was produced by Jade Osiberu and directed by veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani. The biopic, titled 'Ayinla', starred actor Lateef Adedimeji in the lead role, portraying the Apala maestro on screen. Despite appreciating the gesture, Samshudeen made it clear that he believes the producers still owe his family more than they have received.
He also addressed a video he had previously shared publicly on the subject, which drew significant criticism online. According to him, the backlash prompted him to go back and review the footage to figure out where people felt he had crossed a line. Samshudeen was generous in his praise of Adedimeji, commending the actor for capturing his father's essence so convincingly. He said he appreciated the collective effort that went into telling his father's story.
Samshudeen Praises Lateef Adedimeji's Performance
On his father as a person, Samshudeen acknowledged that he was very young when Ayinla Omowura passed away, but said those who knew the musician closely all describe him as a good man. The interview was shared on Instagram, and social media users had mixed feelings about Samshudeen's revelations. Some comments included: @i_m_hayz wrote: "You can also make a movie from your dad na"; @wegohardboyy commented: "There should be agreement"; @krysta_ola said: "If it's not fair, why did you accept it?"; @betty_ogunmola asked: "As how? What's your investment in the movie?"; and @bammy2039 wrote: "Why Una no release the film after you'd dad death see head like apako".
Fans React to Samshudeen's Claims
Earlier, Legit.ng had reported that Tunde Kelani received strong support from colleagues in the Nigerian film industry as he unveiled his latest project, 'Ayinla', a biopic celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary Apala musician. The premiere, held in Lagos, attracted several of Nollywood's biggest names, including Toyin Abraham, Lateef Adedimeji, and Mercy Aigbe, who turned out to support the filmmaker and his latest work.
