A soon-to-be released Afro-Hollywood movie, Take Me Home, will showcase the beauty of Yoruba culture and connect African-Americans to their roots.
Produced by Asoju Asa Oodua, Ambassador Alfred Oladotun Taylor, the movie showcases the ancient city of Ile Ife, Osun State as one of the locations where the African-Americans came to trace their roots.
Based on the film, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and his Yoruba cultural ambassador in the United States, Alfred Oladotun Taylor, recently welcomed some African-American tourists to Nigeria.
At Ile Ife, the tourists visited some historical sites including the iconic Opa Oranmiyan, Moremi Statue, and Osun Groove among other places, leaving with memorable experiences.
According to Dotun Taylor, who led the tourists to Nigeria, with the aid of technology, the African-Americans were able to trace their roots back to West Africa, especially Lagos.
The Ooni harped on the importance of identifying one’s origin and root, stating that it brings joy and a sense of belonging.
“If you take a closer look at yourselves in comparison to your kinsmen and women here, you will agree with me that there is no difference between us. The only difference is that my own forefathers missed the boat that yours caught up with, but luckily for you, your source (Ile Ife), which is within the Federal Republic of Nigeria is filled with lovely people and it’s a very safe environment,” he stressed.
The monarch commended the movie, Take Me Home initiated by Oladotun Taylor. He stated, “Take Me Home is a commendable initiative that seeks to connect African-Americans with their ancestral home. I cannot overemphasize the joy and fulfillment that comes with identifying one’s origin and connecting with their roots. It is a step towards cultural awareness and identity preservation. I commend Alfred Oladotun Taylor and his team for their efforts, and I urge everyone to support this laudable initiative.”
In her remarks, Mrs. Delzora Dotson, who was given a new name, ‘Omotilewa’ described the homecoming experience as worthwhile. “Right now, I am feeling the connection of origination and I am happy to be back home. I can’t wait to tell my friends and family members about my discovery.” she said.
The movie, Take Me Home, which is about repatriation of African artifacts and Halloween experience in the United States, will be released in America during the Halloween festival in November and later in other African countries. It features Hollywood actors like Dave Sheridan, Felissa Rose, Amber Rivette, Mefi Black, and Nollywood acts like Lateef Adedimeji Bayo Bankole aka Boy Alinco, Dotun Taylor, and a cameo appearance by the Ooni.
