The family of late Apala music legend, Ayinla Omowura, has cried foul over what it described as a meagre payment for the 2021 movie made about the iconic musician.
Shamsudeen Ayinla, one of the musician’s sons, disclosed that the family received only ₦800,000 in connection with the movie, Ayinla, despite his belief that the film generated far more revenue.
According to Shamsudeen, the family deserves a better financial deal from the project and should receive a fairer share from the commercial exploitation of his father’s story.
He reportedly said an initial ₦1 million was sent by the producer, but only ₦800,000 eventually got to the family. He maintained that more money was still owed to them.
The controversy surrounds Ayinla, the musical biopic directed by veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani and produced by Jadesola Osiberu.
The film, released in 2021, starred Lateef Adedimeji as Ayinla Omowura and told the story of the legendary musician’s rise, relationships, music career and tragic death.
And the figures surrounding the movie have added fuel to the family’s complaint.
Available records put the film’s production budget at about ₦50 million, while its reported cinema gross reached approximately ₦91.47 million.
Shamsudeen, however, was not dismissive of the film itself.
He praised Adedimeji’s portrayal of his father and acknowledged the effort that went into bringing Ayinla Omowura’s story back to the screen.
Beyond the money dispute, Shamsudeen also spoke warmly about his late father, recalling the musician as a kind-hearted man whose generosity and personality left a lasting impression on people around him.
Ayinla Omowura, whose real name was Waidi Ayinla Yusuf, was one of the biggest names in Nigeria’s Apala music scene before his death in 1980.
His death came after he was stabbed during a confrontation with his manager, Bayewu, in Abeokuta on May 6, 1980.
Four decades later, his music and legacy remain influential, with his life continuing to inspire books, music projects and the acclaimed Ayinla film.
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