Creele Animation Studios Unveils Upcoming 3D Short Film, “SOPO”

Creele Animation Studios, the Pan-African animation company founded by multidisciplinary artist Nissi Ogulu, has announced the release of its next animated short film titled “SOPO.” The 3D project is scheduled for release in Lagos by May 2025.

Directed by Ogulu and produced under her leadership, “SOPO” is a fictional story inspired by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, adapted from the memoir “Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold” by veteran music critic Benson Idonije, Fela’s first manager.

The short film features music and an original score by Made Kuti, Fela’s grandson, while Bose Ogulu serves as executive producer.

According to the studio, “SOPO” follows the story of a father whose rigid expectations drive his son to rebellion. As their relationship strains, music becomes the unexpected bridge between them, leading to a reconciliation built on mutual recognition of talent.

Creele describes the film as a visually rich and emotionally layered animated tribute that celebrates talent, love, and parenthood, while chronicling the roots of Afrobeats through a personal lens.

Speaking about the project, Ogulu said, “Creele Animation Studios is about telling brilliant and rich African stories using local talents. We’ve just completed an incredible film, ‘SOPO.’ It’s about the birth of Afrobeats and is an adaptation of a book by the great Benson Idonije, who shared his experiences managing Fela and witnessing the formation of the genre.”

“SOPO” marks the studio’s second project and continues its mission to spotlight African creativity through animation, storytelling, interactive visuals, and sound design.

Beyond animation, Nissi Ogulu is also a recording artist, visual artist, and product designer, known for her broader efforts to project African talent on a global stage.