Ijele masquerade image goes viral in behind-the-scenes of Mena Ajakpovi’s movie set
It was excitement on the set of the forthcoming movie, with working title, Ijele (The Good Bad Wife), following a rare appearance.
The movie is by the award-winning producer, Winifred Mena Ajakpovi, and the excitement was borne out of the live appearance of the real Ijele masquerade on set on one of the days of filming in Lagos. The Ijele came all the way from her hometown Igbariam in Anambra State.
The producer of 4-4-44 movie revealed that the masquerade leader agreed to release it to appear on set because of her background as the daughter to the former Onowu of Igbariam, which means the traditional Prime Minister of the town.
According to Ajakpovi, the Ijele masquerade, being the most glorious and biggest of all masquerades, would add rich cultural value to the movie
“Ijele signifies wealth, royalty and strength. So the story is culture rich and we used the Ijele because it is a story of wealth and strength,” she said.
She urged Nigerians to watch the movie when it’s released, adding it is also an opportunity for the people to see a real Ijele masquerade on a movie.
“The movie was adapted from a true story to reflect the Igbo culture. The culture sensitivity of the story line is relatable not only in Nigeria but across Africa,” she said.