WESTYBABA TACKLES POWER AND CORRUPTION IN NEW NOLLYWOOD EPIC IREKE
ENTERTAINMENT - Posted on: 8th Jul. 2025 at 9:12PM
Acclaimed actor WestyBaba is stepping into one of his most complex roles yet in the highly anticipated Nollywood film IREKE, where he plays the dangerously charismatic Johnson—a character he describes as “a mirror” to society’s obsession with power.
Set for a simultaneous release in London, Lagos, and Abeokuta on Friday, July 25, IREKE is already generating buzz for its daring narrative that fuses Yoruba spirituality with a searing critique of modern corruption and authoritarianism.
“Johnson isn’t just a villain,” WestyBaba said in a recent interview. “He’s manipulative, dangerous, and justified in his tyranny—which makes him all the more terrifying. People will love to hate him.”
The film’s storyline revolves around a powerful man who distorts tradition and authority for personal gain—until resistance erupts. With themes that echo real-world political dynamics, IREKE is positioning itself as more than just entertainment; it’s a cinematic statement.
“Roles like this shake you,” WestyBaba admitted. “They stretch you as an actor—and as a man.” He also credited his co-stars for helping bring the story’s emotional depth to life, singling out Tobi Bakre for a performance he described as “raw fire.” The cast also features notable names like Mofe Duncan, whose presence adds gravitas to the ensemble.
For WestyBaba, the Lagos premiere carries special weight. “Lagos is the heartbeat of Nollywood,” he said. “The energy, the land, the history—it lives in each of us. This isn’t just a premiere; it’s a homecoming.”
Directed with what insiders are calling “visionary flair,” IREKE blends epic storytelling with cultural nuance. Its backdrop—steeped in Yoruba cosmology—serves as a powerful contrast to the moral decay at the story’s core.
“I hope people see that silence is complicity,” WestyBaba added. “Unchecked power always corrupts. But truth, no matter how buried, always rises.”
As the film prepares to hit screens later this month, expectations are high that IREKE will not only captivate audiences but also spark urgent conversations—at home and abroad.
Acclaimed actor WestyBaba is stepping into one of his most complex roles yet in the highly anticipated Nollywood film IREKE, where he plays the dangerously charismatic Johnson—a character he describes as “a mirror” to society’s obsession with power.Set for a simultaneous release in London, Lagos, and Abeokuta on Friday, July 25, IREKE is already generating buzz for its daring narrative that fuses Yoruba spirituality with a searing critique of modern corruption and authoritarianism.
“Johnson isn’t just a villain,” WestyBaba said in a recent interview. “He’s manipulative, dangerous, and justified in his tyranny—which makes him all the more terrifying. People will love to hate him.”
The film’s storyline revolves around a powerful man who distorts tradition and authority for personal gain—until resistance erupts. With themes that echo real-world political dynamics, IREKE is positioning itself as more than just entertainment; it’s a cinematic statement.
“Roles like this shake you,” WestyBaba admitted. “They stretch you as an actor—and as a man.” He also credited his co-stars for helping bring the story’s emotional depth to life, singling out Tobi Bakre for a performance he described as “raw fire.” The cast also features notable names like Mofe Duncan, whose presence adds gravitas to the ensemble.
For WestyBaba, the Lagos premiere carries special weight. “Lagos is the heartbeat of Nollywood,” he said. “The energy, the land, the history—it lives in each of us. This isn’t just a premiere; it’s a homecoming.”
Directed with what insiders are calling “visionary flair,” IREKE blends epic storytelling with cultural nuance. Its backdrop—steeped in Yoruba cosmology—serves as a powerful contrast to the moral decay at the story’s core.
“I hope people see that silence is complicity,” WestyBaba added. “Unchecked power always corrupts. But truth, no matter how buried, always rises.”
As the film prepares to hit screens later this month, expectations are high that IREKE will not only captivate audiences but also spark urgent conversations—at home and abroad.
Posted by: Emdee David
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