Ghanaian actress Fella Makafui has shared her experience of securing a role in the popular Nigerian-produced Netflix movie Anikulapo: A Ghoul Awakens and what it took for her to prepare for the performance. Makafui, known for her work in Ghanaian film and television, revealed that getting cast in the movie was both exciting and demanding, especially because the role required her to speak fluent Yoruba, a language she had never used before.
In the interview, Makafui explained that the film’s director, Kunle Afolayan, told her upfront that she would need to deliver her lines in Yoruba for authenticity. This was a big challenge because she had no prior knowledge of the language. At first, she admitted she was nervous and uncertain, but she accepted the challenge and committed herself fully. To prepare, she worked extensively with a language coach who helped her learn pronunciation and delivery. According to reports, she would wake up early to request voice notes from her coach and practice constantly throughout the day.
The role represents a significant milestone in Makafui’s acting career, marking one of her first major appearances in a Netflix production that reaches audiences in many countries. Anikulapo: A Ghoul Awakens was released on Netflix and is expected to attract attention across Africa and beyond. The opportunity to act in a film where she had to learn an entirely new language showed her dedication to her craft and willingness to grow as an actress.
Fans and industry observers have praised her for the effort and discipline she showed in mastering Yoruba for the role. Many have commented on social media that her performance reflects talent and hard work, pointing out that crossing language and cultural boundaries in acting can help open doors for more Ghanaian actors on international platforms.
Makafui’s success in securing and performing in this role highlights the growing collaboration between Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries, especially as streaming services like Netflix invest in African storytelling. Her story may inspire other actors to embrace challenging roles and push the boundaries of their abilities in pursuit of broader opportunities.
