The enchanting allure of Yoruba culture intertwines with the realm of artistry in an upcoming movie known as “Take Me Home.” This ambitious project unites tourism and the world of Afro-Hollywood cinema to showcase the exquisite beauty of the Yoruba culture.
The Asoju Asa Oodua, Ambassador Alfred Oladotun Taylor, launched the project intending to establish a connection between African Americans and their ancestral roots and Yoruba heritage.
In the film, the city of Ile-Ife in Osun State, Nigeria, served as a destination for foreigners, specifically Americans seeking to discover their ancestral heritage.
Recently, the African American tourists were graciously received in Nigeria by His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojájá II), and his Yoruba culture ambassador in the United States, Alfred Oladotun Taylor.
The Ooni highlighted the significance of understanding and embracing one’s heritage and ancestry, expressing how it fills him with delight and a profound sense of belonging.
During their visit to Ile-Ife, the American tourists explored several historical sites that hold great significance. Among these noteworthy locations were the renowned Opa Oranmiyan, Moremi, and Osun Groove, to name a few. Their time spent in the city was filled with unforgettable experiences.
Dotun Taylor, the tour guide who led the group of tourists, stated that technology played a crucial role in enabling African Americans to trace their ancestral roots back to West Africa.
Ooni of Ife emphasized the significance of recognizing one’s ancestry and heritage stating that it brings about happiness and a profound feeling of belonging.
The monarch emphasized the exhilaration that accompanies the discovery of one’s ancestral roots.
“If you take a closer look at yourselves in comparison to your kinsmen and women here, you will agree with me that there is no difference between us. The only difference is that my own forefathers missed the boat that yours caught up with, but luckily for you, your source (Ile-Ife) which is within the Federal Republic of Nigeria is filled with lovely people and it’s a very safe environment,” he said.
He also expressed admiration for the ‘Take Me Home’ initiative spearheaded by Alfred Oladotun Taylor, which aims to assist African-Americans in discovering their heritage and establishing connections with their ancestral homeland. He praised Taylor as a cultural ambassador for this significant project that both educates and promotes the rich Yoruba culture.
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi expressed his admiration for the noteworthy “Take Me Home” project. This initiative aims to establish a connection between African-Americans and their ancestral homeland. The delight and sense of completeness that accompanies the discovery of one’s origins and the reestablishment of ties with their roots cannot be overstated.
It represents a significant stride towards cultural consciousness and the preservation of identity. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi commended Alfred Oladotun Taylor and his team for their dedicated efforts, while also encouraging everyone to lend their support to this admirable undertaking.
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Mrs. Delzora Dotson, now to be referred to as Mrs. Delzora Omotilewa Dotson, conveyed her thoughts on behalf of American tourists, characterizing the experience as highly rewarding.
Dotson expressed her eagerness to share her remarkable discovery with her friends and family members. “At this moment, I feel a strong sense of belonging, and I am thrilled to be back home,” she joyfully remarked.
Dotun Taylor and other prominent individuals who attended the meeting with the Ooni acknowledged that certain aspects of the discussion formed the basis for several scenes in the movie ‘Take Me Home.’ This film is set in both Hollywood Studios and Ile-Ife.
Speaking about the trip, the Asoju Asa Oodua, Dotun Taylor said, “Some of them (Americans) went into trance. Also, I saw some of them touch the Opa Oranmiyan and touched it and went into a trance. I saw some of those that cried. You know, it was ecstatic actually, particularly when only a few can trace their ancestral roots. I used that same title ‘Take Me Home’ for this for the first quarter trip because we are planning to have another one towards the Olojo festival which is in September.”
The film ‘Take Me Home’ revolves around the pursuit of authenticity and the exploration of one’s heritage, which drives the characters to challenge the established norms and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The movie delves into the repatriation of African artifacts and captures the essence of the Halloween experience in the United States. It is set to premiere during the Halloween festival in November, captivating the American audience, and will subsequently be released in other African countries, inviting them to partake in this remarkable tale.
