Folake Olowofoyeku recalls her deep emotional connection to the original Lion King movie. She shared that after witnessing Mufasa’s heartbreaking death in the 1994 film, she could never emotionally invest in another movie the same way. Olowofoyeku humorously explained how the sadness of that scene left a lasting impact, saying there’s been nothing as emotionally powerful in cinema since.
The iconic scene of Mufasa’s death, where Simba watches his father fall into a stampede caused by his uncle Scar, struck a deep chord with Olowofoyeku. She was moved by the profound narrative, especially as someone who grew up with cats as pets. Her connection to the story became even more personal with the knowledge that she would one day join the Lion King legacy.
As Olowofoyeku reflects on her role in Mufasa: The Lion King, the film marks a full circle moment in her life. She first experienced the original Lion King in Nigeria, and now, she’s part of the franchise as Amara, a white lioness. This opportunity is meaningful to her as she plays a part in continuing a beloved story that once made such an emotional impact on her.
Olowofoyeku is proud to be the first Nigerian actor with a Nigerian accent to be featured in The Lion King films. She feels that this representation is a significant milestone in her career, as she strives to bring visibility to her culture. Despite the traditionally reserved emotional expression in her Nigerian family, Olowofoyeku knows that her role brings a sense of pride to her relatives.
Watching Mufasa: The Lion King was an entirely different experience for Olowofoyeku than it was as a child. She described the feeling of joy, especially hearing her own voice in the film. Olowofoyeku admitted to smiling and even dancing during the movie, enjoying the childlike excitement of being part of such a magical production.
Mufasa: The Lion King features a remarkable cast, including Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Beyoncé, and her daughter Blue Ivy Carter. However, Olowofoyeku was kept in the dark about who else was involved. The secrecy surrounding the project meant she recorded her lines in private rooms with minimal information, relying on her love of cats to inspire her portrayal of Amara.
Mufasa: The Lion King is now showing in theaters, offering fans a new chapter in the Lion King saga with Olowofoyeku’s heartfelt contribution.
