Burna Boy debuts as executive producer with powerful thriller ‘3 Cold Dishes’ tackling sex trafficking
Nigerian music superstar Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, globally known as Burna Boy, has ventured into the film industry as an executive producer. Burna Boy will co-produce the gripping thriller “3 Cold Dishes” alongside Ifind, Alma Productions, Asurf Films, Martian Network, and Black Mic Mac—a production company dedicated to highlighting African and Middle Eastern talent.
“3 Cold Dishes” delves into the harrowing world of sex trafficking, following the journey of Esosa, Fatouma, and Giselle. These three women, once victims of trafficking, have emerged as formidable figures in the underground world of prostitution. Despite their rise to power, they are haunted by the ghosts of their past—specifically the men who sold them into slavery. Driven by a desire for vengeance, they embark on a mission to make their tormentors pay.
Burna Boy, through his production company Spaceship Films, founded in 2015 with his mother Bose Ogulu, will oversee the film’s production. This marks a significant expansion of Burna Boy’s creative footprint beyond music, demonstrating his commitment to telling impactful stories through cinema.
Directed by Asurf Oluseyi, the 2016 African Magic Viewer’s Choice Award (AMVCA) winner for Best Short Film for “A Day with Death,” “3 Cold Dishes” promises to be a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of its characters. Oluseyi described the film to Variety Magazine as “a testament to the strength and resilience of its characters” and “an African cinematic journey like no other.”
The cast features an array of top talent from Nollywood and beyond, including Osas Ighodaro, Wale Ojo, Femi Jacobs, Ruby Akubueze, Brutus Richards, and Greg Ojefua. The film also stars Ivorian actors Fat Toure and Maud Guerard, alongside Senegalese actors Amelie Mbaye and Mentor Ba, further showcasing the diversity and talent within the African film industry.
Black Mic Mac, one of the co-production companies, is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the African film and television landscape. The company is actively developing a slate of projects that amplify African storytelling. These projects include “The Devil Inside,” “The Three Rascals,” “Apophenia,” “La Sape,” “The Great Transporter,” “The Cage,” and “Let The Earth Burn.”
Pape Boye, the founder of Black Mic Mac, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “I’m so proud to work with so many different filmmakers all over the continent, and to continue to try to discover talent who want to entertain the world.”
Burna Boy’s involvement in “3 Cold Dishes” is expected to draw significant attention to the film, given his immense popularity and influence. This project not only marks his debut in the film industry but also underscores his dedication to addressing critical social issues through powerful narratives. As an artist who has consistently used his platform to highlight societal issues, Burna Boy’s transition into film production is a natural extension of his advocacy.
Spaceship Films, under Burna Boy’s leadership, aims to produce films that resonate on a global scale while staying true to African stories and experiences. “3 Cold Dishes” exemplifies this vision by tackling the complex issue of sex trafficking—a subject that, while difficult, is essential to address through the arts.
The narrative of “3 Cold Dishes” is expected to be both a harrowing and inspiring journey, reflecting the lived experiences of many women who have suffered at the hands of traffickers. By bringing such a story to the big screen, the film hopes to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by survivors of sex trafficking.
Asurf Oluseyi, known for his compelling storytelling and cinematic expertise, is well-positioned to bring this story to life. His previous works have demonstrated a keen ability to blend emotional depth with engaging narratives, a skill that will be crucial in handling the sensitive subject matter of “3 Cold Dishes.”
The film’s release is eagerly anticipated, not only for its gripping storyline and stellar cast but also for its potential to spark important conversations about sex trafficking and the broader issues of exploitation and human rights. The collaboration between Burna Boy, Asurf Oluseyi, and Black Mic Mac represents a powerful convergence of music, film, and social advocacy.
In addition to the film’s production, Burna Boy’s role as an executive producer involves strategic oversight and creative input, ensuring that the film’s message is both impactful and authentic. This involvement is a testament to his commitment to using his influence for positive change.
“3 Cold Dishes” is poised to be a landmark film in Nollywood, combining star power, expert direction, and a compelling narrative to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. As the film industry continues to evolve, projects like this highlight the potential of cinema to not only entertain but also educate and inspire action.
Burna Boy’s foray into film production with “3 Cold Dishes” is more than just a career milestone; it is a bold statement about the power of storytelling to effect change. The film’s upcoming release is set to captivate audiences and shed light on the dark realities of sex trafficking, ultimately contributing to the ongoing fight against this global scourge.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of “3 Cold Dishes,” the collaboration between Burna Boy, Asurf Oluseyi, and Black Mic Mac stands as a powerful example of how the arts can intersect with activism to create meaningful impact. The film’s release on June 12, 2024, is expected to be a major event, drawing attention from both Nollywood enthusiasts and global audiences alike.
