[Xylophone tune plays]
[ominous music playing]
My name is Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
Wife of the Right Reverend, Israel Ransome-Kuti.
Mother of Dolupo,
Olikoye, Fela,
and Bekolari.
[male radio presenter] We interrupt this broadcast to bring you this…
The popular home of Fela, King of Afrobeat has come under heavy bombardment…
His home was raided by individuals in army and army and police uniforms…
[in Yoruba] His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was said to have been
a victim of the attack, as she was staying with her son at the time.
According to Doctor Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti…
[Funmilayo] I was staying with my son, relaxing.
All of a sudden I heard an explosion.
-[explosive sound] -[people screaming and shouting]
-[gunshots] -[screams continue]
[in Yoruba] What's wrong with you all? Don't you know what's happening?
[tuts]
Hey!
[in Yoruba] What? What do you want? Ye! Ye!
[soldier 1 in English] Where is Fela?
Where is Fela?!
[soldier 1 in English] Quickly! Atija!
Musa, Ojo, move this woman!
-[inaudible chatter] -[percussion beats play]
[chaos]
-[tense music playing] -[chaos continues]
-[man 1 in Yoruba] That's where they're-- -[soldier 1 in English] On your knees now!
-[soldier 1 in English] You're a bastard! -[soldier 2] You must move this…
-[soldier 1 ] Move! -[soldier 2] If I see you…
-[woman screams] -[soldier 2] Keep your head down!
[soldier 2] See this woman!
-[soldier 1] Get away from that place! -[soldier 2] Come here!
-[women scream] -[glass breaking]
-[soldier 1 in Pidgin] I'll deal with her. -[chaos continues]
[in Pidgin] Move! I will kill her if we don't kill Fela.
[soldier 2 in Yoruba] You should check that place.
[ominous music playing]
[in English] What did Fela do? Who sent you?
-Throw her down! -What did Fela do?!
-[lady news reporter]Political campaigner… -[Old Funmilayo screams]
We will teach you a lesson you won't forget!
[lady news reporter] Women's rights activist…
[screaming]
Humanitarian.
[body thud]
[eerie music fades in]
[eerie music increases tempo]
[eerie music fades out]
[upbeat Afrobeat music playing]
-[Bicyle bell chimes] -[car honks]
Hello, Madam.
I don't need to tell you that I'm not happy about this interview,
but my mother is a stubborn mule and I have been overruled by my brothers.
She's still fragile and weak.
And I don't want you probing her and making her worse.
[in French accent] I understand.
I will take it easy.
-She's in room 14. -Thank you.
Good afternoon, Madam.
[Old Funmilayo] I smell French perfume.
Isabelle Jira, Reuters News.
[Old Funmilayo grunts]
[groans loudly]
[exclaims in pain]
My glasses, please.
Thank you.
That's better.
I see you clearly.
[Isabelle] A pleasure to finally meet you, Madam.
How long have you been waiting?
A couple of days, but who's counting?
[in Yoruba] Patience is a virtue.
[in English] What's that?
Patience is a virtue.
Indeed.
[Old Funmilayo sighs]
I once had to wait two weeks
for Mao Tse-Tung, the Chairman of the People's Republic of China.
I am well aware of your political endeavours in London and China.
-Thank you. -But who does this to a 77-year-old woman?
Ah.
A government that oppresses its people.
How do you feel now?
Like a 77-year-old woman, who has been thrown from a two-storey building.
[laughs]
I can see you retained your sense of humor.
We are nothing but zombies without our humor.
Indeed.
Are you ready to start, Madam?
Okay.
[breathes softly]
[exhales]
[light music playing]
[Isabelle] Let's talk about your father.
[Old Funmilayo] My father was a son of freed slaves
who found their way back to Egba.
He was a farmer.
He traded in lucrative palm produce.
Because he was educated,
he called himself an agriculturist.
[laughs]
He was very popular
in the locale and believed in the power of education.
[Young Funmilayo] A -mal-ga-ma-ate
-[in Yoruba] Father. -[Father] Hmm?
What does that word mean?
Oh. "Amalgamate."
[in Yoruba] To join things together.
[in English] To join things together.
[Funmilayo] He taught me about our history.
He grounded me with the stories of our heroes past.
of our culture.
[upbeat instrumental music playing]
[Father in English] Somewhere in the 18th century,
[in Yoruba] there was this great warrior called Lisabi,
[in English] whose revolt helped to free the people of Egba from the heavy taxes…
[Old Funmilayo] My father was the driving force of my life.
Oh, he taught me how to push boundaries.
-[in Yoruba] Let me show you something. -What?
-Look, no hands! [laughs] -Ah! Hmm.
[in Yoruba] Father, see this trick that you always do,
one of these days, you'll do it and injure yourself.
Ah!
[in English] Fall?
[in Yoruba] So?
What if I fall?
Listen,
don't let anything frighten you.
Don't be afraid.
[in English] He taught me how to fly.
[laughs]
Back then,
I was known as Frances Thomas.
I was 13 years old.
And had just completed my primary school at
St. John's Primary School, Abeokuta.
But my father had a greater vision.
-[in Yoruba] Ah, Father. -[Father exclaims]
You haven't slept yet?
[in Yoruba] Daughter of a Lion.
[laughs]
And her?
[in English] Ah, don't mind Remi.
She's just pretending to be asleep.
[in English] And I thought that I was the show-off of the family.
You've been first in class at St. John’s
twelve times.
[in Yoruba] Tell me, Frances.
[in English] What do you think about your apprenticeship next year?
It will be good for me.
At least Mother is a seamstress too.
No, leave your mother out of this. I'm talking about you.
[in Yoruba] What do you want?
What are your thoughts?
[in English] It's good.
I'm…
I'm grateful.
Grateful, but not fulfilled.
Hmm.
[in Yoruba] I've changed my mind.
You are going to secondary school.
[in English] You are going to secondary school.
And God willing, after that, higher learning.
See, my child, the only way we can beat
the colonialists at their game is by learning what they know,
and not just learning it, but knowing it better.
Just like our great warrior Lisabi defeated the Oyo Empire.
We are going to defeat the white imperialists.
But…
that means I might have to travel to Lagos.
Lagos? [laughs]
You and who?
There's no female secondary school here in Abeokuta.
[in Yoruba] Look…
There's nothing that drops from the sky that the earth cannot withstand. Hmm?
[in English] Where there's a will, there is a way.
[in Yoruba] Yes, Father.
[upbeat music playing]
[whispers]
This must be that Thomas girl.
-[boy whispering] The Thomas girl… -Good evening, Sir.
Good evening, Sir.
[whispers continue]
[upbeat music continues]
[knocks]
[Registrar] Ah! Frances.
The first girl in our great school.
-[in Yoruba] Thank you, Sir. -And I wish you the best.
[Isabelle] I can imagine that must have been really tough.
[indistinct chatter]
[soft music playing]
[male laughter]
[senior boy 1] But that's how I intend to go on till I leave this school.
[senior boy 2] Exactly.
[senior boy 1] Halt!
Junior.
[scoffs]
So the rumors are true.
[chuckles] A damsel here in Abeokuta Grammar school.
-[senior boy 2] What's your name, Junior? -Frances.
[Senior boy 3] Listen, we have a new nickname for you.
[in Yoruba] Not yet a person. You are nobody!
[laughter]
[in Yoruba] A solider ant cannot wear trousers,
but can take off a giant's trousers.
What?! She has the audacity to insult Standard Five seniors?
-[in English] Boys! Take her! -[in Yoruba] Leave me alone!
-We will throw you into a well today! -[in Yoruba] Leave me!
-We will show her! -[in Yoruba] Leave me alone!
-Do you know who we are? -[screams]
Five years in this school and you're insulting us like that.
-We will teach you a lesson today! -[screams] Leave me alone!
We will teach you a lesson you won't forget!
-Put her here! Put her inside this well! -[squeals] Leave me alone!
-[in Yoruba] leave me alone! -You will never be rude again!
-[Young Funmilayo screams] -[in Yoruba] Throw her in!
-[Boy] Stop right there! -Head Boy!
-[Young Funmilayo screams] -Head Boy!
Bamigboye, Enilechukwu,
Sage, Sokoya. All four of you, come here!
-Now! -[Young Funmilayo coughs]
[Enilechukwu] Head boy, we were only making a sport.
-[Bamigboye] It was just banter, Head Boy. -[Funmilayo coughs]
In fact, one week's detention for all four of you,
with labour! Now vamoose from my presence!
I said vamoose!
Nonsense.
Hey.
-[coughs] -Hey.
-[gasps] -Are you alright?
Are you hurt?
What sort of school is this?
Where boys torment girls.
A boy's school but hey,
it's going to be fine, alright?
My name is Israel Ransome-Kuti.
Head Boy of the school.
Frances Olufunmilayo Thomas.
Quick word of advice, Frances.
If you want to survive here,
you need to learn how to soak up the oil and not just the stew.
Okay?
What does that even mean?
I'll see you around.
[soft music playing]
[Old Funmilayo] So I learnt to soak up the oil, not just the stew.
[soft music playing]
-[slap] -[laughter]
[Teacher] Quiet!
[in Yoruba] No matter how small the needle is, it cannot be swallowed by a chicken.
[in English] Frances Thomas!
-But I had to stand up for myself. -Straight to the Principal's office!
[soft music continues]
[Old Funmilayo] Israel.
He was the…
he was the love of my life.
[indistinct chatter]
-Sorry for what the man did to you. -Frances!
It’s okay.
I’ll see you later.
Hello, Head Boy.
So…
I realised I never exactly gave you the opportunity to properly thank me
for saving you from those boys the other day.
Is that so?
Because I remember saying thank you.
Well, but a noble young lady such as yourself
would be worried sick that
that level of gratitude is rather insufficient.
Hmm.
So tell me, Head Boy,
what will be “sufficient”?
Hmm.
How about… you
write me a thank you letter.
Are you asking that we share correspondence?
It would appear so.
And what makes you think you are the first man that would ask?
I am sure I am not the first man.
But I'm also sure, that I am the best.
[laughs]
[Israel] Dear Frances.
I am indeed grateful for the opportunity granted to me to correspond with you.
[Old Funmilayo] Time flies when you are in love.
Israel was granted a scholarship.
to Fourah Bay College in Free Town, Sierra Leone.
-It's so beautiful! [gasps] -[Israel] I know, right.
-Oh my God! Why haven't I been up here? -[Israel exhales]
Promise me you would write.
Of course. I'll write, just as I have been doing every week.
But you'll be much too busy.
Never too busy for you, my dearest.
Will you wait for me?
Just focus on your studies, okay?
And know that I'll be right here as you've left me.
I was heartbroken when he had to leave, but he kept to his word.
[Old Funmilayo] He wrote to me
every week for the four years he was gone.
[Older Israel] Dear Frances,
I was pleased to receive your letter…
[Young Funmilayo] Dear Israel,
I hope this letter meets you well…
[Older Funmlayo] A year before Israel's return
I also left for England to further my studies.
[Young Funmilayo] A hearty congratulations on your promotion
as principal of our alma mater.
I cannot wait to return home.
Being here has given me a cultural awareness.
A sense of identity like never before.
I miss family, I miss home…
and especially you.
In fact,[chuckles] I no longer go by the English name Frances,
so now and henceforth, I use my middle name, Olufunmilayo.
Olufunmilayo.
[epic music playing]
[indistinct market chatter]
-[people murmuring in awe] -[cock crowing]
[woman 1 in Yoruba] Please buy my calabashes.
[man] Which do you prefer? Buy one.
-[woman 2] Madam, please buy my chickens. -[woman 1] Please buy my calabashes.
[nostalgic music playing]
Israel!
-Yeah! -[laughs]
-[Funmilayo inhales] -Frances!
Forgive me.
-Olufunmilayo. -[sighs]
I have missed you.
-Welcome home. -[sighs]
[in Yoruba] The fact that I'm home,
that I have come back to my hometown…
-I'm eating our local food. -Mm-hmm.
-I'm back to our customs and traditions. -Mm-hmm.
What I missed the most is the fact that I can speak the Yoruba language freely.
-Hmm. -[in Yoruba] What?
[in Yoruba] Didn't you miss me?
-[exclaims] Israel! -mmh
[in Yoruba] I missed you most especially.
[soft music playing]
-[Funmilayo giggles] -[birds chirping]
[music fades]
[Funmilayo sighs]
Funmilayo.
It's been a full year since you've been back from England.
I just want to spend the rest of my life with you,
living and breathing on this side of eternity.
Just you.
-[crickets chirping] -[cutlery clinking]
Hmm.
So erm,
what is it that you do?
Well Father, Funmilayo teaches preschool at her own establishment.
[women murmur in approval]
It's basically an initiative that she set up
to encourage illiterate parents to train and get their children educated.
Erm, but school is not meant for everyone.
Oh, I'm surprised you say so, Sir.
I sent all my offsprings to school because I wanted to.
Now, Agbekoya decides that he prefers for his son to till the ground.
Who are we to say that he's wrong?
But I would like to think that the child's future potential matters also.
The child?
The child obeys the parent.
-Israel obeys me. -[chuckles]
So we're glad that you were in favour of his education.
Exactly, and that is why he joined the clergy, because I instructed him to.
Do you want to say something?
No, nothing, Sir.
-Grace Eniola. -[Eniola] Aunty.
Your cousin says so much about you all the time.
-Oh, likewise. [chuckles] -It's my pleasure to meet you.
You know, the teacher wouldn't stop talking about you.
[laughs]
And in fact, I'm also courting a teacher,
-Mr. Soyinka. -[Funmilayo chuckles]
-[exclamation in excitement] -Isn't that a sweet coincidence!
So Aunty Funmi, what was it like in England?
Ah! Dreadful.
Some of the British people hang notices
outside their doors saying, "No Irish, no Blacks, no dogs."
-[laughter] -Even dogs?
Even dogs.
And yet here we are in Africa,
[in Pidgin] carrying the whites as high and mighty.
[in English] "God save the King."
[laughter]
I think you're being a bit erm...
judgemental, you know. If I may remind you,
it was the British who brought Christianity to our pagan lands.
-True. -[Funmilayo] Christianity?
[Israel clears throat]
[Father] Yes?
You… you want to say something?
No, nothing, Sir.
Nothing.
But truth be told, Sir,
before the white man set foot in Africa
we Africans had our religion.
We had Ogun, Sango, Oya, Obatala, Osun, Esu.
Oh, God of Israel.[sighs]
Why must we think the only road to salvation is
through the white man's Christianity?
Same white man who enslaved some of our ancestors…
who treats us like aliens and strangers when we're in their land.
So, uh…
you do not believe in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost?
And you want to marry my son, a man of the cloth himself?
Ehn? A son of a clergyman?
The Lord prepares for me a table in the presence of my enemies.
-[Israel] Father, come. Father. -[Israel's mother] What?
Mother, please just…
[Old Funmilayo] Oddly enough, after we got married,
the Reverend Josiah and I got on rather well…
before he passed away a few years later.
I suppose it was nothing but teething problems.
[kids singing]
But for the son of a market woman
who didn't come to school for a few days,
my life might have taken a totally different course.
-[indistinct chatter] -[sheep baaing]
-Good afternoon, Ma. -How much is this?
[woman 1] Buy vegetables to cook soup!
-It's 40 shillings. -Let me pay 20 shillings.
-I sell water-yam. -Give me a better price.
-Take it for 40 shillings. -I have only 20 shillings.
-I want to buy from you -Okay, no problem.
-How much is this? -One hundred shillings.
-Sixty shillings. -Take, ma.
[indistinct chatter]
It's 120 shillings.
Let me pay 100 shillings.
-Sell it to me at that price. -Things are expensive now.
One hundred shillings.
It’s never too early, it’s never too late for your children to come to school.
Greetings, Sir.
Don’t delay.
-It’s neither too late nor too early. -Greetings, ma'am.
-It’s neither too late nor too early. -Thank you.
Ah, you that didn’t send your child today.
-Greetings. -Come buy from me.
Thank you. I’ll buy, I’ll buy.
-Greetings, greetings. -Greetings.
-No problem. -Ah!
-Teacher! -Good afternoon. Mama Supo!
Is this you? You came to the market?
Did you come to buy something?
You know what brought me here, Mama Supo. Ehn?
Yesterday I didn’t see Supo in school. Why?
And you know I'm most familiar with you in the entire market.
If you send your child to school,
it'll encourage other market women to send their children to school as well.
-What's the issue? -You are very right.
Please don't be annoyed with me.
I beg you in the name of God.
My mind hasn't been at peace.
Let God just grant us all peace of mind, so one is focused without distractions.
-Please don't be angry. -[sighs]
Or is it his father who doesn't want him to come?
His father? Not at all!
In fact, his father is more persistent
about him going to school than I am.
Ah! The parakoyi have arrived!
-Guards! -Yes!
Go in there and destroy everything!
[tense music playing]
[chaos]
-[in Yoruba] Who is that?! -[in English] Who are you.
-[screams] -Who are you, woman?
[in Yoruba] Looks like it’s been long since your husband beat you last.
-[slap] -[yelps]
-Abomination! -How dare you call my husband’s name?!
Leader, leader, don't touch her. She’s friends with the Alake.
All their goods that you've scattered, return them!
If it's equitable for them, they'll pay their taxes.
Thank you.
Dirty son of an animal.
-Thank you, thank you! -[cheering]
-I will not forget you. -[women chant] Daughter of a lion!
-Daughter of a lion! -I have forgotten you already.
Daughter of a lion!
-Daughter of a lion! -What did I say?
Daughter of a lion!
What are you waiting for?
Go to your houses!
There will be consequences.
What Funmilayo has started, we will not be able to withstand.
What are you still waiting for?
Thief, thief!
[jubilation]
[jubilant music playing]
-[epic music playing] -[birds chirping]
[Old Funmilayo] The Alake didn't take kindly
to my interference in affairs of state.
[Funmilayo] From what I gathered,
when he received report of my dissent in the marketplace,
he couldn't quite find the right words to express his displeasure.
Ah!
[in Yoruba] You!
[tense music playing]
Ah!
[rumbles]
[in Yoruba] Teacher. Good morning.
-Good morning. -Don't be offended that
we are late again today. Forgive us.
-What's most important is that he comes. -It's okay.
-[in English] Supo, to your seat. -Thank you.
-Sorry about the other day. -Thank you.
Hope they didn't come back to give you
any trouble after I left the market that day.
[sighs] Let's just pray we don't have a problem.
[scoffs] It even looked as if some of the market women
weren't too pleased that I interfered.
Just leave those ones, Teacher. You are quite different from them.
What you did that day showed that you are a courageous woman.
I doff my hat for you. Ah!
It was during the time of the female chieftain, Iya Tinubu
that something like that last happened.
For a woman to be so courageous to challenge the authorities like that?
I doff my hat for you.
But as for us, we have gotten used to it.
Mama Supo, don't say that!
It's not good! What they're perpetrating is bad!
Teacher, is it you speaking like this?
Whether good or bad, there's nothing we can do.
Tax is compulsory.
Whether we sell or not, it is compulsory for us to pay tax.
Whether we are eating or drinking, we will be taxed.
Even to use the bathroom or make love to our husbands, we will be taxed.
Teacher, we are tired. They've squeezed us dry.
Let me quickly start heading back.
Let me go make sales, because the parakoyi will soon return
and if they return and I don't have money to give them… Ah!
…they'll destroy all my goods.
I greet you. Thanks for having me.
Supo! Study hard, okay?
[soft music playing]
[Old Funmilayo] Because Israel and myself
belonged to a class of few educated and respected families
in Abeokuta, I decided to meet with the District Colonial Officer.
[soft music continues]
-[lady] Mrs. Ransome-Kuti. -Hello.
[in English] What a pleasure.
Please have a seat.
[soft music continues]
[mouths] Hello.
Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti?
A delight to finally meet you in person, ma'am.
Every young girl who attends Abeokuta
Grammar School has heard of the very first girl.
Frances Olufunmilayo Thomas. Up School!
Up School! You're an alumnus.
-Class of 1928. Beatrice Falomo. -[exclaims]
Falomo?
And you're speaking as if you have kukikuli stuck in your mouth.
Well, in my defence, my father is Egba and my mother is Scottish.
You are a full Egba woman.
This way.
What is it you do here at the District Office?
Well, I am the Secretary to the District Officer.
[sighs] You can do more.
[Beatrice scoffs]
Mrs. Ransome-Kuti, Sir.
[Mr. Dundee] Ah, yes. Please have a seat.
[in Yoruba] It's not your fault.
-[in English] Excuse me? -Nothing.
Beatrice, make me a cup of tea.
Coming right up, Sir.
So, Mrs. Ransome-Kuti,
how can I help you today?
Mr. Dundee,
I'm not here for my benefit.
This is about the plight of the Egba market women.
I didn't realize the Egba market women had a plight.
Apparently, every time they say "Amen," the Egba local authority taxes them.
And in what capacity are you here?
As a woman and a mother.
You run the local kindergarten
and your husband is the principal of the local grammar school.
So I just can't see how you're connected to these market women.
Because some of their children come to my school.
And I have personally witnessed the parakoyi
harassing the women in the market for taxes.
The parakoyi come under the authority of your King, the Alake.
And the Alake works for you.
I believe you call it indirect rule.
I'd much prefer to call it "divide and conquer."
Taxes, Mrs. Ransome-Kuti.
How do you think we pay for the services in this province?
Your tea, Sir.
Oh! Thank you, Beatrice.
[stutters] May I get you something to drink, ma'am? Tea, coffee?
Some water?
Oh no, that won't be necessary. Mrs. Ransome-Kuti is leaving.
I would have thought a more pragmatic action would be to
lessen the taxation on the market women and encourage their enterprise.
Why don't we leave this issue
to the Egba native administration to handle?
[tuts] Anyway, I'm really rather busy.
So, unless you've got something else to say,
have a good day.
[tense music playing]
[sniffs]Oh… delicious.
-Mr. Dundee. -You're still here?
Where did you go to school?
That's none of your business.
Oh, just so I know not to send any of my children to such schools.
I'd much rather they attend schools where they are taught common courtesy…
something I see that you clearly lack in volumes, Sir.
Dundee United.
Enjoy your tea.
Ugh, you troublesome subject.
Winterbottom, I want you to deal with this Ransome-Kuti Egba Market women issue.
[Mr. Dundee] Just get it off my in tray.
-Of course, Sir. I'll do that, Sir. -Dismissed.
Thank you, Sir.
-Hello, hello, hello! -Hey!
Greetings!
-Hello, Eniola. -[in Yoruba] Good afternoon.
[in Yoruba] Ah ah, good afternoon.
-Eniola. -Ma?.
[in English] This is beautiful.
[in Yoruba] Take these ones inside.
[in Yoruba] You mean you are doing amazing things like this in this market?
Yes. We are the ones who do it.
[laughs]
You mean we have the Adire fabric in this colour?
Yes. It's the new colour we've started producing.
Look, I'll give you one of it to try at home.
We the Egba women are doing great things.
-Aunty! [laughs] -Eniola!
And you all let the parakoyi disturb you like that?
Why?!
The parakoyi.
The Alake's dogs.
-What can we do about it? -What do you mean by that, Eniola?
Who is the leader of the Egba market women?
It's meant to be the head female chieftain.
So who is the current head female chieftain?
Ah, my aunty…
There is no head female chieftain.
Ever since the previous head female chieftain died,
the Alake has been adamant.
He refused blatantly to elect a successor.
-And that's how it has been. -No wonder!
With all the chiefs in the King's cabinet,
there is no female in the cabinet to speak up for us!
We are just on our own.
-No wonder! -Ah!
[in English] No wonder.
[in Yoruba] No wonder they have been taking advantage of the women.
Oh!
So you mean there is no one that represents the women body?
-There's none, Aunty. -Oh!
[in English] That's why.
-[indistinct chatter] -[soft music playing]
[exhales]
-Eniola. -Ma.
[in Yoruba] What I'm thinking is that
you women
should gather yourselves. Hmm?
And stick together to have one voice!
[clicks tongue]
But Aunty…
How do we go about this?
[soft music heightens]
[Old Funmilayo] Over the next few months,
I reached out to various Egba ladies.
[birds chirping]
This is really not a bad turnout at all.
[Old Funmilayo] They in turn reached out to other ladies of the elite,
who came together to form the Abeokuta Women's Club.[laughs]
The market women are still not here.
I know. It's okay. It's fine.
[in Yoruba] But I see that you were able to drag Mrs. Austen-Peters here.
Yes, I was.
And also, I see Mrs. Coker is here as well!
Oh, I hear that Mrs. Coker
has a degree from Cambridge in Latin.
-[laughs] You hear things! -I hear everything.
-[Israel chuckles] -You hear things.
-Wish us luck. -I'm so proud of you.
-Thank you. -[Eniola clears throat]
Teacher, sorry. Aunty, they are waiting.
I'm coming.
-Wish us luck! -Good luck.
-[lady] How are you, my darling? -[Funmilayo] My ladies are here.
-[ladies] Welcome. -[Funmilayo] Mrs. Peters.
[Mrs. Peters] It's my pleasure to be here.
I'm so happy to have you.
-Thank you, thank you. -Ladies!
Welcome to the first ever
-Abeokuta Ladies Club. -[applause]
I was thinking we should have Sunday fetes and picnics.
Ah, that's brilliant.
-Very good. -Absolutely lovely.
[Mrs. Coker] This is something I got for my daughter a long time ago.
-[Mrs. Coker] I was thinking of sewing… -[in Yoruba] …pull out the thread…
-[lady 2] Catering. -[other ladies] Mm-hmm.
[in Yoruba] Give yourselves space.
[lady 3] Adult education.
-[ladies] Oh! Very good. -Mrs. Olugbade, always on point.
[everyone] Cheese!
[Old Funmilayo] But, as we had tea, literacy classes
and feted, the Alake kept to his threat.
He raised the taxes and unleashed hell on all
-and sundry and wouldn't yield! -This is not fair. Why do you do this?
[Mrs. Coker] Can you see how I'm doing it?
You'll insert the wool, you twist it,
then pull it out
and continue the process.
[in Yoruba] Ah! You are all enemies of profit!
You are enemies of profit!
-[woman 1] Oh, God! -This is not fair.
Thank you very much. Thank you for coming. Thank you so…
We will both die here!
Let me have my goods!
-Pot. -[women] Pot.
Help me! Help me!
Ah! The Alake has ruined me!
-[tense music playing] -Yes.
-Ah! The Alake has ruined me! -Ah!
-The Alake has ruined me! -Help us!
They've caused chaos in town!
-[lady] Let's buy it. -[lady 2] mmh.
[Old Funmilayo]But I was not happy.
I felt we could do more.
-[lady 1] …some appliances. -…for the trainings as well.
…accessories…
[Funmilayo] Ladies.
-Ladies! -[ladies] Yes.
[sighs]
I'm thinking the Abeokuta Ladies Club
is not doing enough in connecting with the market women.
-How? -I think we are doing just fine.
-I think so too. -Great.
I think we need to do something else.
Like what?
What are you suggesting?
[exhales]
The dissolution of Abeokuta Ladies Club.
-What?! -Calm down.
Listen to what she has to say, please.
And the establishment of Abeokuta Women's Union.
-I beg your pardon! -[Mrs. Coker] This is absurd!
What are you talking about?
-Mrs. Olugbade, please sit. -What do you mean, sit?
-Sit, please. -It's fine as it is.
-Please let's hear her first. -Okay, we are listening.
[scoffs]
This Union will be inclusive of women from all walks of life,
regardless of their status or their education.
Think about it. Then we can actually say we are really connecting with the women.
I think it's a brilliant idea.
-It's a beautiful idea. -Aha!
-Beautiful. -Including illiterates?
-Mrs. Coker, including all women. -[huffs]
Is there something wrong in what she just said?
You mean you want me… me! to mix with the masses?
-To breathe the same air? -It's absurd!
And what is wrong with that, Mrs. Olugbade.
-I don't have to answer your question. -Oh, you need to answer that question.
-I do not have to answer. -Do you have any idea how
-these people live? -Yes, I do!
-Ladies. -Okay, please tell me.
Not all fingers are equal!
You have no idea. If you have an idea...
Quiet!
-Eniola. -No!
Listen! Women,
we the educated women are living outside the realities of these
-market women. -Speak for yourself!
She's saying the truth!
We need to find a way to connect with them.
We need to do something new.
-We're helping them already, are we not? -Yes, we are.
We're doing enough to help them.
This is the very reason so many of our members have left.
Because of new developments like this
-that Funmilayo keeps bringing about. -I agree.
Oh, that's so sad.
I agree.
Sister Funmi.
I wish there was a way I could make the market women join us.
Well, if Muhammad will not go to the mountain,
-then the mountain must come to Muhammad. -[scoffs]
Says the clergyman, while reading his Bible.
[laughs]
[sighs]
[in Yoruba] My love.
[in English] Return to the market. Meet these women on their own turf.
I tried that before. It ended in disaster for them.
Well, if you fail,
you must try and try again.
[uplifting music playing]
-Ah-ah! -[giggles]
Olufela!
Should you not be in bed?
I'm sure he can't sleep.
-Again? -He can't sleep.
-Are they pursuing this boy? -[scoffs]
[tuts][in Yoruba] Look…
[in English] When I was his age…
When you were his age, what?
[grumbling]
When you were his age, what?
-[uplifting music continues] -[child whimpering]
[exhales]
-[Fela crying] -Okay, okay.
[Old Funmilayo yawning] Ah, I guess, theirs was a Wild Wild West.
Oh, excuse me.
-Oh my gosh, Madam. Is that the time? -Mmh.
I'm so sorry.
I must allow you to rest.
I do feel rather fatigued.
Isabelle…
you will come back tomorrow?
Most certainly, Madam.
[in French] Bye!
[in Yoruba] Bye.
-[in English] Till we meet again. -[chuckles softly]
[wistful music playing]
-[Funmilayo] …he’ll turn in his grave. -[laughter]
Thank you, thank you.
Isabelle! Good morning.
Good morning, Madam. I'm so sorry.
I did not know you had visitors. I will wait outside.
You will do no such thing. Come in.
I take it you already know my daughter, Dolupo.
Yes, I do. Good morning.
I only hope Mommy has not been revealing too much.
God knows that the family cannot afford the kind of publicity
that it is getting these days.
We need that attention.
The whole world must know the sacrifices Mother made for this country.
-Those motherfuckers must know! -Yes!
Well, I think what my sister is trying to say is that,
we need to be a bit cautious.
I don't want to be cautious.
I want to climb to the top of Olumo Rock and scream
till someone high up in government is made to pay for what those bastards did.
I swear! Their father must answer for it!
Those motherfuckers!
I only wish Mommy's suffering could have been avoided.
Meaning what, Sis?
Meaning that if Mommy hadn't been at Kalakuta that day,
she will not be like this. A bag of bones! Broken bones!
-What are you even saying, Sister Dolu? -No, wait!
When did anyone decide where I should or should not be?
Eh?
Since when did it become a crime
for a mother to visit her son and grandchildren?
-[Fela in Pidgin] Exactly. -No.
-No one must point a finger at Fela! -[in Yoruba] Thanks, Mom.
After all, he was not the one who threw me over a second-floor balcony.
-[Fela] Exactly! -[Funmilayo] Come on!
Listen, all of you, this is not the time to start trading blame.
The Ransome-Kuti clan must stand as one.
Okay. Thank you for your visit.
Thank you, thank you very much. Get going, I have business with Isabella.
-Fela, thank you, darling. -[in Yoruba] Thank you.
[Funmilayo] I need fresh air.
-Are you okay, Madam? -Oh yes.
-Thank you. -Okay, I'll be back.
Okay.
[in Yoruba] Eniola, what's happening here?
[Old Funmilayo]The markets were deserted
because the women refused to return their stalls
for fear of the parakoyi.
-[Funmilayo in Yoruba] Good day. -[Eniola] Good afternoon.
[Eniola and Funmilayo] Hello.
Sorry, hope there's no problem? Mama Supo.
-[sobs] -Ah, what happened. What's the problem?
-It's the parakoyi. -Ah!
They've pushed and pushed us to the wall
now the wall has collapsed on us.
What sort of nonsense is this?
Please this is my sister-in-law, Mrs. Soyinka.
Good afternoon.
-Welcome. -Sorry.
We are fed up, they recently
demanded that we start paying taxes on water.
-[Eniola] Water? -[Mama Supo] Water!
[Mama Supo] I've never heard this before.
I've never heard of it!
This is a very terrible act.
We should pay for water? Water?!
Why? What have we done?
We are tired!
Just look at the bumps on my head.
-Sorry, Mama Supo. -[sneers]
This is why I said you all should join us
so we all can join hands to chase the parakoyi away.
-Exactly. -Can you see what I've been saying?
Let us… Look, who can we speak to here
that can help us gather all the women
so we can deal with this issue and get it sorted out?
Can you see the woman sitting over there?
Her name is Mama Gbangba.
She's the one all the women in the market respect the most.
[sighs]
Once we speak to her and she listens and agrees,
I'm too sure all of us will gladly join hands with you.
Should we go and speak to her now?
Don't go yet. Or what do you think?
Leave it to me.
Let me first speak to her.
I'm sure she'll agree
and support us.
-Thank you. -Wipe your tears, Mama Supo.
Wipe your tears.
Sorry, it's enough. Sorry.
[Mama Supo sobs]
-Our mothers! -Yes!
It's important we join hands
-to stop the parakoyi! -Yes!
[Funmilayo] Enough of the exorbitant taxes they've been collecting from us!
-It's enough! -[Funmilayo] It's enough!
You can see how they have been stressing
-and frustrating you anyhow. -Why?!
Let's chase them away!
Look! Don't listen to this woman!
She's just making noise.
[exclaims] Look at me, Sinobu, I'm one of you.
I live amongst you.
I work amongst you.
But she, she's just an outsider!
-Yes! Truly she's educated… -Relax.
…but she comes to the market to teach you how to revolt.
Ah! If trouble breaks out,
you wouldn't see her anymore!
She'll hide under the cover of her husband You wouldn't see her anymore!
We are still facing the consequence of what she did last time.
-Don't listen to her! -Don't!
-Sinobu! That's not true. -That's not the case.
Yes!
-Our mothers… -Yes.
-Am I not a woman? -Right?!
Me standing in front of you, am I not a woman?!
-We are women. -A virtuous woman you are.
-This isn't a fight about market sales. -Yes.
It's for the cause of all women that I'm fighting!
-Yes! -We are securing
the rights of our children for the future, now!
-Yes! -I'm calling out so we can stand together
-to secure the rights of our children now! -Yes!
Let's stand together to fight the future battles of our children now!
Should you send your child to the farm and be afraid?
-Say you aren't paying taxes anymore! -Yes!
-We aren't paying anymore! -Enough is enough!
Tell all your friends,
for all women in Ogbomosho, in Remo,
-in Ilishan, Ijebu… -in Osa!
Everywhere for all women!
No more taxes!
[Old Funmilayo in English] Post Second World War.
Hitler defeated. England, victorious.
But barely surviving on rations.
Alas, it was the resources and taxes
from British overseas colonies that kept King and country afloat.
Olikoye, [in Yoruba] big man.
Quick, get up, to the kitchen.
You wouldn't leave your sister alone cooking in the kitchen.
Quick. In this house, boys cook.
Let's go. Quick.
[In English] I won't wait for you.
[epic music playing]
[Mrs. Olugbade clears throat]
[in Yoruba] Good afternoon.
I am the wife of Chief Olugbade.
What exactly are the issues you claim to be experiencing in the market?
[Old Funmilayo] It was like trying to mix
kerosine and water. [laughs]
[in English] The entire meeting, silence.
Forgive me, my dearest, but,
what you must do is make sure that everyone,
both princess and pauper,
are singing from the same hymn sheet.
Yes, okay. But how?
Do you know why we insist
that all the school students
speak only English and not vernacular on campus?
It is because it fosters one house regardless of tribe.
It is also the reason why we insist that they wear school uniforms.
Because that way, every single one of them feel like they are equal.
Yes.
You can do this.
-Be the bridge. -Hmm.
Says the wise Reverend.
Yes, that is me. Thank you.
-All-knowing Reverend. -Stop it.
-After you have ridiculed me. -Someone has to.
-You take life too seriously. -After you have laughed at me.
-Insulted me. -[laughs]
Yes, my dearest.
A man must do what a man must do.
[laughs]
[in Yoruba] Ladies,
we women are all going to speak with one voice
in our own native language, promoting our own enterprise.
[in English] Wearing these clothes that are made with our own hands.
[in Yoruba] Our mothers.
you all know that united we stand,divided we fall.
One hand…
[all] Cannot lift an object on one's head.
Thank you. [in English] Sisters, meet your new sisters.
Hold hands, hold hands.
Iya Gbangba, please tell us the problems
you've been encountering in the marketplace.
Talk to us. We all understand Yoruba.
Talk to us.
-Thank you, my people. -[all] Yes.
[in Yoruba] I am called Iya Gbangba.
Let me now explain to you what our eyes have been seeing in this market.
[car brakes screeching]
[Iya Gbangba] They destroy our goods,
push us down and torment us.
They have increased the taxes
to a ridiculous amount that most of us cannot pay.
In fact, we don't have money to keep the home afloat.
They have really dealt with us.
However, now that Funmilayo…
-[tense music escalating] -[Iya Gbangba faintly in background]
[Iya Gbangba] …now, more attention will be focused on our plight.
[indistinct chatter]
[Alake clears throat]
[tense music fades out]
[in Yoruba] Your Highness.
Long may your crown remain on your head and your shoes on your feet.
[chief 1] So shall it be.
-Our elders, I greet you. -[chief 1] Thank you.
[chief 2] Thank you.
Kabiyesi, [in English] may I rise to approach you?
You can address Kabiyesi without rising.
[in Yoruba] Wow! You are arrogant!
What happened?
[Funmilayo sighs]
[in English] Kabiyesi, I'm here on behalf of the Abeokuta Women's Union.
[in Yoruba] Listen to me.
[in English] Kabiyesi does not know any Abeokuta Women's Union.
[chief 2 in Yoruba] Exactly.
[in Yoruba] We the women of Egba land formed this organization, Kabiyesi.
[in English] The palace does not recognize your Union.
Say whatever you have come to say.
[sighs]
This is a matter that I've written to the palace about on numerous occasions.
This is concerning the flat rate tax on the women,
-Stop right there! -the water…
Taboo!
Taboo! For you to bring this matter to the attention of Kabiyesi.
[in Yoruba] Ah-ah! Who do you think you are?
Don't stare at me.
If you stare at me, I'll stare at you in return.
Olufunmilayo, when were you elected as the women's chief of Egba land?
You are enjoying your husband's protection,
you are a nobody without him.
You aren't anybody at all.
[in English] Not only are the water rates levied on the market women
here to remain,
the Alake is increasing the flat tax by 10% with immediate effect.
Do you hear me?
Alake has said it,
-and that is all on this matter. -[Alake grunts]
-Your audience is over. -[chief 2] Exactly.
[chief 1 in Yoruba] Stand up.
[tense music continues]
Kabiyesi.
Long may your crown remain on your head and your shoes on your feet.
Your opinion is irrelevant.
[tense music continues]
Hold on.
How many children does the gap-toothed woman have?
She has only four children.
No wonder. Ah!
She's so restless.
-Her husband needs to work on her. -[chief 1] You're right.
He should make love to her more often, both afternoon and night.
Recklessly!
He should do this recklessly without any remorse.
-Just like this. -[chiefs jesting]
[Old Funmilayo in English] There was no swaying the King and his court.
Only one thing could move them.
Action!
…that henceforth, we are to pay the wages of our parakoyi tormentors
[in Yoruba] out of our own pockets.
[woman 2] This is rubbish talk!
Aren't they already paid from the tax levy?
-So what is all this? -It's no longer so!
Some of us think we should beg the Alake for mercy.
They feel we should prostrate before the Alake and plead.
-[mouth] You see? -[Funmilayo] Never!
If you do that, you have literarily handed the keys of the market to them.
You can't do that.
-Thank you. -Thank you.
[in English] Ladies, it is time for us to up the ante.
The Alake has brought the fight to us.
The women.
It is now time for us to take the fight back to him. The palace.
[Old Funmilayo] But as we moved into action,
we didn't realize the Alake had infiltrated the market women.
[in Yoruba] Have mercy on me!
-The Alake has ruined me. -But I told you.
I told you that after Funmilayo causes trouble,
she will not be able to handle it. How much more you?
-That's exactly what has happened now. -I'm in debt!
-That is what has happened. -I'm in debt!
-Can you see? -Isn't it all a mess now?
[in English] We're heading out now.
Market women, more pamphlets, more flyers,
and then we head to the Alake's Palace.
[Old Funmilayo] There was also dissent internally.
Are you sure that we're taking the right course of action?
It is a journey, ladies.
We will see it to the promised land.
If we take this fight to the palace it might end up getting very messy indeed.
-It was always going to get messy. -[lady exclaims]
[in Yoruba] They say that "He who intends to harvest honey from a rock
will not care for his axe."
Funmilayo,
the odds are far too great for me.
My husband is a titled Chief.
-The Olugbade of Egba land. -[Eniola scoffs]
He will never, never
grant me his blessing to lay siege on the palace of the King
that conferred on him the very title!
[sighs]
[grunts] I'm sorry, ladies.
-Me too. -Come on! Mrs. Coker.
But your own husband is not a titled Chief.
Oh, but he intends to be one.
-Sorry. -Mrs. Coker.
[Eniola hisses]
Funmilayo…
We are in this together.
All the way.
-[Eniola] Aunty, let's go. -♪ We won't accept, we will not accept ♪
[women singing in Yoruba] ♪ We will not accept, we will not accept ♪
[in Yoruba] Let's all have it at the back of our minds
that we might stay late.
I'll make sure provisions that what we shall eat and drink is sorted.
[women] Thank you.
And also, as a result of the fact that we have closed the market now,
-there are enough unsold supplies… -That's true.
…to last us for a whole month and not get exhausted.
-That's true! -That is if it will come in handy?
-It will surely come in handy. -Thank you very much our mothers.
-Thank you, Mama Gbangba. -Thank you, I'm grateful.
[Beatrice in English] You'll also want to be mindful of these.
-[in English] Excuse me. Do we know you? -I know her.
Come, Miss Beatrice Falomo.
The one that speaks as if she has kulikuli stuck in her mouth.
[women in Yoruba] We don't know her.
-[in Yoruba] I'm a daughter of Egba land. -[laughs] She's one of us.
[in Yoruba] Our mothers, thank you, I'm grateful.
I'd like you to go home and prepare.
Our assembly time is 9:00am tomorrow morning.
We will move from here. God will protect us.
-Send my regards to your family members. -Thank you.
[Funmilayo] Send my regards to your family members.
[indistinct chatter and laugher]
♪ Anyone who isn't aware should know now, this must be stopped ♪
[Old Funmilayo in English] To foster the spirit of unity as Yoruba women,
we chose matching fabrics called aso ebi
for each day.
[Funmilayo] As you keep making the requests, I keep adding them.
[women] That's right.
When you get home, make sure you share them with the market people
and your family members.
Let your family members hear!
Let the people of the market also do what?
-Let them hear! -We've been here since morning.
-My voice is sore. -Yes!
It's your cause I'm fighting for.
[Islamic call to prayer]
Kabiyesi…
Things are getting out of hand.
There is chaos in town.
The women of Egba are gathering at the palace.
What's your problem?
If you don't know what to do about it, then leave it.
Ah-ah! There is chaos in town,
does a hero's son act like a coward?
Are you cowards?
Kabiyesi, the hero that knows how to fight
but does not know how to concede defeat, will perish.
Because of ordinary women?
Ordinary women? Mere women?
What are you saying? If you can't do anything about it…
-Ah, Kabiyesi. -[exclaims] …then leave.
Leave me!
I say leave me!
[women] So shall it be!
-We will get victory over the Alake. -[women] So shall it be!
-♪ Where are we? ♪ -♪ We are in the Alake's courtyard ♪
-♪ We won't get tired ♪ -♪ We will be victorious in battle ♪
-♪ Where are we? ♪ -♪ We are in the Alake's courtyard ♪
-♪ We won't get tired ♪ -♪ We will be victorious in battle ♪
-♪ Where are we? ♪ -♪ We are in the Alake's courtyard ♪
[distant singing]
-[Funmilayo sings] ♪ Because… ♪ -[women sing] ♪ It is enough! ♪
-♪ He says he's the husband of Egba land ♪ -♪ It is enough! ♪
-♪ He's the husband of Egba land ♪ -♪ It is enough! ♪
-♪ We will take the crown ♪ -♪ It is enough! ♪
[Old Funmilayo] Women from all over Egba land joined the growing protest.
-♪ Enough is enough! ♪ -♪ It is enough! ♪
-Thank you! -Yes!
-Thank you, I'm forever grateful! -That's right.
-You will not cry! -Amen!
-You will not mourn! -Amen!
Taxes imposed on women alone,
and we still get to the market,
Just look the parakoyi. They may beat us!
They may take away our property!
-We will not do what? -We will not accept this anymore!
The taxes they collect from us women, we will pay them no more!
-Kabiyesi. -What?
-The noise is getting louder. -So?
Is this the first time you are hearing this kind of noise?
I'm asking you.
Is this the first time they are making noise?
Let them keep making noise.
Soon enough, the rain will beat them there.
The sun will beat them, mist will then settle on them there.
When they are tired, they will then go back to their houses.
[ominous music playing]
-We will not pay any more! -Yes!
-We will not do what? -We will not accept this anymore!
[reporter in English] Mrs. Ransome-Kuti.
Please this protest grows larger by the day. Why is it that you,
an elite woman has decided to take on the burden of the common woman in Egba?
-[in English] This is not about me. -No!
The true position of a woman must be seen from these women.
-[in Yoruba] Yes! -[in English] Yes!
These women who carry babies on their backs!
-Yes! -Power!
Who go to the farm at sunrise and return by sunset.
-Yes! -Oh not to be judged by us here who take
tea, sugar and flour for breakfast, no!
These women are tired!
Yes!
Tired of the colonial government, in cahoots with the Egba administration
-who is taking advantage of them. -Yes!
-The tax is abhorrent! -Yes!
And we the Abeokuta Women's Union, will not end this protest
-until we are listened to. -Yes!
-[women singing] ♪ Enough is enough ♪ -♪ It's enough! ♪
-♪ Enough is enough ♪ -♪ It's enough! ♪
-♪ He has been adamant ♪ -♪ It is enough! ♪
-♪ He says he's the husband of Egba land ♪ -♪ It is enough! ♪
-He used his manhood as mark of authority. -It is enough!
-♪ He says we should pay tax ♪ -♪ It is enough! ♪
-♪ Pay tax ♪ -♪ It is enough! ♪
-♪ Enough is enough ♪ -♪ It's enough! ♪
-♪ We will collect the crown ♪ -♪ It's enough! ♪
Almighty!
[Old Funmilayo] To instill fear in us,
the Alake sent the Ogboni and the Oro
masquerades forbidden for women to see.
♪ Oh Olufunmilayo! ♪
-Thank you, thank you! -Don't run!
♪ Thank you, Child of Glory Today is the day, oh Olufunmilayo! ♪
♪ You will have to arrest her Before you will can tax us ♪
♪ Oh Olufunmilayo, woman of valor! ♪
[Old Funmilayo] But we were ready for them
with our mothers, who laid bare their chest
which is a taboo for men to see.
-Welcome. -You dare not!
There's nothing you can do to her!
Funmilayo!
Say as you wish!
I am a lioness!
I am a courageous woman that no man can overpower.
[crowd cheering]
[thrilling music playing]
-[exclamation] -[chief 2] What's that?
[exclaims]
[chuckles] Kabiyesi.
[chief 1 in English] Lioness of Lisabi indeed.
[in Yoruba] How can they be comparing her to our great warrior of Egba land.
[in English] Don't mind the Lagos press. They print only to sell their newspapers.
Like Kabiyesi said,
-the women will soon be tired and go home. -Exactly!
-After respect… -Comes disgrace, Kabiyesi.
[exclaims]
[tuts]
[Funmilayo] Mrs. Thompson, we don't have to wait for the meal to arrive, right?
-Not at all. -We can start?
-Yes. -Eniola,
make sure they each get something to eat.
[Old Funmilayo]Surprisingly, we never ran out of food
because everybody contributed.
-[In Yoruba] Even if they chase us away… -We won't go! Share it around.
A mere woman.
Funmilayo.
Kabiyesi.
Long may the crown remain on your head and your shoes on your feet.
[in English] Come and sit down.
[in Yoruba] We see a bat in the afternoon.
[chuckles]
[In English] We don’t often see you in the Palace.
Is there any problem?
-Have you seen the news? -Yes, we have seen it.
Mr. Dundee has just returned
from seeing the new Governor-General, Sir John McPherson, in Lagos.
Hmm.
He wants these shenanigans ended!
He doesn't want this protest to spread wings outside of Abeokuta!
[in Yoruba] What about that?
How does it concern the Governor-General?
We already have teething issues in Aba with that meddlesome woman, Margaret Ekpo!
[in English] What are you saying?
And why is Mr. Dundee not here himself?
Is he telling us to give in to their demands?
Not necessarily. Look, perhaps we could extend an olive branch?
Hmm. Kabiyesi, Osi.
-Food must go round! -Funmilayo!
-We will take maize cereal along as well. -[crowd boos]
Our mothers, our mothers.
Let's hear what he has to say.
-Let's go. -Go where?!
[in English] Kabiyesi demands your presence!
-[in Yoruba] Go where? -[laughs]
Aunty, you are going nowhere!
[in English] They are trying to lure you into getting arrested.
This is how they tricked King Jaja of Opobo.
-Exactly. -I agree.
[in English] You are the leader of this movement.
If anything happens to you, we will lose our momentum.
-Exactly. -Sisters, sisters.
This Alake here, is not ready to make a woman a martyr.
-I'm going. -Move!
-Aunty, if you go, I will go. -We will go!
-Then we will all go! -Great.
-[in Yoruba] Mama Gbangba, hold the fort. -Ah.
-We'll be right back. -We won't accept this!
I'll be right back.
-I'll be right back. -Decorum, decorum!
-[tense music playing] -[chanting continues in distance]
[chaos on the outside]
-Kabiyesi. -Funmilayo,
the King, in all his magnanimity, is prepared to rescind the 10% tax increase
provided you call this protest off right now.
[laughs]
[in Yoruba] The dog isn't eating, yet it's wagging it's tail? Eh?
Kabiyesi, we asked for only three things.
[in English] These three things we've asked.
If we get it, then that protest out there will stop.
First, the flat-rate tax on the market women must be completely abolished.
Oh, the water rate.
Expunged!
And lastly,
the salaries of your parakoyis
taken from the hard-working pockets of these market women,
reversed.
Ladies, to our tent.
[Alake] Olufunmilayo!
-[ominous music plays] -Ah-ah!
You have the audacity.
You are so bold to confront me.
-You were born into my hands. -Exactly.
I will now show you that no matter how small the needle is,
the chicken doesn't swallow it.
You'll be in trouble!
It is me Kabiyesi regards this much.
-This regard is too much. -[Eniola chuckles]
You stood up for me, Kabiyesi?
I heard your voice.
The other day I came, you didn't even look up.
It was as if an animal was speaking instead. You didn't look at me.
But today… you stood up.
I must be the most fortunate gap-toothed woman.
What did she say?
[scoffs] Mr Dundee's lackey.
Don't worry. Your colonized subjects will interpret it for you.
Ladies, let's go.
-You dare not! -[chief 1 gasps]
Kabiyesi, Kabiyesi.
The lioness has returned! Lioness! Lioness!
You are the real lionesses!
Enough, enough.
I have gone and come.
Welcome!
The meeting didn't make sense. [sighs]
They said they would remove 10% from the taxes
We do not agree!
-Or do you agree? -We do not agree!
[in English] We repeat it to you.
They're like dogs in heat, the blasted scallywags.
Just give the orders and I will get all of them out of sight.
If the blighters don't get off the premises, crush them.
Done.
-We say we do not agree. -We do not agree!
Abolish them, abolish them!
[screams in English] Attack!
-[commotion] -[women screaming]
[screams]
Deal with them! Deal with them all!
Deal with them all!
Deal with them!
[thrilling music playing]
[women singing]
-[sobs] -[in Yoruba] Ah, sister, it's enough.
-It's enough, it's enough. -[crying continues]
It's alright.
[haunting music playing]
-[women singing] -[haunting music continues]
[sobs]
[melancholic music playing]
[melancholic music continues]
[sniffles]
[in English] Maybe I should just stop.
[sobs]
I think I should just stop.
[in Yoruba] Maybe I'm misleading these women.
Funmilayo,
just stop.
[Funmilayo's dad] So, what if I fall?
Listen, never be afraid to follow your dreams,
hmm?
[melancholic music continues]
We have to speak out.
We can do this.
[sniffles]
[melancholic music continues]
Hmm.
Women…
let us rise up.
[in Yoruba] Let us rise up.
Let us rise up.
And brace up for war.
I can feel that we are close.
[birds chirping]
Mommy, what are you doing now? You need to rest for a few days.
Hmm, Nurse Dolupo, don't tell me what to do.
Where's Eniola?
-Eniola! -Eniola is outside.
Are the women ready?
Yes, they are ready. But what are you doing?
I'm going back to the palace.
Mommy, you just sustained a head injury.
You need to be on bed rest for a few days.
Bed rest?
Bed rest, when there's fire on the mountain.
Daddy, say something.
Funmi.
Funmilayo.
[wistful music playing]
No hands.
No hands, what does that even mean?
I don't understand.
Just like your father says.
Go.
[wistful music continues]
[tuts] Mommy.
What that means is that
even an elephant cannot stop a determined lioness.
Your mother has work to do.
Okay?
[cars honking]
Daddy you haven't told her, have you?
You haven't told her that you are sick.
[wistful music continues]
The Lioness has returned!
[jubilation]
-Lioness, lioness! -I'm so glad you came!
Ah, ah, ah!
[in Yoruba] Lioness! Lioness!
Beatrice!
Wherever you lead, I will follow.
-Women of Egba land! -Yes!
[laughs scornfully]
Oh ye mothers!
-Yes! -Are we tired or not?
-We are tired! -What is it?
Why do they want us to work so hard, and not reap the fruit of our labour?!
We are tired!
Or do you want to labour in vain?
-Never! -Enough is enough now!
-Enough is enough! -I said what?
Enough is enough!
-[sings] ♪ Dethrone the Alake ♪ -[all sing] ♪ We will dethrone the Alake ♪
-♪ Dethrone the Alake ♪ -♪ We will dethrone the Alake ♪
♪ Because, you've used your manhood As a mark of authority over us ♪
♪ We will use our vaginas To rule you now ♪
♪ You've used your manhood As a mark of authority over us ♪
♪ We will use our vaginas To rule you now ♪
♪ Therefore, we will dethrone the Alake… ♪
[in English] There are more women assembled here
than in all of the land of Egba.
Where did they come from?
Ijebu, Shagamu, Ikenne
Ota, Odogbolu, Ilishan, Ilaro…
-[in Yoruba] Did you hear what he said? -I did.
[in English] My scout reported buses arriving this morning full of women.
♪ We will use our vaginas To rule you now ♪
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
[In English] They heed her call.
-O ye men! -Yes!
[In Yoruba] We want to dethrone the Alake!
Exactly!
Osi,
[In English] If we are not careful,
a woman will be more powerful than the Alake of Egba land.
-[In Yoruba] Ah! -They are clowns.
-Ah! -[In English]What if they breach the wall?
Who can stop them?
-They dare not venture into the Palace. -Who can stop them?!
-Then we will do the needful. -Otun,
they dare not venture into the Palace of Alake.
No matter how adamant they are.
-[In Yoruba] Lioness of Lisabi! -Sisters!
-Lioness of Lisabi! -[women chant] Lioness, lioness!
-[Funmilayo] Sisters. -Welcome!
Welcome!
-[Alake in English] Where is Dundee? -[distant chanting] Lioness, lioness!
Where is Mr. Dundee?!
Dundee went to Lagos
to mobilize more enforcements
because our local police cannot contain that size of a crowd.
He left me to deal with the mess?
-He abandoned me! -[ominous music plays]
Dundee!
Kabiyesi…
this palace is not safe enough for you to stay any longer.
[in Yoruba] What are you saying?
I say, what are you telling me?
Because of ordinary women?
Because of ordinary women, I should flee my palace?
The number of women are increasing.
They aren't up to one.
-Kabiyesi, we have allies in Osogbo. -Yes
Let's go.
And do what?
I'm not going anywhere!
I will not leave this palace because of any silly woman.
I said it.
Nothing will happen.
-Nothing! -[ominous music plays]
Look, Otun, you're being a coward.
-Lioness of Lisabi. -[chanting] Lioness, lioness!
You all are the real Lionesses!
-Yes! -That's correct!
Ah!
Don't cry, don't cry.
You've fought a good fight, don't cry.
[in English] Sisters, I'm so emotional right now.
-I say you all are the real Lionesses! -Yes!
[in Yoruba] You didn't go home.
-Yes! -We didn't go.
-You slept in the sun. -Yes!
-You slept in the rain. -Yes!
You didn't ask for any other thing from them.
Exactly!
Or is it more complicated than this?
No!
The wicked ones took counsel together to disrupt this gathering.
Yes!
-But did they succeed? -No, they didn't!
-You will get your rights! -So shall it be!
-I say, you will get your rights! -So shall it be!
Taboo!
[in English] This has never been heard of.
In fact, it is an abomination and we will not condone it.
Otun, go and advice Kabiyesi.
-For real? -Yes!
Who owns the palace?
We do!
-I said who owns the palace? -We own it!
-Who owns this town? -We do!
-Our mothers, who owns Egba land? -We own Egba land!
-Who owns Egba land? -We own Egba land!
Look, they've used their manhood's as a mark of authority over us.
-Yes! -But we are their mothers.
-Yes! -You are their mothers.
Yes!
You will now use our vaginas to tell them now.
-[Otun] "They are nobody." -Otun,
the Ogbonis have turned their backs on Kabiyesi.
Kabiyesi,
The gods say there is war. Problem has struck this town!
-Oh mothers, right now… -Yes!
We will now use our vaginas…
Yes!
-…to collect the crown. -Yes!
[warfare song]
♪ We shall fight to the death ♪
♪ In this town we belong to Must we pay a tax to live? ♪
♪ We shall fight to the death ♪
-Kabiyesi! Kabiyesi! -Speak!
[in English] The women, they have breached our defences, Kabiyesi.
-Ah! -They are within the perimeter.
[In Yoruba] Olufunmilayo! Henceforth, you become a rejected being.
Kabiyesi, there is no time.
Quick, delay is dangerous.
What of my children?
♪ In this birthplace of ours Must we pay a tax to live? ♪
Kabiyesi, let's go.
[in English] As we wait, we must act with haste.
No, I cannot leave without my staff.
Kabiyesi, I will go and retrieve it and meet you people up at the rear gate.
Ah!
♪ We shall fight to the death ♪
[chaos]
[Funmilayo] Get them!
Hold him, hold him.
-He must not escape! -Hold him, hold him.
Hold him there.
-Hold him there. -[riots intensifies]
[Funmilayo] I told you that I had forgotten about you,
and you reminded me of you. [in Yoruba] What you did to them…
[in Yoruba] Let's go!
I told you, but you didn't listen!
I said what I said!
Open the door.
This is it!
[Funmilayo] We've gotten it, the staff of office!
We've gotten it, the staff of office!
[celebration]
[female reporter] Oba Oladapo Ademola, the Alake
of Abeokuta has fled his Palace
as a result of the protest held by the market women
over the arbitrary taxation
-imposed on them -[reporter in English] …over the arbitrary
of which Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti spearheaded.
Abeokuta Womens Union!
[women cheer]
Abeokuta Womens Union!
[Old Funmilayo chuckling] Glorious day!
Oh!
We won!
And then four women, including my humble self
were inaugurated into the newly reconstituted native authority council.
[laughs]
[cars honking]
Madam?
What is it?
We won.
But I lost.
[melancholic music playing]
He had hidden the cancer away from me
[melancholic music continues]
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures He restoreth my soul…"
[Old Funmilayo] He died,
the April of '55.
A year after my papa,
and a year before my mother.
[whispers faintly] He restoreth my soul…
There was nothing I accomplished.
Nothing, that I accomplished
without the strength
and the support of the man I loved.
I just wish we could have had
one more day.
To walk in the fields.
[inhales]
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for sharing your story with me.
Shall I wheel you back into the ward?
No.
I'll stay here and watch the sunset.
Dolupo will soon be here.
I fly to Paris tomorrow.
I hope that we may stay in touch.
You know where to find me.
[laughs]
[in Yoruba] Mother. Goodbye.
Well done. [laughs]
[wistful music playing]
[Upbeat music plays]
[folklore music plays]
[Upbeat music plays]
Subtitle translation by: Ayolope Koiki