Nollywood star, Bolanle Ninalowo is set to showcase one of his most demanding and haunting performances yet in IREKE, premiering simultaneously in London, Lagos, and Abeokuta on Friday, 25th July.

Described as a historical fantasy rooted in Yoruba mythology, IREKE follows the journey of a rebellious warrior slave who battles not just chains and kings but the ghosts of his own past.

Ninalowo said in an interview that it’s not your typical hero story, but He’s a man caught between anger and submission, haunted by spirits and oppressed by kings. He fights with fire in his soul and pain in his past.”

The actor said the project’s depth and symbolism were what first drew him in.

“IREKE is more than a film, it’s a reflection of our forgotten history,” he explained. “My character gave me the chance to dig deep into ancestral memory and channel raw emotion. It was intense. Spiritual. Necessary.”

The film, directed by Gbolahan Peter Macjob, promises to deliver not only visceral combat scenes but also powerful emotional storytelling. Ninalowo described an almost ritual atmosphere on set:

“Electric. Sacred. The director pushed us to honour the ancestors. The cast brought their A-game. There were days we cried after scenes because the energy was so heavy and so real.”

To prepare for the physically demanding role, Ninalowo underwent rigorous training for combat and choreography. But it was the psychological preparation that truly tested him.

“I had to unlearn modern comforts and embody a man enslaved but unbroken,” he said. “I stayed silent for hours on set to stay in character. It was a journey.”

IREKE tells the story of a defiant slave-warrior whose rebellion is ignited by a sacred herb that unlocks lost memories.

With romance, spiritual themes, and political intrigue woven together, the film aims to redefine African epic storytelling for a global audience.

“For me, the message is clear: freedom isn’t just physical, it’s spiritual. Love can heal, but it can also haunt. And our history, no matter how painful, deserves to be told,” Ninalowo said.

The film is executive-produced in the UK by Dr Clare Anyiam-Osigwe and Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe. Ninalowo says he looks forward to joining them and fans for the theatrical release in London, which he promises will be “show-stopping.”