Ope Banwo champions growth of AI-generated movies Africa

Dr. Ope Banwo is a frontal Legal Luminary, Astute and Trail-blazing Businessman and an Author in many dimensions.

He recently added another feather to his cap by being the first African to produce full-length AI-generated  movies.

In this excerpt, he speaks on issues about this great feat, AI movies, the future of Music and Cinema in Africa and others.

You are recognized as the first African to produce full-length AI-generated movies. What motivated you to pioneer this movement?

I’ve always been fascinated by innovation and pushing creative boundaries. When I saw how AI could generate films without traditional production constraints—actors, locations, equipment—I knew this was the future. My goal was simple: democratize filmmaking so that anyone with a vision could bring their story to life without Hollywood budgets.

Certainly! So far, I’ve produced five groundbreaking AI films:

          •         Kingmaker of Muguland – A historical-political drama.

          •         Shattered Hopes – A fictionalized account of Nigeria’s independence era (1960-1966).

•         Brothers at War – A dramatized retelling of the Nigerian Civil War using AI-generated graphics.

          •         Children of Anger – An AI-based political drama inspired by the Obidient movement.

          •         Omegamax Conspiracy – My first full-action AI movie, featuring fully AI-generated characters that move, talk, and act. It’s the first of its kind in Africa.

And right now, I’m working on TALENT HUNT, which will be the first AI-generated musical drama, following six artists’ struggle for stardom.

  Omegamax Conspiracy is being called a breakthrough in AI filmmaking. What makes it so unique?

 Unlike my earlier films, which were AI-graphics-based, Omegamax Conspiracy is a live-action AI film—meaning the characters move, talk, and act like in a traditional Hollywood movie. Every scene, motion, and dialogue is generated entirely using AI. It’s the first of its kind in Africa, and it proves that AI is ready to disrupt mainstream filmmaking.

With TALENT HUNT, you are now creating the first AI musical drama. How does AI handle music and storytelling?

 AI is an incredible tool for creating songs, choreography, and cinematography. For TALENT HUNT, I’m using AI to generate original soundtracks, synchronized dance sequences, and full musical performances—all within a virtual AI-powered studio. We’re witnessing the birth of AI-generated musicals where even vocals and harmonies are AI-enhanced.

With AI advancing rapidly, will traditional filmmakers become obsolete?

  No, but they must evolve. That’s why I’ve introduced a new role: AI Movie Architects. Instead of relying on traditional directors and DOPs, future filmmakers will learn how to orchestrate AI-driven productions—directing films without cameras, actors, or physical locations.

THE AI MOVIE REVOLUTION & VIDEO360 COLLECTIVE

  You founded Video360 Collective to train young people in AI filmmaking. What inspired this initiative?

  I realized that AI filmmaking levels the playing field. You don’t need expensive cameras, actors, or studios—just creativity and AI tools. Through Video360 Collective, I teach young creators how to make professional AI films with zero tech skills. My goal is to create a new generation of AI Movie Architects who can tell powerful stories without traditional barriers.

  How many people have you trained so far?

 So far, I’ve trained dozens of young creators, many of whom are already using AI to create films, music videos, and animations. Some have even started their own AI-driven production studios.

 What’s the biggest misconception about AI filmmaking?

 That AI will make storytelling robotic or soulless. AI is just a tool—it still requires human creativity. The director’s vision, storytelling ability, and emotional intelligence will always be the driving force behind great films. AI simply makes execution easier.

  Will AI movies ever be as good as traditional Hollywood films?

  AI will surpass Hollywood films in speed, cost, and innovation. A high-budget Hollywood movie takes years to produce. With AI, you can create stunning movies in weeks—at a fraction of the cost. As AI technology improves, we will see hyper-realistic AI films that rival or even exceed traditional movies.

  What advice would you give young people who want to enter AI filmmaking?

 Start now. Learn AI filmmaking tools, experiment, and embrace the future. The biggest mistake creatives make is waiting too long to adapt. Those who jump in early will become pioneers.

 AI & THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

  AI is transforming music production. How do you use AI to create music?

  I use AI-powered tools like AIVA, LANDR, and Boomy to compose, mix, and master songs. AI can generate melodies, harmonies, and even lyrics, but the human touch makes a song unique. AI allows me to produce professional-quality music in hours instead of weeks.

 Do AI musicians threaten human artists?

 Not at all. AI can create songs, but it can’t replace human creativity, emotion, and storytelling. Artists who blend AI with human artistry will be unstoppable. Those who ignore it will struggle to stay relevant.

  How can musicians leverage AI to grow their careers?

  They should:

          •         Use AI for production to create music faster.

          •         Automate marketing with AI-driven social media tools.

          •         Personalize fan experiences using AI-powered audience insights.

 The future belongs to artists who use AI, not those who fight it.

 AI & THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

 AI is transforming music production. How do you use AI to create music?

  I use AI-powered tools like AIVA, LANDR, and Boomy to compose, mix, and master songs. AI can generate melodies, harmonies, and even lyrics, but the human touch makes a song unique. AI allows me to produce professional-quality music in hours instead of weeks.

 Do AI musicians threaten human artists?

 Not at all. AI can create songs, but it can’t replace human creativity, emotion, and storytelling. Artists who blend AI with human artistry will be unstoppable. Those who ignore it will struggle to stay relevant.

 How can musicians leverage AI to grow their careers?

  They should:

          •         Use AI for production to create music faster.

          •         Automate marketing with AI-driven social media tools.

          •         Personalize fan experiences using AI-powered audience insights.

 The future belongs to artists who use AI, not those who fight it.

 AI & THE FUTURE OF THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY

 AI is reshaping movies and music. What are the biggest opportunities?

  The biggest opportunities lie in content creation at scale. A single person can now:

          •         Write, direct, and produce a full-length movie using AI.

          •         Generate a music album in a week.

          •         Create animated or live-action content without actors, studios, or huge budgets.

 This means creatives no longer need industry gatekeepers—they can now build global brands on their own.

 What about the ethical concerns of AI in the arts?

  Ethics will always be a discussion point. The key is balance—AI should assist, not replace, human creativity. We must also ensure fair compensation and transparency in AI-generated works.

 Will AI-generated films win major awards like the Oscar?

 Absolutely. It’s just a matter of time before an AI-generated film wins Best Picture. The industry is evolving, and awards bodies will have to recognize AI’s role in filmmaking.

 Should traditional filmmakers and musicians be worried about AI?

 Only if they refuse to adapt. Those who embrace AI will lead the industry. The biggest mistake artists can make is ignoring or resisting AI instead of learning how to use it.

 FISH FOR LIFE: DIGITAL BUSINESS & AI

 Let’s talk about Fish for Life. How does AI fit into digital business?

 AI is revolutionizing digital entrepreneurship. Whether it’s:

          •          Automating content creation

          •         Optimizing sales funnels

          •         Improving customer engagement

 AI allows business owners to scale faster. That’s why I teach AI-powered business strategies in Fish for Life.

 What makes Fish for Life unique?

  Unlike traditional business courses, Fish for Life is 100% implementation-driven. Participants launch their products during the program—so by the time they finish, they’re already making money.

 FINAL THOUGHTS

 What’s your biggest dream for AI in Africa?

To see African creators leading the AI revolution. AI filmmaking, AI music, and AI-driven businesses should empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and storytellers.

  Where do you see AI filmmaking in the next five years?

 AI movies will be mainstream, with major platforms like Netflix featuring AI-generated films.

In addition to AI filmmaking, you’ve just created Africa’s first fully AI-generated music album, OMEGAPRO SCAMDEMIC. What inspired this project?

 I wanted to prove that AI can do more than assist musicians—it can create an entire album from scratch, independently. The project was also born out of a mission: to expose the OmegaPro forex scam, which defrauded billions worldwide, including in Nigeria. This album is an artistic protest, showing how AI can be used not just for entertainment but also for social justice and awareness.

How was OMEGAPRO SCAMDEMIC created entirely using AI? Can you break down the process?

Absolutely! Every aspect of the album was AI-generated, from songwriting to production to distribution. Here’s how I did it:

          •         Lyrics & Composition – Written and composed using AIVA and Boomy, which generate full songs with lyrics and melodies.

          •         Sound Arrangement & Instrumentals – AI tools like Amper Music and Soundraw crafted the instrumentals and arrangements.

          •          Production, Mixing & Mastering – Automated with LANDR and Lalal.ai, ensuring professional-quality sound.

          •         Album Cover & Jacket Design – Created with Midjourney and DALL·E, generating high-quality cover art.

          •         Publishing & Distribution – Automated using TuneCore and DistroKid, making it available on hundreds of online stores worldwide.

          •         AI-Generated Artist Persona – The artist itself is AI-generated, meaning there is no human performer—just a digital musician created from scratch.

 This sounds like a world-first. Do you believe AI will replace human musicians?

  Not at all. AI won’t replace human musicians, but it will change how music is made. Right now, AI is a tool for artists—just like digital software changed traditional recording. The artists who embrace AI will create faster and better. Those who ignore it may struggle to compete.

 What’s next for AI in music? Do you see AI-generated artists taking over the industry?

 AI-generated artists are already here. We have virtual musicians like FN Meka and Kizuna AI, and with OMEGAPRO SCAMDEMIC, we’ve shown that an AI can create and release a full album on its own. In the future, we’ll see AI musicians collaborating with human artists, generating personalized music in real-time, and even performing in virtual concerts. The possibilities are endless.