A rigorous journey into language and culture defined the experience of Ghanaian actress Fella Makafui during her time on the hit series Aníkúlápó: The Ghoul Awakens. The actress has shared insights into the demanding yet transformative process of preparing for her role as Abena in the Yoruba-language epic.

In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Makafui described learning Yoruba as one of the most intense and rewarding aspects of the production. Having never spoken the language prior to the project, she enlisted the help of a language coach and underwent two weeks of intensive training before stepping onto the set. The lessons continued throughout filming, as she worked to refine her pronunciation, emotional timing and delivery.

According to her, mastering the language required a high level of intentionality. What initially felt intimidating gradually became empowering, as growing confidence turned what seemed like a barrier into a bridge. The discipline of speaking Yoruba, she explained, anchored her performance and allowed her to connect more authentically with both her character and the world of the story.

Beyond language, Makafui also faced the challenge of immersing herself in a cultural setting different from her own. Portraying a character rooted deeply in Yoruba heritage demanded careful study and respect. She noted that stepping into the cultural and spiritual landscape of the series was both humbling and transformative. Rather than merely “perform” the culture, she sought to understand it, a process she said reshaped her approach to acting by instilling greater patience, discipline and attentiveness.

The actress emphasised that the experience reinforced the interconnectedness of African stories. When told truthfully, she observed, such narratives transcend national boundaries and resonate across cultures.

On embodying Abena, Makafui revealed that her breakthrough came when she shifted her focus away from technical precision and toward emotional depth. She found clarity in the character’s quiet strength and restraint, recognising that Abena’s power lay in endurance rather than outward expression. The internal conflict between duty and desire, strength and vulnerability, struck a personal chord. She described the character’s silent resilience as reflective of the lived realities of many African women, making the role feel deeply familiar.

Makafui also credited the series’ director, Kunle Afolayan, for significantly shaping her performance. She described his directing style as one that demands emotional truth and cultural awareness, with meticulous attention to detail — from posture to pauses. Working under his guidance required deeper internal preparation than she had previously experienced, pushing her beyond surface-level performance into a more grounded presence on screen.

For Makafui, the project marked more than just another acting credit; it represented an artistic evolution that, she said, has permanently elevated her craft.