MOJITOLA is a young girl torn between who she is and what she is asked to be. Thrown into the foster care system and forced to live with Mummy Angie, Mojitola struggles with her identity as her innocence is taken by Jimmy, Mummy Angie’s son. As her emotions run high and her faith is tested, she is comforted by the presence, words, and journey of Muhammad Ali, who comes to her both as a father figure and fighter on screen. She channels him to find her voice and survive. Mojitola leads with her emotions as she fights with fists and words to get into a university, learns the dance of love, and lands an acting career. However, she finds no comfort until she is finally given her shot to use her voice against her father and proudly proclaims that she’s free to be who she wants to be. 

MUHAMMAD ALI, the arrogant, optimistic, and often humourous fighter, takes center stage as Mojitola’s friend, coach, and voice. Present not only in Mojitola’s mind and dialogue but key moments from his original fights also play for all to see. Daddy Griot and Ali’s friends share Ali’s journey from the segregated south to world champion as they provide insight and self-reflection. His words are used to transition from Mojitola’s journey to his own as their struggles weave and unwind. 

DADDY is absent for most of the play, but his religious beliefs stay with Mojitola long after he is gone. His beliefs create inner and outer conflict for Mojitola, and they are unable to save his relationship with her by the play’s conclusion. While his absence makes Mojitola vulnerable, it ultimately allows her the space to grow into the strong woman she needs to become to survive. 

MUMMY ANGIE is the only mother figure present in the play. She tries to use humor to connect with Jimmy and Mojitola but often fails to connect with Mojitola as she grows. Much like Daddy, Mummy Angie is a product of the old way of thinking, and though she comes around to supporting Mojitola, Mojitola no longer needs her support or love in the form of gifts by the play's end. 

JIMMY is the predatory foster brother who preys on Mojitola. He uses his voice and position to hold power over her but cannot defeat her once Mojitola takes her story to the police. Unable to face Mummy Angie, he runs from the police and dies after jumping into a river, keeping his dark past a secret from her.