The heartbeat of Nigeria’s cultural scene pulsed with new energy on Wednesday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos. In a landmark move, the iconic venue was renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, honouring the nation’s Nobel laureate and celebrating his lifelong contribution to literature and the arts.
To mark the occasion, the audience was treated to a captivating 30-minute showcase of Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, a critically acclaimed musical directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters. The performance brought the theatre roaring back to life with colour, music, and emotion, offering a fitting celebration during the festivities surrounding Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Through vibrant choreography, bold costume design, and Fela’s timeless Afrobeat rhythms, the musical traced the life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the legendary musician and activist who used his art to challenge oppressive systems. At the heart of the performance were Fela’s 27 wives—known as the “Queens”—portrayed not just as dancers, but as revolutionaries who embraced his vision of building community through creativity. Their loyalty, self-sacrifice, and influence were brought to the forefront, reframing their role in history and celebrating their contribution to a cultural movement.
Director Austen-Peters, addressing the audience, described the production as “compelling, moving, and emotionally engaging,” and said it was an honour to be chosen to reopen such an important venue. “The story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens is not only powerful and emotional. it’s a reminder of the transformative power of art,” she said. “We are honoured to be part of this milestone, as the National Theatre reclaims its position as a world-class cultural landmark.”
The event drew a high-profile guest list including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and other dignitaries. President Tinubu, visibly moved by the performance, remarked, “I’m impressed and I’ve enjoyed myself.”
Since premiering in Lagos in 2017, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens have garnered international acclaim, with performances in Pretoria, Cairo, and Dubai. The show is scheduled to return to Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos from December 26, 2025, to January 12, 2026.
The post Tinubu unveils renovated National Theatre with ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’ musical appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
from Nigerian Entertainment Today https://ift.tt/bMLrXvq
via IFTTT
Post a Comment