Nigeria’s ‘Wakaa The Musical’Goes to London

Mary Ekah
Wakaa The Musical, a proudly Nigerian production, produced and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters will be showing in London from July 21 to July 25, marking the first time a Nigerian musical will be showing at London’s West End.

“This is coming in response to growing interests in productions of African origin across the globe, and various calls for us to take this production to the international community,” Austen-Peter said.
Speaking further, she noted that, “There is a large Nigerian and Afro – Caribbean population in London, who are interested and yearning to see world class productions from Nigeria.”

Wakaa The Musical has the potential to boost cultural diplomacy and promote cultural heritage abroad. A socio cultural and contemporary entertainment production, Wakaa The Musical in London, will celebrate the diverse yet homogeneous people and culture of Nigeria, which has attracted the endorsement and support of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the National Pension Commission and the Bank of Industry.

It will provide the highly talented and creative youths involved in the production with opportunities to experience the UK creative space and technology driving the UK creative industry.
The venue for the play is at The Shaw theatre, 100-110 Euston Road London’s West End. The cast members of the production are Bimbo Manuel, Patrick Diabua, Nengi Adoki, Dolapo Oni, Ozzy Agu, Jolomi Amuka, amongst others.

Other events lined up in London as part of the Wakaa The Musical in London activities include: a talk organised and sponsored by the British Council and the UK Department of Culture facilitated in partnership with Chatham House. The United Kingdom’s Minister of Culture and members of parliament will be in attendance and other high profile leaders of the creative industry in UK. This is scheduled to hold on the 20th of July at the Pullman Hotel, London. Another is a cocktail reception sponsored by MIXTA Africa and the Nigerian High Commission in the UK, the UK diplomatic community, business leaders and top UK government officials, The Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed will be in attendance at the event.

Wakaa The Musical is a play about the trials, successes and experiences of graduates with varied backgrounds, a wager between them after graduation has a twist when the realities of life and the folly of their choices hit them. Eventually they reunite, coming full circle. The story reveals the struggles and challenges young people face in present day Nigeria and abroad. Wakaa The Musical takes you on an emotional roller coaster and is a strong satire of Nigeria’s politics. A family-orientated two-hour stage musical extravaganza of drama, comedy, live music and dance, Wakaa The Musical explores the scheming, intrigues, betrayals and games people play in life.