Culture

IPADA Initiative Brings African Theatre to Life

Published

11 months ago

October 22, 2025

IPADA Initiative 2025 to feature Cash Onadele Aiye-Ko-Otoo’s The Noble Warrior and Fork in the Road at La Campagne Tropicana, Lagos

The IPADA Initiative Celebration 2025 will immerse audiences in the vibrant rhythm of African storytelling from November 28 to December 7, 2025, at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Also read: IPADA Initiative Celebration 2025 Inspires Cultural Renaissance

Two spectacular stage productions — The Noble Warrior and Fork in the Road — both written and produced by acclaimed playwright Cash Onadele Aiye-Ko-Otoo, will headline the festival, offering a fusion of drama, dance, and drumming that celebrates Africa’s cultural identity and creativity.

According to organisers, the productions mark a defining moment in the evolution of African theatre, representing a “renaissance of African storytelling” that combines traditional artistry with global appeal.

Performed by an ensemble of seasoned Nigerian actors, the plays are part of a broader project titled “Africa Rising”, which seeks to position the continent’s creative voices at the heart of world theatre.

“It will not just be a carnival but a cultural awakening — a rebirth of history, heritage, and identity,” organisers stated. “At these performances, Africa will take its rightful place on the global stage — through art, purpose, and pride.”

Each performance promises an immersive experience — a symphony of drums, dance, and emotion — designed to transport audiences into Africa’s vibrant narrative landscape.

The IPADA Initiative, launched in 2024 by Wanle Akinboboye, founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Motherland Beckons, was conceived to reimagine Africa through diaspora participation and tourism-driven development.

Supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria, state governments, and corporate partners, IPADA’s mission is to create a platform that reconnects Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral roots.

Akinboboye highlighted the vast potential of Africa’s global population:

“We have 32 million Africans in the Caribbean, 66 million in the United States, 120 million in Brazil, and nearly 10 million in Europe. IPADA is a platform for them to return, reconnect, and invest in Africa.”

With Lagos and Abuja serving as gateways, the 2025 edition — infused with Aiye-Ko-Otoo’s groundbreaking plays — promises to be more than a cultural festival.

Also read: Ipada Initiative Wins Strong Backing to Reconnect Africa’s Diaspora

It stands as a powerful artistic homecoming, reaffirming Africa’s enduring spirit, creativity, and unity on the world stage.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”