Culture

TALP X Breaks Barriers in Nigerian Creative Arts

Published

12 months ago

September 22, 2025

TALP X delivers a bold showcase of African storytelling, inspiring audiences with powerful theatre and socially relevant performances in Lagos

Once again Lagos audiences were captivated with bold celebration of African storytelling on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at TALP X.

Also read: Bolanle Austen-Peters hit stage play, “Dear Kaffy”, returns to Lagos for special Easter showing after international success

Held at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, this highly anticipated event presented two powerful original plays that underscored TALP X’s commitment to nurturing young creative talents through world-class theatre.

Organised by Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), TALP X is more than just a quarterly showcase.

It is a vibrant platform where classroom learning is transformed into stirring real-world performances.

This edition featured Kingmaker, an emotionally charged drama about an enslaved girl’s courageous struggle against patriarchal oppression, and Bookcover, a witty yet poignant exploration of societal biases within an elite family.

Dr. Afeez Oyetoro, a renowned theatre practitioner and creative director, praised the event’s outstanding creativity and professionalism.

“TALP X is not merely entertainment; it is education, social critique, and a beacon for the future of Nigerian theatre,” he remarked.

Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder and CEO of TAFTA, expressed pride in the participants’ achievements, emphasising her vision to expand TALP’s reach beyond Lagos, enabling more young creatives to amplify their voices across Nigeria and beyond.

Joseph Umoibom, TAFTA’s Academy Lead, highlighted how TALP represents the culmination of rigorous training.

“From rehearsals to the stage, TALP brings the hard work of these talented youths vividly to life.”

Produced in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, TALP X continues to champion TAFTA’s mission to empower young Nigerians with world-class skills and a fearless platform.

Also read: Lagos Govt partners stagecraft production on kurunmi play

The September edition left an indelible mark, proving the future of African storytelling is vibrant, bold, and unstoppable.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 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.”