Encomium
Record is about to be broken as all is set for Bolanle Austen-Peters’ “Wakaa The Musical” to grace the Shaw Theater, 100-110 Euston Road in London, from July 21 to July 25. This is the first of such Nigerian musical showing in the London West End.
“Wakaa The Musical” is a family-orientated 2-hour stage musical extravaganza of drama, comedy, live music and dance. ‘WAKAA!’ which reveals the struggles and challenges young people face in present day Nigeria and abroad, is also a strong satire of Nigeria’s politics, exploring the scheming, intrigues, betrayals and games people play in life.
As many enthusiasts and entertainment folks anticipate ‘Wakaa The Musical’, Bolanle Austen-Peters, the producer and director, explains what birthed the idea: “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.
“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’ is a mix of old and new faces in it cast which include: Jolomi Amuka as Rex, Arese Emokpae as Kike, Patrick Diabuah as Tosan, Ade Laoye as Ngozi, Segun Dada as Ahmed, Dolapo Oni as Alero, Bimbo Manuel as Gov. Sagay, Paul Adams as Prof. Basuaye, Mawuyon Ogun as Mama Ke, Ozzy Agu as Prof. Jojoba and Chris Ubani as Cletus. The theme song is written and performed by Nigeria’s Artisite, Brymo.
The potential of ‘Wakaa The Musical’ to promote cultural heritage and cultural diplomacy at international level through a socio cultural and contemporary entertainment production 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, among other notable sponsors.
Seats for participating at the event can be reserved through the website http://wakaathemusical.com/
- Seyifunmi Adebote for encomium.ng
