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BAP’s ‘Fela & The Kalakuta Queens’ Musical Thrills Audience as National Theatre Roars Back to Life

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The National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos roared back to life on Monday October 1, 2025 after a few years of renovation and refurbishment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, led a rich array of dignitaries from the government, corporate sector and the creative industries to unveil the new-look premier home of the arts as a symbolic occasion to also celebrate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

The magnificent edifice and cultural institutions has now been rechristened by the Federal Government the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts as a fitting tribute to the respected Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, whose literary and theatrical contribution to the development of theatre, literature and film is immeasurable.

The three-hour unveiling event was laced with rich set of performances, of which the command performance of the popular musical, ‘Fela And The Kalakuta Queens’ stood out, thrilling the audience with its stellar cast, great acting, and spectacular dance routine, all laced with a few evergreen songs by the legendary King of Afrobeat music, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Although it was a teaser showpiece that lasted for just half an hour, the performance added unmistakable colour to the unveiling event, especially given that it came just before the speeches by the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso and President Bola Tinubu.

Directed by the multiple award-winning theatre and film director, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens chronicles the life and times of the late legendary musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, from birth to his trajectory as a defiant and uncompromising social activist, a flamboyant musical maestro as well as his historic marriage to his 27 wives (known as the Queens).

“The story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens is as compelling, as it is deeply moving and emotionally engaging, and we are happy that it was selected as part of the performances to bring back to life the famed National Arts Theatre,” said Mrs. Austen-Peters.

The play travels through the honest and selfless love the Afrobeat icon had with his dancers (Queens) who left their homes to follow him, believing in his vision of building a better community through arts and music.

The Musical also explores the lives of those women who constituted an integral part of Fela’s band and gives a unique insight into the interplay of gender and power relations at Fela’s famous Kalakuta Republic. It also showcases their unique fashion, dance and African identity, while unmasking common misconceptions about them.

In his remarks, Dr. Cardoso said it was a “huge one” to be delivering his speech right after the performance of ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, given the energy it oozed and the applause it received.
President Bola Tinubu also commended the evening’s rich performances, adding unequivocally that “I’m impressed and I’ve enjoyed myself.”

The historic unveiling of the refurbished theatre is not lost on Austen-Peters, who is the founder of Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP), which produced the musical and Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos.

“It is a historic day for all of us in the creative sector, to have been selected for this landmark unveiling, on a day that Nigeria clocks 65, while having in the audience the No1, No 3 and Number 4 citizens of the country, among several other dignitaries.


“All the performances added colour and glamour to this event. This is a clear message that the creative sector has been blessed with another sets of world-class venues that will enhance creativity. We are grateful that ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens were part of those that successfully relaunched this main auditorium into the hearts of Nigerians,” she said.

Following a successful premiere in Lagos in 2017, Fela and The Kalakuta Queens Musical has, without a doubt, become a sensation across the globe, having been performed in Pretoria, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt and Dubai, UAE.

“It is, therefore, a befitting play to reopen the newly renovated and restored National Arts Theatre”, said Joseph Umoibon, Producer of the musical.

Fela and the Kalakuta Queens will again hit the big stage of the Terra Kulture Arena from December 26th 2025 to Jan 12th 2026 as part of the ‘detty december’ highlights

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“What people don’t know can’t hurt” – Actress Bolaji Ogunmola opens up on her love life

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Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has opened up about her love life.

In an interview with Morayo Afolabi Brown, she said she is happy and blessed, as God has been good to her.

However, she is keeping her relationship private because what people don’t know can’t hurt her.

She also said it’s important to keep her partner or future partner under wraps, as it is unfair to drag them into it when they didn’t ask for this life.

“I’m happy, but for me, it’s important that my partner or future partner didn’t ask for this life, so I feel it’s unfair for me to drag him into it. What people don’t know can’t hurt, so I’d rather say I’m happy; I’m blessed; God is good”.

In 2021, Bolaji lamented ending the year without being in a romantic relationship.

In a past interview, the talented role interpreter said she focuses more on her work than on stardom. According to her, she keeps her eyes on her goal and can’t get caught up in the euphoria of fame or stardom.

The movie star last year, shared her testimony as she cheated death twice. She revealed that she survived a car accident and her sitting room POP collapsed.

In better news, Bolaji ended the month of February, 2025, on a high note as she unveiled her palatial mansion. She shared a photo of her new mansion, which she said would be used for filming as she urged her fans to watch her movie, so she could afford money to furnish it.

In 2024, she issued a stern warning to content stealers on YouTube and other social media platforms. She let them know that she was ready for them as she revealed that she had constantly suffered setbacks because of them and had heard enough.

Ogunmola had reflected on her challenging time, which she described as a lot. She revealed that though she won a lot she also cried a lot and almost shut down. Despite it all, she still kept going.

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How Temi Nkem Emerged Winner Of BBNaija Season 11

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Temi Nkem has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 11, tagged “Show Ya Sef”.

The 21-year-old contestant was announced as the winner during the grand finale of the reality show on Sunday.

She defeated Aikou and Sheba, who finished as the second and third finalists respectively, after 70 days of competition.

Temi was among 24 housemates who entered the Big Brother Naija house when the season premiered on July 26.

The season featured a ₦160 million grand prize package, reportedly comprising cash, a car or SUV and other prizes from sponsors.

Throughout her stay in the house, Temi became known for her outspoken personality, confidence and distinctive British accent.

Born and raised in London, England, the contestant has Nigerian roots and is associated with Delta State.

Before joining the reality show, she was a student and lifestyle content creator, with her online content including shopping and luxury-related videos.

Her journey to the finale saw her survive nominations and participate in several tasks and competitions.

She also became a prominent figure among fans of the season, with her supporters adopting the name “Teminators”.

One of her most memorable moments came during a fake eviction towards the end of the season.

Rather than appearing distressed, Temi smiled, waved and said “Chakam”, a moment that quickly became a talking point among viewers.

She also attracted attention during the final weeks for her memorable and unpredictable moments in the house.

Temi secured her place in the finale after Barry used his Ultimate Veto Power to activate “Immunity for All”, cancelling the eviction and public vote for that week.

The finale featured a series of evictions before the final three emerged.

Barry, Oyin, Ricky, Flora, Tram and Bluethopia were among those evicted during the live show, leaving Temi, Aikou and Sheba to compete for the ultimate prize.

At the end of the voting process, Temi was announced as the winner.

Her victory sparked celebrations among her supporters at the live show, fan park and online, as the “Teminators” celebrated her emergence after weeks of campaigning and voting.

Temi’s win brings the 11th season of Big Brother Naija to a close, following weeks of nominations, wager tasks, Head of House contests, twists, evictions and public voting.

Official details of the final vote percentages and the complete breakdown of the ₦160 million prize package are expected to follow the conclusion of the live show.

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‘I’m not a gigolo, Bella and I split bills’ — Sheggz

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Former Big Brother Naija reality star, Sheggz Olusemo has dismissed claims that he financially depended on his ex-girlfriend, Bella Okagbue, during their relationship.

Speaking in a recent interview, Sheggz said reports suggesting that he collected money from Bella only gained traction after their relationship ended without marriage.

According to him, he contributed more financially throughout the relationship and was far from being a “gigolo.”

“I’m not a gigolo. Bella and I split the bills 70-30, and I did the most,” he said.

The reality star maintained that the narrative surrounding their finances was unfair and emerged because the relationship did not lead to marriage.

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