WAKAA! THE FIRST NIGERIAN PLAY TO BE PERFORMED IN LONDON TO A SOLD OUT AUDIENCE
Who says Nigeria cannot rule the world? Well, we just did!
Wakaa! A two-hour stage musical extravaganza of drama, comedy, live music and dance about the trials, successes and experiences of graduates with varied backgrounds debuted at the Shaw Theatre London and attracted over 3.000 people from all races during the 7 shows which took place from July 21 to 25, 2016. All the 7 shows were sold out well ahead of time!
The successful outing had various dignitaries in attendance include Mr. Lai Mohammed the Honorable Minister of Information and Culture; Mr. Segun Awolowo, the CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council; Mrs. Chinelo Amazu-Anohu, the Director General of the Nigerian Pension Commission and Mr. Waheed Olagunju the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry.
The story centered on young University graduates with varied backgrounds and their wager after graduation which led to twists and turns when the realities of life juxtaposed to their beliefs and expectations hit them.
WAKAA! THE Musical London was made possible by the support of MIXTA AFRICA, MTN, PENCOM, BANK OF INDUSTRY, NIGERIAN EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL, the British Council, the Nigerian Ministry of Culture and Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Africa Magic, Ebony life TV, TV Continental, Africa Movie Channel, Beats FM, Wakanow, IBST, Elufowoju jr Ensemble, DJA MEDIA, Lanre Dasilva Ajayi, ARIK AIR amongst other partners.
Will Gompertz the BBC Art Editor described Wakaa the musical as “soulful, colorful and dynamic” and having “a spirit and sensibility that is fresh and true”
Wakaa the musical was completely sold out and had a standing ovation at all the shows.
WAKAA! the Musical was able to break new grounds and transcend the demographic barriers of London’s theatre landscape, prompting Will Gompertz to further say “ the show is a little bit different and so is tonight’s audience, the big subsidized theatres here in the UK say they want to attract a more diverse crowd but struggle to do so, perhaps they should go along and see how it is done”.
BBC News at Ten, 21/07/2016: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07ksbfy
This was further affirmed by Conor Gaffey, Editor of europe’s news week who concluded that “the show has heart, energy and a great sense of humor, and received a standing ovation on the final night when Newsweek was in attendance”
http://europe.newsweek.com/nigerian-musical-targets-broadway-after-successful-london-stint-483956