Nigeria’s cultural pulse came alive as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently unveiled the newly renovated National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos. In a historic gesture, the iconic venue was renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, honouring the Nobel laureate’s remarkable contribution to literature and the arts.
To celebrate the occasion, guests were treated to a dazzling 30-minute performance of ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’, a critically acclaimed musical directed by ‘Bolanle Austen-Peters’. The production reignited the theatre’s spirit with an explosion of rhythm, colour, and emotion, serving as a fitting highlight for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary festivities.
Blending vibrant choreography, expressive costumes, and Fela’s timeless Afrobeat sounds, the musical traced the extraordinary life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the legendary musician and activist who challenged oppression through art. At the event, all Fela’s 27 wives, fondly known as the ‘Queens,’ portrayed as revolutionaries who stood by his vision of freedom and creative unity. Their strength, sacrifice, and influence were powerfully brought to life, reframing their role in Nigeria’s cultural history.
Speaking about the performance, Bolanle Austen-Peters described it as ‘compelling, moving, and emotionally engaging,’ expressing her pride in being chosen to reopen such an important national landmark.
‘The story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens is a reminder of the transformative power of art,’ she said. ‘We’re honoured to be part of this milestone as the National Theatre reclaims its place as a world class cultural hub.’
The grand reopening attracted an impressive guest list, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and several dignitaries. President Tinubu, visibly pleased with the performance, remarked, ‘I’m impressed, and I’ve enjoyed myself.’
Since premiering in Lagos in 2017, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens has earned international acclaim with performances in Pretoria, Cairo, and Dubai. The show is set to return to Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos from December 26, 2025, to January 12, 2026, continuing its celebration of Fela’s enduring influence on art, music, and social change.