The Story⚡
On Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1, 2025, the pulsating Afrobeat of Fela Kuti thundered back to life, as “Fela and the Kalakuta Queens” became the inaugural performance at the gleaming Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts—igniting a cultural revolution in Lagos.
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The grand commissioning of the Wole Soyinka Centre, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, was nothing short of a spectacle. After years of renovation and refurbishment, the iconic venue roared back into operation on October 1, 2025, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially unveiling the revamped facility, now renamed in honor of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka. The event, attended by dignitaries, artists, and culture enthusiasts, featured a captivating 30-minute preview of the acclaimed musical “Fela and the Kalakuta Queens,” directed by the visionary Bolanle Austen-Peters.
Produced by BAP Productions in collaboration with Terra Kulture, the musical thrilled the audience with its high-energy choreography, live Afrobeat rhythms, and powerful storytelling that celebrates the life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the legendary musician, activist, and pioneer of Afrobeat. First premiered in 2017 at Terra Kulture Arena, the production has since toured globally, including stints in Cairo, Pretoria, and Washington D.C., drawing over 200,000 viewers and earning rave reviews for its portrayal of Fela’s unyielding fight against oppression, his radical politics, and his complex relationships with his 27 wives, the “Kalakuta Queens.” This October performance marked a historic milestone: it was the very first show at the reborn venue, symbolizing the fusion of Nigeria’s rich artistic legacy with its forward-looking creative economy.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, a renowned filmmaker and theater director who founded BAP Productions and Terra Kulture, has been instrumental in reviving Nigerian storytelling on stage. Her direction infused the preview with vibrant costumes, dynamic dance sequences, and Fela’s timeless hits like “Zombie” and “Water No Get Enemy,” evoking the spirit of the Kalakuta Republic—Fela’s infamous commune that was raided and destroyed by the military in 1977.
The event also highlighted the government’s commitment to the arts, with the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, emphasizing the centre’s role in fostering Nigeria’s creative industries. Additional performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria added to the festivities, blending traditional and contemporary elements in a three-hour program that left attendees buzzing.
The renovation of the theatre, originally built in 1976 for the FESTAC ’77 festival, addresses long-standing issues like structural decay and outdated facilities, transforming it into a world-class hub for culture and creativity. This rebirth comes at a pivotal time for Nigeria’s entertainment sector, which contributes significantly to the GDP and positions the country as a global leader in African arts.
In Summary
Fans won’t have to wait long for more—BAP Productions announced a full run of “Fela and the Kalakuta Queens” returning to Terra Kulture Arena from December 26, 2025, to January 12, 2026, promising an extended celebration of Fela’s enduring legacy that has inspired generations and even influenced Broadway hits like “Fela!” With over 120 past performances and international acclaim, this is a reminder of Fela’s prophetic voice against corruption and injustice, still resonating in today’s Nigeria.
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