Kakadu… Nigerian Civil War musical theatre thrills South Africans

Award-winning total theatre feast, and undoubtedly, one of Nigeria’s ‘box office success stories,’ Kakadu The Musical recently treated audiences in South Africa to a captivating theatrical performance that has continued to resonate with palpable nostalgia, weeks after it ended amidst pomp and ceremony. The show was part of events to mark Africa Day Celebrations. It featured a “combination of amazing dance, music and drama with a strong plot of captivating story line that enthralled the audience, especially as they followed through on the enactment of landmark events that happened in Nigeria”.

Co-sponsored by MTN Foundation as part of its contribution to the entertainment industry in advancing theatre and the performing arts in Nigeria, Kakadu The Musical will, no doubt, linger in the minds of audiences. Other co-sponsors included Nigerian Export Promotion Commission, Custodian Insurance and Zenith Bank Plc.

Based on several pivotal events that happened in Nigeria between 1965 and 1974, the watershed years immediately following independence from British colonial rule, leading to the Nigerian Civil War and the aftermath of that war, Kakadu The Musical, written and produced, surprisingly by one of the leading lawyers in Nigeria, Uche Nwokedi, is the journey of four friends through a time of the infinite possibilities, a time to dream and to hope. It is has become the benchmark for musical theatre in Nigeria.

A nation is celebrating the end of colonialism and the promise of a bright new future in a city that is as colourful and hedonistic as any European city in the 1960s. At the heart of the city is Kakadu, a popular night club and a mecca for lovers of music of all genres and fashion. During this period, Kakadu’s live music encompassed Anglo-American pop, Latin beat, Highlife and even ballroom. This jubilant music, added to the stunning swinging sixties’ costumes, extravagant hairstyles and the assimilation of western attitudes gives Kakadu the Musical a stylish and exuberant sense of time and place.

The four friends echo the ethnic diversity of the newly independent country. At the centre of it all is Kakadu’s charismatic manager, Lord Lugard, a larger-than-life character, who symbolises the pleasure-seeking spirit of the club. Then the military coups set off a chain of events which would lead to the Nigerian Civil War and changes begin to occur in their relationships. It is a story of dreams and hopes, of peace and war, of friendships and broken promises, of pain and loss, and of love and innocence.

Kakadu The Musical is an exciting blend of the western music that influenced musical expressions in the 1960s Africa, with highlife, Afrobeat, contemporary and traditional Nigerian folk music, to produce the most wonderfully eclectic musical ever. From its first showing in May 2013 to the theatre-savvy audience of South Africa, it was a show that will resonate with palpable nostalgia, given its rich, colourful theatrical and historical resonance.

Understandably, the media feasted on it, capturing its various moments. Writes Gillian Anstey in her review of the show in the Sunday Times June 18, 2017, which she titled From Lagos With Love: ‘SA audience relates to Nigerian musical with laughter and tears. The most startling thing about Kakadu The Musical is its music. A 100\ per cent Nigerian homegrown show, with close to 30 Nigerian performers — and one Motswana — it tells a Nigerian story written, crafted and produced by Nigerians; yet the music is mostly Western. To be precise, 1960s and ‘70s American pop and soul. Think of songs such as ‘My Boy Lollipop,’ ‘Let’s Twist Again’ and ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ played by top-notch musicians on keyboard, drums, flugelhorn, sax, guitar and talking drum.

“Kakadu was first performed in Lagos in 2013 and a year later at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and is the first Nigerian musical to be staged in South Africa. Hopefully, it’s not the last. It gives insight into life in another country on our continent while entertaining, and informs without preaching. What better way to share a history of sorrows, highs and hopes than through the emotional connection of a theatrical performance.”

Another journalist, Katlego Mereko, in a review of the play in the Jo’Burg Post notes: “I have watched and written on quite a few theatre plays now, and if all of them were of good quality, then Kakadu punches way above that benchmark. From the set to the cast, the musical beautifully and melodically manages to capture the vicissitudes of life in Nigeria around those times. The unforeseen military coup, I think, emerges brilliantly in the play as it demonstrated the nature in which it came unexpectedly, except perhaps for the late Chinua Achebe, who wrote a prophetic novel in the form of his Man of the People. Plus, I think most importantly, the singing was pitch perfect! Every one sounded in tune and all girls and guys treated the audience to the most mellifluous vocals I have heard from a theatre musical in a long time.”

I would highly recommend you catch this award-winning musical until the 18th of June at Joburg Theatre, because, as Kola says, Kakadu is Life!!!”

Others expressed their delight through social media, including Twitter. Some of these are:
“Sometimes it’s hard to let go especially when you’ve had a good laugh, shared beautiful memories and conquered obstacles together… Very hard! But when you let go, you’ll see that the future holds something even more exciting, promising and bigger than you can imagine. Heaven knows.”

“What a great pleasure it was watching Kakadu The Musical at the Jo’burg Theatre today. When a production makes you cry, laugh and dance, you know it’s on. I haven’t had so much fun in a while! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. When Lagos comes to your doorstep.

“I had the pleasure of watching Kakadu The Musical from Nigeria…The narrative that I saw of an African country post colonisation…The need for leaders to rise up and protect the most vulnerable…The portrayal of the character by a young Ralph Okoro reminded me that when a leader is given a vision…You must lead and not be distracted…A life of leadership is for the people and is not your own… it comes with many sacrifices… I find myself reflecting and at peace after watching this theatrical play…

“Another great show, great turn out and massive love from our fans here in Jo’burg.

“A day off for the Kakadu The Musical cast, it’s been a wonderful experience in Jo’burg city.”

A statement from the producers said, “They (audience) all echoed the passion and perspective of the audience. Here in Nigeria, it was the same theatrical experience at its premiered and subsequent performances across Nigeria. The production value of Kakadu continues to grow and it has become the benchmark for Nigerian musical theatre which is something appreciated in South Africa as shown by the recent performance of Kakadu. When Kakadu premiered in Lagos, it rejuvenated musical theatre.

“It speaks of the level to which private endeavours have pushed theatre without government support. The playwright, Nwokedi, has been a proponent of musical theatre. His other productions include Joseph the Technicolour Dreamcoat (2004), Jesus Christ Superstar (2006), and The Vision (2008).

“Since the return of the show from South Africa, we are anticipating where Kakadu will go to next… Your guess is as good as mine.”