It was a celebration of music, dance, film and theatre as the curtains fell on 2025 Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA), which held in Bradford, United Kingdom. With rhythms and captivating narratives of Africa on a global scale, the festival turned the city into a hub of cultural exchange.

At the heart of its theatrical programming stood Omobolanle Akanbi, the Theatre Coordinator for the festival, whose creative direction and passion for storytelling left a lasting impression on the audiences and fellow creatives alike.

Known for his ability to merge African traditions with contemporary theatrical practices, Akanbi has steadily built a reputation as one of the most exciting voices in African theatre today. Beyond his administrative duties, he is a practitioner who lives and breathes performance — shaping stories that travel across borders while remaining deeply rooted in African identity.

Reflecting on the role of theatre in shaping Africa’s voice on the global stage and his contribution to BAFA 2025, the filmmaker and theatre director said, “It was both humbling and exciting. Bradford was alive with African energy, and I was honoured to curate and coordinate the theatre segment.

“My goal was to ensure the stories on stage were authentic, powerful, and relatable not just to Africans, but to the wider audience who came eager to experience our culture. Theatre has always been a bridge, and BAFA proved once again how it connects people,” he added.

On his biggest contribution to the festival, Akanbi said, “I would say creating a platform where emerging African voices could stand tall. We showcased works that blended traditional African performance styles — music, dance, and storytelling — with modern theatre techniques.

“I worked closely with performers to refine their craft, and for me, the highlight was seeing the audience connect deeply with these stories. That’s the essence of theatre — evoking emotion and sparking dialogue.”