Duke of Shomolu takes Babakekere to theatre

It was a charged atmosphere last weekend, when theatre producer, Joseph Edgar, popularly known as the Duke of Shomolu, staged Babakekere at the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Muson. Photo: Tripadvisor

Babakekere came on the heels of equally successful productions, Awo and Aremu, which showed last September at Glover Hall and which attracted former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Speaker of the House of Representative, Femi Gbajamiabila, and a host of other prominent Nigerians.

Written and directed by Makinde Adeniran, the riveting play on the life and times of the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, draws inspiration from his inaugural speech, which carried with it, the dreams and aspirations of Lagosians at that time and which continue to astound present-day Nigerians.

Makinde, who also directed and wrote Awo, weaved a suspense-filled and penetrative theatre extravaganza that threw up a nostalgic feeling in the audience as they get inspired by the vision that made Alhaji Jakande’s foray into education, housing and health a signpost of visionary leadership.

In beautifully synchronised songs and dance sequences, Babakekere, which was produced in conjunction with frontline Real Estate firm, Purple, engages, educates and inspires audiences.

Speaking on the play, Edgar said: “We built on the successes previously recorded in our shows. The Duke of Shomolu (DOS) Productions has emerged as one the fastest-growing theatre production franchise in Africa with over 12 major productions, including Emotan, Isale Eko, and Ufok Ibaan, to mention a few as part of its offerings.

“Over 100,000 people have physically seen DOS plays, and we are poised to deliver Emir Sanusi and Sardauna, which is expected to attract President Muhammed Buhari in October 2022.”

The Lagos State Government and some of its strategic parastatals such as, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts, as well as the Lagos State Ministry of Environment supported the play.
Babakekere was also supported by First Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank, Wema Bank, F&c Accessories, Anchor Insurance and others.

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Bonu Solomon served as Co-Executive Producer, while MD/CEO, Duke of Shomolu Productions, Mofoluwake Edgar, was the Coordinating Executive Producer.