Joachim Keke has quietly but profoundly become a defining figure in Nigeria’s contemporary performing arts scene. A Lagos-based multidisciplinary artist, Joachim’s career is a study in versatility, cultural devotion, and pedagogical influence. With over a decade of experience spanning stage, screen, costume design, and arts education, his body of work is marked by a rare synthesis of academic rigour and instinctive creativity.
Trained with both a BA and an MA in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, Joachim’s approach to performance is deeply grounded in scholarly discipline. Yet what distinguishes him is not just his education, but his ability to merge that knowledge with a kinetic, emotionally resonant presence on stage. His work with Thespian Family Theatre in productions like Five Maids of Fadaka, Ola Rotimi “Gods are not to blame”, Midnight Hotel, and Madking of Ijudiya displays his deft ability to embody African characters with intensity and authenticity, often incorporating dance, ritual, and symbolic gesture into his portrayals. These performances do not simply entertain—they preserve and reinterpret African theatrical heritage.
Joachim’s on-screen contributions further amplify his artistic range. He has appeared in some of Nigeria’s most recognized television and film productions, such as Tinsel, Special Crime Unit, and So Wrong So Wright. Whether cast as a romantic lead or in more complex, socially charged roles in films like Tonight Maybe We Dance or Secret Lives of Yahoo Boys, Joachim brings an understated charisma and a grounded emotional intelligence to each performance. His screen work consistently reflects the same thematic focus that characterizes his stage work: layered narratives, cultural reflection, and human connection.
Joachim’s artistry flourishes not only in performance but also behind the curtain. His stint as stage manager at Thespian Family Theatre showcased his logistical skill and leadership capacity, where he managed large teams and delivered high-calibre productions under tight timelines. His most prominent leadership role to date—serving as Artistic Director for Olamide Live in Concert (OLIC 1)—demonstrated his ability to scale his theatrical insight to massive commercial events. Here, he successfully merged the spontaneity of live performance with the structural precision required for a landmark entertainment production.
Joachim’s pedagogical impact is equally noteworthy. His work at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy laid a firm foundation for his ongoing commitment to youth development. His classes, targeting young people aged 5 to 18, were less about rote learning and more about cultivating confidence, self-expression, and cultural awareness. He empowered a new generation to see drama not just as performance, but as a powerful tool for identity formation and storytelling.
In 2017, Joachim extended his creative pursuits into costume design and fashion with the launch of TouchebyJojo Collection. Here, he channeled his affinity for African aesthetics into visual storytelling through clothing. His work as Creative Director for the brand continues to integrate cultural motifs with contemporary design, reflecting his broader artistic mission—to champion African heritage in all its forms.
Perhaps the most compelling element of Joachim Keke’s career is his future-facing vision. While his work is deeply anchored in African performance traditions, he is increasingly focused on international collaboration and cultural exchange. His stated aim to “connect people through story and movement” positions him as a bridge between continents—an artist who sees theatre not only as a platform for cultural preservation but as a conduit for global dialogue.
Joachim Keke is not merely a performer or choreographer—he is a cultural strategist, an educator, and a creative force who embodies the future of African performance. Through a career defined by adaptability, community-centred storytelling, and cross-disciplinary excellence, he has reshaped the contours of Nigerian theatre and dance education. As he steps onto larger global stages, Joachim brings with him a rich legacy and an even richer potential. His work is not only relevant—it is necessary.
