Ekiti’s Cultural Renaissance: How Theatre, Art, and Heritage Are Forging a New Identity
By Babafemi Ojudu
Last Saturday, the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Center in Ado Ekiti was more than just a venue—it was a crucible of memory, artistry, and resurgence. The air hummed with anticipation as the play Kashimawo took center stage, masterfully produced by Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, a luminary in Nigerian theatre. For nearly two hours, the life of Bashorun MKO Abiola unfolded in dramatic splendor: his legendary generosity, his fearless political journey, his profound philanthropy, and his tragic demise were rendered with emotional depth and theatrical brilliance.
But the event was more than a performance; it was a symbol of something far greater stirring in the heart of Ekiti State.
A Night of Art and Reconnection
For many in the audience, the evening was also a poignant reunion. I found myself embracing old friends and former colleagues—Yemi Sodimu, a cultural icon and schoolmate whose work has graced both stage and screen for decades; Professor Gbemisola ’Remi Adeoti, once a member of my team at The News magazine, now an accomplished dramatist and scholar of literature. Also present was Mr. Ojojolu, founder of the famed Ojo Jolu Theatre Company, a man who once set the stages of Ekiti ablaze with vibrant productions. Though now recovering from a stroke, his attendance spoke volumes—a testament to the enduring power of art and community.
This performance was not an isolated occasion. It was a highlight of a broader Theatre Festival organized by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation in collaboration with the Ekiti State Ministry of Culture and Arts, led by none other than Professor Ojo-Bakare himself. Together, these institutions are curating what can only be described as a full-blown cultural awakening.
The Rise of an Artistic Ecosystem in Ekiti
Across Ekiti State, a quiet revolution is taking root. The arts and entertainment industry, long overshadowed by larger hubs like Lagos and Abuja, is experiencing a dynamic rebirth. What makes this movement particularly significant is its composition: Ekiti’s sons and daughters are returning home after decades abroad or in metropolitan centers, bringing with them experience, resources, and a renewed commitment to their heritage.
They are collaborating with a new generation of local creatives—young artists, actors, writers, and directors who no longer see migration as the only path to success. Instead, they are building careers right here, drawing from the deep wells of Ekiti tradition, history, and natural environment to create art that is both locally rooted and globally resonant.
This isn’t merely about occasional performances; it is about constructing a sustainable creative ecosystem. From university theatres and community stages to independent film productions and visual art residencies, Ekiti is buzzing with cultural energy. One standout example is The Farm, an innovative space where art and nature converge. Here, painters, sculptors, woodcarvers, and poets work under open skies, transforming the landscape itself into a living, breathing gallery.
Historical Echoes: Lessons from Cultural Renaissances Past
What is happening in Ekiti today is not without precedent. Throughout history, localized cultural movements have repeatedly reshaped national and even global artistic landscapes.
In the 1960s, the city of Osogbo became the birthplace of a major artistic revolution. Under the guidance of Ulli Beier and Susanne Wenger, and through the genius of local artists, the Osogbo Art School emerged—a movement that has since gained international acclaim for its vibrant, symbolic aesthetic.
In the 1990s, Nollywood rose from the streets of Lagos. With little more than grit, creativity, and VHS tapes, Nigerian filmmakers built what is now the world’s second-largest film industry by volume—a testament to the power of homegrown cultural production.
Further afield, the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s serves as another powerful example. In that New York neighborhood, African-American artists, writers, musicians, and scholars redefined Black identity and produced works that continue to influence global culture a century later.
What do these movements have in common? Local energy, cultural pride, and a sense of historical urgency. Ekiti stands at a similar crossroads today—poised to channel its creative potential into a lasting legacy.
More Than Entertainment: Culture as a Engine for Development
To view this cultural resurgence as merely entertainment would be to miss its profound implications. What we are witnessing is the reclamation of identity, the strengthening of community ties, and the birth of a new economic sector.
The arts generate jobs—not only for performers but for technicians, marketers, hospitality workers, and educators. They attract tourism, inviting visitors to experience Ekiti’s rich heritage firsthand. Perhaps most importantly, they shape narrative. Art tells us who we are, where we come from, and who we might become. It projects Ekiti—long celebrated as the “Land of Honour”—onto regional and global stages, adding “Land of Creativity” to its identity.
For young people in Ekiti, this is transformative. Art is no longer a pastime or an afterthought—it is a viable calling, a career path, a reason to stay and build rather than leave.
An Invitation to Experience Ekiti’ Rebirth
If you find yourself in Ekiti in the coming months, look beyond the obvious. Don’t just pass through—immerse yourself. Attend a play at the civic center. Watch a locally produced film. Visit a cultural resort or spend an afternoon at The Farm, where art and nature exist in harmonious dialogue.
Come and see for yourself the renewal of a people through culture. Ekiti is rising, and with it emerges a new story of art, resilience, and imagination—for Nigeria, and indeed, for the world.
Senator Babafemi Ojudu is a Nigerian journalist, former Senator representing Ekiti Central, and former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Full credit to the original publisher: New Diplomat – https://newdiplomatng.com/night-theatre-memory-babafemi/