Wakaa! ‘The Musical’ to show at London’s west end

Wakaa! The Musical, the hit Nigerian show produced and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters is due to transfer to the Shaw Theatre, London's West End from July 21 – 25, 2016, making it the first Nigerian musical to make it to the British capital. It is a stage play about the trials, successes and experiences of young graduates from varied backgrounds. Set to popular music, Wakaa! The Musical is part social commentary, part satire, but all singing and dancing.

“This is coming in response to growing interests in productions of African origin across the globe, and various calls for us to take this production to the international community,” said Bolanle Austen-Peters at a press conference to announce the stage play. “The show is a contemporary socio-cultural and contemporary production celebrating the diverse, yet homogeneous, people and culture of Nigeria. There is a large Nigerian and Afro-Caribbean population in London who are interested, and yearning to see world class productions from Nigeria,” she added.

Cast members of the production are Bimbo Manuel, Patrick Diabua, Nengi Adoki, Dolapo Oni, Ozzy Agu, Jolomi Amuka, amongst others. Wakaa! The Musical will provide the highly talented and creative youths involved in the production with opportunities to experience the UK creative space and technology driving the UK creative industry. It has attracted the endorsement and support of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the National Pension Commission and the Bank of Industry.