Bolanle Austen-Peters

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.

L-R Ayo Ajayi, Music Director; Bimbo Manuel, Cast Representative; Bolanle Austen-Peters, Producer; Gbenga Yusuf, Dance Director

“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.

According to her: “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.”

Cast members of the production include 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.

Wakaa The Musical is a play about the trials, successes and experiences of graduates with varied backgrounds, a wager between them after graduation has a twist when the realities of life and the folly of their choices hit them. Eventually they reunite, coming full circle. The story
reveals the struggles and challenges young people face in present day Nigeria and abroad. Wakaa The Musical takes you on an emotional roller coaster and is a strong satire of Nigeria’s politics. A family-orientated 2-hour stage musical extravaganza of drama, comedy, live music & dance.
Wakaa The Musical explores the scheming, intrigues, betrayals and games people play in life.

Bolanle Austen-Peters, Director of Wakaa the Musical flanked by Partners and sponsors of Wakaa The Musical goes to London, at the Press conference.