UNN Stages Docu-Drama on Fela Kuti for Founder’s Day
Jerry Adesewo
As part of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s (UNN) Founder’s Day celebrations, the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, in collaboration with the Department of Music, will stage a docu-drama titled Fela: The Man and His Music. The performance, scheduled for October 7, 2024, at 7 PM, will take place at the New Arts Theatre, UNN. The production highlights the life and activism of Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, focusing on his radical defiance against injustice during Nigeria’s military regime.
Directed by Favour Ogene and Ikechukwu Erojikwe, the docu-drama emphasizes the shared Pan-Africanist values of Fela Kuti and UNN’s founder, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Associate Professor Gregory Mbajiorgu, Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, explained that both men were fearless advocates for justice, with Azikiwe fighting colonial oppression through media and Fela using his music to combat post-independence social and political ills.
The play will feature live musical performances by students from the Department of Music, with Thankgod Ofor portraying Fela Kuti, and Emmanuel Christiana as Funmilayo Kuti. Other talented actors will depict key figures from Fela’s life, such as Igo Chico and Tony Allen.
Special guests expected at the event include Prof. Uche Azikiwe, the wife of UNN’s founder; the Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Adewusi; and General Ike Nwachukwu, among other dignitaries. The evening promises to be a blend of history, music, and drama, paying tribute to one of Africa’s most iconic musicians.
“This docu-drama showcases UNN’s commitment to blending art and history while honoring Nigeria’s cultural and political icons. It will be a significant moment to celebrate the legacy of both Fela and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe,” said Associate Prof. Greg Mbajiorgu, Head of Department of Theatre and Film Studies at UNN.
