Redefining African theatre

BY RUFAI AKANBI

When Ice Nweke, co-director of the acclaimed theatre showpiece Pride Land 2: The Reign of Queen Farrah, begins to narrate the journey of the production, you can’t help but feel the passion in his voice. For him, Pride Land 2 is more than a theatrical sequel – it’s a cultural movement, an opportunity to redefine Africa’s narrative in the world of entertainment.

“The idea of Pride Land 2 actually started in 2022,” Nweke reflects. “But to explain it, I need to go back further to 2019 when the seeds of an African Christmas celebration were planted.”

That year, Iyadunni Gbadebo, Eko Hotel’s director of marketing began reimagining the Christmas experience, questioning why African traditions were not at the forefront of holiday celebrations. “We’ve been so accustomed to celebrating Christmas the way the Western world does,” she lamented in one meeting. “Think about it: snow-laden pine trees, reindeer, themes completely alien to our climate and culture. But what if we created a Christmas that truly belonged to us?”

A story rooted in Africa

The answer to that question came in the form of Pride Land, a musical launched in 2022. The show follows the lives of five siblings grappling with the aftermath of a family tragedy – an African epic steeped in betrayal, power struggles, and redemption. It explores the complexities of identity, community, and leadership, using music, dance, and storytelling as its medium.

“Pride Land 1 was like a potpourri of everything African,” Nweke explains. “The culture, the people, the tribes, the languages, the food – it was all there. And the audience loved it.”

Building on that success, Pride Land 2 takes the story further. “This sequel focuses on the reign of Queen Farrah,” Nweke reveals. “It examines the challenges she faces as a ruler and the impact of her decisions on her kingdom. Is the land thriving under her leadership? Are her people flourishing? It’s a hundred times bigger and better than the first.”

He makes a bold promise: Pride Land 2 will rival anything seen on Broadway or London’s West End. “It’s the very best in music, dance, acting, and production. This December will truly be unforgettable.”

The jewel in the crown

But Pride Land 2 isn’t the only gem in Nweke’s treasure trove of theatrical productions. Another ambitious project, The Jewel, is set to redefine African theatre with its futuristic narrative. “This musical draws inspiration from Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel and Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame,” he says. “But it’s set in the future – a Lagos of the 2000s imagined with AI, robots, flying cars, and carpets. It’s insane and absolutely breathtaking.”

The Evolution of Theatre in Nigeria
For Nweke, these productions are not just about entertainment; they are about revival. He recalls a time when live theatre was a cornerstone of Nigerian culture. “In school, every weekend was a theatre weekend. But when I moved to Lagos, I was struck by how few productions were happening.”

That’s where Eko Hotel’s Tropical Christmas Wonderland, launched in 2019, became a game-changer. “It started us on this journey of creating top-tier musical theatre productions,” he explains. From Love is to Pride Land and now The Jewel, the hotel has become a hub for innovation in theatre productions.

“Today, musicals and theatre are thriving again in Lagos,” he says proudly. “This month alone, there were back-to-back productions happening across the city. Imagine a future where every month is packed with world-class shows.”

More than just a hotel

Nweke reserves special praise for Eko Hotels and Suites, calling it “much more than just a hotel.” “They’re pushing the boundaries of what entertainment can be, creating spaces for artists like me to thrive,” he says. “I doff my hat to them and feel honoured to be part of this movement.”

As the curtain rises this December, Ice Nweke is confident that both Pride Land 2 and The Jewel will set new standards for African theatre. “If you saw Pride Land 1, you can’t afford to miss the sequel. And if you’ve never seen it, this is your chance to witness something extraordinary. See you this Christmas!”

This is not just theatre; it’s history in the making.