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‘Fela & The Kalakuta Queens’ Musical Rekindles Magic at National Theatre

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National Arts Theatre

National Arts Theatre returns in grand style as Tinubu unveils Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts to mark Nigeria’s 65th anniversary

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National Arts Theatre came alive again on Monday, October 1, 2025, as the iconic cultural landmark in Iganmu, Lagos, reopened after years of extensive renovation.

Also read: Bolanle Austen-Peters hit stage play, “Dear Kaffy”, returns to Lagos for special Easter showing after international success

The grand occasion coincided with Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, marking a new era for the country’s creative industry.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, led an impressive list of dignitaries from government, business and the arts to unveil the newly refurbished edifice, now officially renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

The rechristening stands as a powerful tribute to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, whose contribution to literature and theatre remains unparalleled in Africa’s cultural history.

The unveiling ceremony, which lasted three hours, dazzled guests with captivating performances, including a command presentation of the celebrated musical Fela and the Kalakuta Queens.

Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the half-hour teaser brought the hall to life with its energetic choreography, brilliant acting and evergreen Afrobeat tunes from the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

“The story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens is deeply moving and emotionally engaging,” Austen-Peters remarked. “We are honoured to have been part of this historic moment, breathing new life into the famed National Arts Theatre.”

The musical, which chronicles Fela’s rise as a musical icon and social activist, explores his complex relationships with the women known as his Queens—his dancers, wives and collaborators who shared his vision of social change through art.

It celebrates African identity and feminine strength while dispelling long-held misconceptions about the women of Kalakuta Republic.

Delivering his remarks after the performance, the Central Bank Governor, Mr Yemi Cardoso, described it as a “huge one” to speak following such a charged and uplifting show. President Tinubu, clearly delighted, added, “I’m impressed, and I’ve enjoyed myself.”

For Austen-Peters, the moment was doubly historic. “To be part of this symbolic reopening on our nation’s 65th anniversary, with the top leaders of the country in attendance, is a proud day for the creative sector,” she said.

“It shows that our artists now have world-class venues to express and export their creativity.”

Since its Lagos premiere in 2017, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens has toured globally, enchanting audiences in South Africa, Egypt and the UAE. According to producer Joseph Umoibon, its inclusion at the reopening was “a befitting choice for such a landmark event.”

The musical is set to return to the Terra Kulture Arena from 26 December 2025 to 12 January 2026, adding colour to Lagos’s festive Detty December calendar.

Also read: Achievers Networks UK Academy Host 2024 International Integrity Humanitarian Conference

The rebirth of the National Arts Theatre not only restores a national treasure but also reinforces Nigeria’s enduring commitment to the growth of its cultural and creative economy — a true celebration of art, identity and national pride.

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Laolu Gbenjo Warns Against Manipulation Over Toluwanisings’ Death

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Gospel artist Laolu Gbenjo has strongly condemned what he described as wickedness and manipulation surrounding the circumstances of the late singer, Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.

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Gbenjo made the appeal during a night of tributes held in honour of the late musician at the Jogor Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. Addressing the gathering, he passionately urged individuals allegedly behind any underhanded tactics to halt their actions immediately.

Describing Toluwanisings as a devoted servant of God and a man of integrity, Gbenjo noted that the late singer possessed a pure heart and was a friend to all.

Cautioning against attempts to distort facts or control narratives regarding the tragic event, Gbenjo stated that whoever was orchestrating such moves should desist. He called on attendees to collectively reject such actions, leading them in a unified stance against perceived malice.

The remarks come amid heightened emotions and grief surrounding Toluwanisings’ passing, which occurred on October 14, 2026. Fellow artistes and industry colleagues at the memorial event paid glowing tributes, demanding sincerity and peace as the public comes to terms with the loss.

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Crystal Hefner Accuses Late Husband Hugh Hefner of Rape and Coercion

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Crystal Hefner, the widow of late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, has accused him of subjecting her and other women to sexual abuse and coercion during their relationship.

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Speaking on the “Lisa Guerrero Unleashed” podcast, the 40-year-old said she often felt obligated to comply with Hefner’s wishes, including sexually, and questioned whether some of what she experienced amounted to rape.

“I do believe that I did whatever he wanted me to do. And if that involved sex, then I just did what he wanted me to do,” she said.

Crystal recalled situations in the bedroom that left her deeply uncomfortable, stating that some things that happened “ended up just not being OK.”

She also made a disturbing allegation involving twins Kristina and Karissa Shannon, claiming Hefner attempted to pressure them into sexual activity with each other.

“That is incest. That is disgusting,” she stated, adding that witnessing the situation was “very, very hard” for her.

Crystal further alleged that Hefner would use dirty sex toys during encounters with her and other women, describing the experiences as painful and lacking intimacy.

When host Lisa Guerrero suggested that what Crystal described “sounds like rape,” she agreed.

“He’s not gentle,” Crystal said, adding that she would be left in pain afterward.

According to Crystal, Hefner increasingly sought extreme stimulation and engaged in sexual acts that she said were not consensual or intimate.

Crystal and Hugh married in 2012 and remained together until his death at 91 in September 2017. She has since moved on with marine biologist James Ward, whom she began dating in 2024. The pair married in April.

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Ms Jorji Alleges Childhood Sexual Abuse by Father

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Rapper Ms Jorji has alleged that her father sexually abused her throughout her childhood, from the age of about 11 until she turned 18.

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Speaking in a recent discussion, she said the abuse continued for seven years while her family focused on protecting her father’s image and the family’s reputation.

“My father molested me all through my childhood,” she stated. She described a wider culture in which families often prioritise appearances over the welfare of victims.

Ms Jorji claimed sexual assault was common among women she knew, including people who worked for her, with alleged perpetrators ranging from relatives to religious figures and neighbours. “There is an epidemic that is going on in our country,” she said.

She also recounted assisting a friend who was allegedly raped in Nigeria about three months ago, saying she spent approximately ₦1 million to encourage police action, though the case remained unresolved after the suspect fled.

The rapper criticised the tendency of families to shield alleged perpetrators. “Protect my father, protect the image of the family,” she recalled being told. She argued that this focus on reputation allows abuse to continue.

Ms Jorji further challenged the idea that biological ties alone define family. “Family is not about blood. Family is the people who want the best for you and you can create family,” she said. “Just because you’re born into a family does not mean that’s where you’re supposed to stay.”

Her comments form part of a broader conversation on sexual abuse, family silence and the challenges victims face in seeking support and justice.

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