It was bliss for lovers of theatre, dance, drama and music, when award-winning hit musicals Kakadu and Wakaa hit the stage at the popular Agip and Shell halls of the Muson Centre in Lagos. Proudly sponsored by MTN Foundation (MTNF) as part of its contributions to arts and culture, advancing theatre and performing arts in Nigeria, Kakadu and Wakaa the musical from the stables of Playhouse Initiative and Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions, respectively were among the very few entertainment gatherings that closed 2015 on a good note.
On MTN Foundation’s sponsorship, the Executive Secretary, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, said it is excited to see a crop of beneficiaries of its music scholarship programme in partnership with The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) distinguishing themselves in their chosen careers and applying what they have learnt in the course of their programme.
“It is worthy of note that some of the beneficiaries of the MTNF-Muson Scholarship programme who have excelled in their chosen careers are part of the two plays. For instance, two of the beneficiaries – Ayo Ajayi and Lawal Seyi who graduated in 2008 and 2014, respectively were part of the cast and crew for ‘Wakaa, The Musical.’ While the former is the play’s Music Director, the latter is the Tenor Sax. We at the Foundation are really excited about these bold moves from our beneficiaries,” she said.
Inspired by the outstanding performances recorded by the MTNF Musical scholarship beneficiaries, Ugboma said, “the MTN Foundation will not relent in its commitment to the development of arts and culture, grooming the next generation of music scholars in support of the performing arts industry in Nigeria.”
The MTNF music scholarship programme is targeted at students with a flair for music. The scholarship provides the beneficiaries an opportunity to acquire quality music education leading to the MUSON Diploma in Music. In its nine years of existence, over 200 students have graduated from the programme while another 60 students are presently undergoing training.
Wakaa! is about the trials, successes and experiences of six young graduates with varied backgrounds, while Kakadu is a journey back into history. It gives the audience, particularly the younger generation, an insight into the early life of Nigeria as an independent nation.
