Entertainment
DecemberIssaVybe: FirstBank Sponsors ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ Stage Play
First Bank of Nigeria Limited proudly sponsored a remarkable stage play titled ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again: A Biting Satire.’ This captivating performance was masterfully directed by the acclaimed Joseph Edgar, widely recognised as The Duke of Shomolu. The play received high praise for its creative ingenuity and sharp satirical brilliance, effectively delivering a meaningful message to its audience.
The much-anticipated performance took place on December 23, 2023, at the prestigious Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Lagos. This staging was an integral part of the vibrant activities associated with the 2024 edition of FirstBank’s annual Initiative, ‘DecemberIssaVybe,’ which aims to support and promote the thriving arts and entertainment sector in Nigeria.
Written and produced by the versatile Joseph Edgar, who is also a distinguished playwright and journalist, ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is a profound satire that conveys a compelling message through clever satirical elements and well-crafted characters. Edgar describes the play as a compilation of his earlier writings that appeared in ThisDay newspaper, along with his personal reflections shared on various platforms, including WhatsApp.
This particular production marked the fourth outing of the play, with previous adaptations being celebrated and well-received. One standout performance featured the talented actress Chantal, who humorously chastised Edgar in a memorable scene, referring to him as a “self-centred Ibibio man,” eliciting laughter from the audience. Another crowd favourite was a scene set in a white garment church, directed by the iconic Segun Adefila. This lively depiction showcased the vibrant energy and joyful movements of the beautiful women attending such congregations, further engaging the audience with their energetic performances. Additionally, the play prominently featured a scene centered around the controversial journalist and TV host Rufai Oseni, thoughtfully reflecting current societal debates and media dynamics.
A significant portion of the production was dedicated to a heartfelt tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, a revered banker and former chairman of Access Holdings, known for his bold business strategies and calculated risk-taking. Edgar, drawing from his personal experiences with Wigwe, portrayed the late banker as an inspiring figure who achieved prominence through sheer determination and hard work. The narrative expressed a profound sense of loss felt by many following Wigwe’s untimely passing, resonating deeply with the audience.
The storyline of ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is a vibrant and dynamic fusion of dance, music, traditional aesthetics, and visual spectacle, seamlessly blending comedic and tragic elements. In addition to honoring Herbert Wigwe, Edgar also paid homage to other notable figures, such as Mrs. Umo Eno, the recently deceased First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, and the iconic singer Onyeka Onwenu, showcasing the play’s deep connections to the fabric of Nigerian society.
The themes explored within the play span a broad spectrum of human experience, including pain, love, joy, relationships, and the myriad challenges faced by society. It poignantly reflects the complexities of Nigerian life and culture, utilizing elements from Edgar’s finest writings to resonate with the audience on multiple levels. Furthermore, the production served as a platform to commemorate several Nigerians who have recently passed away, intertwining personal narratives with collective grief and memory, thus adding another layer of depth to the performance.
Crafted with a rich, emotional plot, ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is an exhilarating theatrical spectacle that effortlessly integrates various aspects of Nigerian culture, music, folklore, and languages. While rooted in satire, the core narrative resonates with contemporary societal realities, making the production both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to providing a memorable December experience for all generations. He remarked, “FirstBank is dedicated to facilitating unforgettable homecoming experiences this December for gatherings such as weddings, family reunions, and festive celebrations. Our collaboration with the Duke of Shomolu on this play signifies our dedication to promoting the creative industry through the arts and stage plays, aligning perfectly with our vision as an organization that cherishes Nigeria’s artistic landscape.”
Ijabiyi further highlighted FirstBank’s rich 130-year legacy of supporting the arts through its First@arts initiative. He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the diverse entertainment offerings presented throughout DecemberIssaVybe. He assured people that FirstBank is steadfast in its mission to create memorable experiences while considering the overall well-being of its customers.
The FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe is celebrated each year to enhance the arts and entertainment sectors in Nigeria. Throughout December, the bank hosts multiple opportunities and platforms that provide a memorable Homecoming Experience for Nigerians, welcoming both local and international guests. It is designed to provide access to premium live performances featuring beloved artists and engaging concerts that embody the spirit of joy and celebration, ultimately creating lasting memories for all attendees.
Looking ahead, FirstBank is actively working on an exciting lineup for the upcoming 2024 DecemberIssaVybe ensuring that both customers and social media followers can look forward to a world of entertainment that promises to be unforgettable.
This story is sponsored by FirstBank, and written by Oladapo Sofowora
Entertainment
Actor Lalude Laments Unpaid N1.5m Promised Him by MC Oluomo to Campaign for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu
Nollywood actor, Fatai Adekunle Adetayo, popularly known as Lalude, has accused the president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), MC Oluomo, of failing to fulfil financial promises made to celebrities who campaigned for President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the 2023 general elections.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Beyond the Fame podcast, Lalude expressed deep disappointment over what he described as abandonment, revealing that he and other entertainers were promised N1.5 million each by MC Oluomo but never received a dime.
Lalude, known for his iconic ‘babalawo’ roles in Yoruba movies, said he and other actors, including comedian Ganiu ‘Alapini’ Nofiu, were lodged and made to campaign for weeks without proper compensation.
According to him, they initially received N10,000 daily for feeding, but even that was stopped abruptly.
“We were camped for seven weeks. We trekked long distances every day while MC Oluomo followed us in his car. In the end, we were abandoned,” he lamented.
He claimed that both he and Alapini were promised N1.5 million each, a promise that was never fulfilled.
‘We finished the work and no dime was given to us. Is it good? It was MC who called us.
“MC promised me and Alapini. He asked us to demand for whatever we wanted. We did but we got nothing up till date.
“He took us to where we lodged to campaign for the president. He promised to give us N1.5 million each.
“Whoever is behind these misdeeds will not prosper. I know they will still come to us by 2027 and we are waiting for them?” He added bitterly.
This comes just days after veteran Nollywood actor Ganiu Nafiu, popularly known as Alapini, and actress Bukky Adekogbe Raji, also known as Aminatu Papapa, expressed deep regret for supporting President Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign.
Popular Nigerian film and stage producer, Kayode Peters, has passed away in Canada.
“Yes, he is,” Yaw told Peoples Gazette when asked if Mr Peters had died. “I am still trying to speak with his brother but he is not picking.”
Circumstances surrounding the producer’s death remain unclear as of the time of this report.
Mr Peters was known for his work on several stage plays and sitcoms, including Extended Family, and he was behind the hit comedy sitcom Flatmates in the early 2000s. He was also regarded as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television space.
Anna Wintour has stepped down as the editor-in-chief of Vogue after an impressive 37-year tenure.
According to recent reports, Condé Nast, the publisher of Vogue, has initiated the search for her successor.
This significant development marks a new era in the fashion industry, given Wintour’s unparalleled influence in shaping Vogue’s editorial direction and cementing its position as a global fashion authority.
As Wintour’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals, her departure raises questions about Vogue’s future direction and the potential shifts in editorial focus.
However, the circumstances surrounding her departure remain undisclosed.
