People, events that shaped art scene in 2013

 By ADA DIKE

As usual, the arts scene in Nigeria opened with its style of events occurring one after the other.

Good side of 2013

 

Late Achebe

Literary world

Prof Wole Soyinka won the Lifetime Achievement award

In the literary domain, Nigerian writers have continued to win international awards through their works. In April, Prof Wole Soyinka won the Lifetime Achievement award of the annual Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.

Helon Habila became a DAAD Fellow

 Helon Habila once won the Commonwealth Prize for Literature, The Orange Prize. In 2013, he became a DAAD Fellow 2013-2014. He had won literary honours such as the Commonwealth Prize. His latest novel is called Oil on Water.

Tope Folarin won £10,000 Caine Prize

There was jubilation in Nigeria’s literary world when a US-based Nigerian writer, Tope Folarin, was awarded the 2013 prestigious Caine Prize for African writing.

He received the £10,000 ($15,000) prize for his short story Miracle, which is set in an evangelical Nigerian church in Texas, United States of America. The book’s plot raced through a congregation that gathers at a church to witness the healing powers of a blind pastor-prophet.

Tade Ipadeola emerged winner of 2013 NLNG Prize

Author and poet, Tade Ipadeola with The Sahara Testaments, this year emerged the winner of the biggest literary prize in Africa, the 2013 Nigerian prize for literature, which comes with $100,000 cash prize. He beat two other poets on the shortlist - Ogochukwu Promise and Chidi Amu Nnadi.

ANA elected national executive members

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) elected new national executive council members on November 9, 2013 during its 32nd Annual General meeting at Akure, Ondo State.

Remi Raji was re-elected unopposed as President along with his Vice President, Denja Abdullahi, among others.

Chimamanda Adichie unveiled her latest novel, Americanah

Many award winning authors that published books this year among others were: Chimamanda Adichie who published first award winning novel in 2006, Half of a Yellow Sun, unveiled her latest novel, Americanah at TerraKulture, Victoria Island, Lagos this year. Published by Farafina, the synopsis of the book revealed that Americanah is a book which shows the ‘been-to’ syndrome many people display in all they do after returning from the United States of America. She had won the Commonwealth Prize for Literature, The Orange Prize.

Prof Wole Soyinka

Port Harcourt nominated as The World Book Capital

Port Harcourt was made the World Book capital by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) last year after it defeated Oxford in the United Kingdom and Moscow in Russia amongst others.
According to the UNESCO panel that made the final decision, "The City of Port Harcourt was nominated World Book Capital 2014 on account of the quality of its programme, in particular its focus on youth and the impact it would have on improving Nigeria's culture of books, reading, writing and publishing to improve literacy rates" says the panel of judges who reviewed all the nominations.”
According to Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, “The Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 project is a crowning glory for the genuine investment of the State in Education as well as its commitment to empowerment of the youths of River State through promotion of literary activities and knowledge-acquisition programmes in the state. He continued, “next year, we will be staging a lot of reading and writing activities; we will play host to eminent writers from around the world; there will be lots of book exhibitions and other activities. We are all excited about the prospects.”

Lara Wise launched a book

Ace broadcaster, Lara Owoeye Wise launched a book ‘Lessons of Life (LOL) with Lara,’ in memory of her late son, Timilehin Owoeye-Wise who passed on exactly one year ago.
 She used the proceeds from the launch to send teenage school drop-out mothers back to school, also planned to provide a mini library and computer room where beneficiaries can tap from; and provide an avenue for counselling and sexuality education for them as well as create a crèche where the young mothers can keep their babies during school hours.
 The author, Lara who described her late son as quintessential and very comic, said though, she is a gifted writer, the urge to write became more of an escape route for her following the death of Timilehin.

Conversations with Lamidi Fake was launched

Conversations with Lamidi Fake, authored by Dr, Ohioma Pogoson and Omooba Yemisi Shyllon on Wednesday March 27, 2013 presented to the public at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos.

Published by Quintessence Nigeria Ltd and Revilo Company Ltd, the

event which commenced at 11.00am, was chaired by Chief Shonekan CBE, GCFR.

Photography

In photography, many young who emulate Chief J. D. Ojeikere showcased their works this year such as a group known as Invisible Borders.

Also, f/stop (Circle of Encounter) exhibited their work recently in Lagos.

These are great fine art and documentary photographers namely: Timipre Willis Amah, Ebiware Okiy, Israel  Ophori, Tuoyo Omagba and Perez Tigidam who unveiled rich, historic culture, lifestyle and sense of documentary pictures about the Niger Delta.

Tagged: Circus of Encounter, the exhibition which took place at the Quintessence Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, reflected different views and issues concerning Niger Delta. The photographers belong to a new group known as f/stop which creates images to promote the Niger Delta.

LagosPhoto Festival 2013

An internationally recognised art festival known as LagosPhoto Festival which was launched in 2010 was celebrated this year. The month long event which took place in November include exhibition, panel discussion workshop, artists presentations and so on.

Lakin Ogunbanwo’s ‘Muse’ solo exhibitions

Multi talented Nigerian born and based photographer, Lakin Ogunbanwo,  is still having ‘Muse,’ his solo exhibitions curated by Marc Prust.

Ogunbanwo is a self trained artist who has become one of the most preferred artists since 2011 by individuals and organizations due to his distinctive style of photography presented his art exhibition in Lagos in two parts: Part one was on view from December 5 to December 9, 2013, at Didi Museum while Part two started from December 19, 2013 and will end on February 19, 2014 at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi.

He first began practicing his art while studying at Law school in the United Kingdom. He made his way to Paris where he fine-tuned his talent at the Speos Photography Institute.

Films

Half of a Yellow Sun film premiered

Half of a Yellow Sun, the highly-anticipated film had its world premiere at the 38^th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sunday, September 8, 2013, at the Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto, Canada.

Based on the award-winning novel by Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Half of a Yellow Sun is directed by prolific UK-based Nigerian playwright, Biyi Bandele, and produced by Andrea Calderwood (HBO’s Generation Kill, The Last King of Scotland: winner of three BAFTAs and an Oscar). The British/Nigerian co-production was shot at the Tinapa Film Studios in Calabar, Cross River State and in London.

The British-born Nigerian actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor (star of Inside Man, American Gangster, 12 Years a Slave), and Thandie Newton (star of Crash, For Colored Girls, The Pursuit of Happyness), led the cast of Nigerian and international actors to the festival. Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls, The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency), John Boyega (Attack the Block) and top Nollywood actors Genevieve Nnaji and Onyeka Onwenu also attended the premiere.

Set in 1960s Nigeria, Half of a Yellow Sun is an epic love-story weaving together the lives of four people swept up in the turbulence of the Nigerian civil war.  The sweeping romantic drama chronicles the lives of Olanna (Thandie Newton) and Kainene (Anika Noni Rose), two glamorous twins from a wealthy Nigerian family.

A scene from the movie

The gods are not to blame hit big screen

Popular play by Late Ola Rotimi, “The Gods Are Not To Blame” hit the cinemas this year.

Entitled:  ‘The gods Are Still Not To Blame’, the movie mirrors the myth of cultural transmission and reveals a story about a queen mother (Carol King) who tries to save her new born baby from being killed as suggested by the diviner. The baby was discovered to have a bad destiny-to kill his father and marry his mother. Things however go awry when 28 years after, fate brings the child in contact with his destiny.

Directed by Funke Fayoyin and produced by Byron Ene, the play featured popular actors including Bukky Ajayi, Norbert Young, Ireti Doyle, Funsho Adeolu, Yemi Eleuibon, Moji Olaiya, Bayo Alawiye, Omowumi Dad Seun,  Akindele and Dele Odule.

Festivals

Ekiti standing troupe

Lagos Black Heritage Festival

Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF) which was held in Lagos State early this year attracted a lot of tourists into the country. Many dance troupes and masquerades from different states in the country displayed their artistry at the festival.

Osun Osogbo festival

Osun Osogbo festival commenced on August 12, 2013 with the clearing of traditional paths to the Osun Grove, followed by the departure of the maid Arugba-Osun from the shrine with a calabash on August 23.

The celebration of Osun-Osogbo festival is known among the indigenes, the state and the country as a whole as a major festival and rendezvous. It brings all sons and daughters of Osogbo land from within and in the Diaspora to their roots. Also people from many continents of the world graced this year’s festival.
A film titled Osunfunke, sponsored by the government and produced by first female talking drummer, Ara, was premiered during the festival. Among top musicians that thrilled tourists with their songs include apala music star, Musiliu Haruna-Isola during the Atupa Oloju Merindinlogun (lighting of the 16-eyed lamp) event. Other special features in this year’s event included the introduction of art exhibition, musical concert, football competition, golfers’ cocktail night and health talks

 

Osun-Osogbo purification ritual photo by OYASAF

Ofala Festival

Ofala Festival began with a huge start with an International Art Exhibition at the hall of the Ime Obi, the Onitsha Royal Palace, Onitsha, Anambra State. It was the first time an art exhibition is holding in the history of the festival, and it is the 11th Ofala festival during the tenure of the current Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi.

The Oreze Art Exhibition featured 53 artists from within and outside Nigeria, among whom were 12 Onitsha artists, three from Ghana, two from Republic of Benin and some from Togo. The exhibition closed on Friday, October 11, 2013.

Society of Nigerian Artists celebrated 50^th anniversary

Members of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), a professional body for all practising visual artists founded in 1963 by artists from various art schools in Nigeria marked its 50^th anniversary this year. This body exists to encourage Nigerian artists, serve as a platform for them to air their views on artistic matters and contribute positively to national development.

SNA turned 50 this year 2013 and the national chapter marked the anniversary with a distinguished Lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed: “The Role of Art in National Transformation” on June 11, 2013, the lecture was delivered by Romuald Hazonme, a-Porto Novo born artist. The occasion was chaired by Chief Arthur Mbanefo and the guest of honour was Dr. Abdullahi Muku, the Director General, National Gallery of Modern Art.

In continuation to the celebration, many chapters in various states celebrated the anniversary with fanfare.  

The Lagos State Chapter of SNA in marking the anniversary included 15^th Annual Juried Art Exhibition titled ‘October Rain’. With the theme: “National Transformation,” it took place at the Nike Art Centre, #2 Elegushi Road, Ikate Roundabout, Lekki Epe Expressway, Lagos on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 4:00 pm.

Some of the exhibiting artists are: Pa JD Ojiekere, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Mr. Olu Ajayi, Mr. Uyobisere Abraham Mr. Dotun Alabi, Mr. W Okonyeh-Dixon, Mr. Bunmi Lasaki, Mr. Akeem Balogun, Mrs. Ojeomoghia Leticia, Mr. Mc Bede Okpara, Mr. Aimufia Osagie, Mr. Gbenga Billyrose, Mr. Idowu Sonaya, Mrs. Odun Orimolade, Mr. Kehinde Oso, Mr. Olojo-Kosoko, Mr. Ojo Olatubosun, Mr. Aladegbongbe, Mr. Aderinsye, Mr. Ajibade Awoyemi, Mr. Agose Partrick and Mr. Ezekiel Efe Ukoh.

The celebration was rounded off with a Gala night/Fund raising/Induction and Award ceremony on December 5, 2013 at Terra Kulture, Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

Wooden Flute Tapestry

Plateau State artists held exhibition in Lagos

 As part of the celebration of 50th anniversary for practising visual artists, the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Plateau State Branch held an art in exhibition in Lagos State.

With the theme: Celebrating Peace, the exhibition which took place at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, began around 2.00 pm on Friday November, 1, and ended on Wednesday, November 6, 2013.

In his welcome address, the president of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Plateau State Chapter, Mr. Ezekiel Emealereta Udubrae, said SNA Plateau Chapter has not relented in ensuring that peace reigns in the state, using their works.

Exhibition centres

National Museum, Didi Museum, TerraKulture, Eko Hotels and Suites, Nike Arts Centre, and so on, were the centres where theatre and art exhibition took place this year.

World renowned painters, sculptors including Bruce Onobrakpeya, Prof Yusuf Grillo, Dr. Demas Nwoko, Kolade Oshinowo, Lemi Ghariokwu and Ndidi Dike, among others played important roles in the art scene.

Alos hundreds of artists did exhibition in many parts the country this year.

Bayelsa hosted 27th edition of NAFEST

This year's 27th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) took place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital in September 2013.

The week-long event featured competitions such as traditional dance music, arts and craft, children’s essay writing, children’s drawing and painting, traditional wrestling, book fair and guided tours to tourist sites in the state.

iRep International Documentary Film Festival

The third edition of I-Represent (iRep) International Documentary Film Festival, which took place at the Freedom Park, Lagos, Nigeria showcased huge African talents.

The annual festival, dedicated to promote awareness about the power of documentary films served as a means of deepening and sharing social and cultural education as well as encouraging participatory democracy in African societies.

Titled: “Reconnections: Africa in self-conversation,” the festival, which began on Monday March 21 and ended on Sunday March 24, featured over 30 well packaged and award winning documentaries sourced from notable and upcoming filmmakers around Africa and its Diaspora. The films treated themes that concern developments and realities around Africa and its people. Specifically, the films dealt with issues like culture, politics, affirmation, spirituality, religion, conflict, and gender discrimination, among others.

Award winning films that were screened at the festival, among others include: Orisa by Kunle Afolayon, Rolling Dollar: Legend Unplugged by Femi Odugbemi, Mbekk Mi by Sophie Bachelier, United States of Hoodoo by Oliver Hardt, Crackle of our times by Sybille Dahrendorf, Oranian by Tobias Lindner, J.D Okhai Ojeikere, Master of photographer by Tam Fiofori, Ifa of the Yoruba by Tunde Kelani and Holy Land by Anna Somershaf.

15^th Lagos Book and Art Festival

It was indeed a three-day exciting moments at the 15th Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) which started from November 15 and ended on 17, 2013 at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos.

The event which was organised by the Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) kicked off around 10 am on Friday, November 15 with Writing Short Fiction Stories for Young Adults (UK and Nigeria Perspective), followed by ‘My Encounter with the Book’ by ace comedian, Julius Agwu, who told children the role books have played in his life.

There were readings, reviews and discussions around key books on Nigeria’s history after the colloquium.  Former Managing Director of Daily Times, Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo, poet Tolu Ogunlesi and Adesokan amongst others were on the panel. The books include Ngozi Okonjo Iweala’s ‘Reforming The Unreformable’; El Rufai’s ‘The Accidental Public Servant’; Alabi Isama’s   ‘The Tragedy of Victory: On-The-Spot Account of The Nigeria-Biafra War In The Atlantic Theatre’;  Achebe’s ‘A Man Of The People’ and Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s ‘Path To Nigerian Freedom’.

Felabration 2013

Felabration, the distinctive annual celebration of Afrobeat maestro, Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, which provides an opportunity for sober reflection on the life and time of the legend as well what his music stand for,kicked up on Tuesday, October 8, 2013, with secondary schools debate which was held at the Freedom Park, Lagos. We gathered that the debate was won by Oriwu Senior Secondary School.

The event officially commenced on 14 October with a symposium at First Floor, Kongi's Harvest Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos.
Titled: Movement of the People: The Fela/Bob Marley Perspective, Prof John Collins (Bokoor Studios, Ghana) was the special guest and other speakers among others include: Funsho Ogundipe (Aiyetoro) and Gboyega Oyedele (Afrologic).

The festival’s street carnival was held on Saturday 19 October, across the streets of Ikeja, Lagos, but the music segment of the festival took place at the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos.

October 20 was the high point of this year’s festival as Femi Kuti and Kymani Marley, son of reggae music legend, Bob Marley were on the same stage to thrill audience.

Also, fuji music exponent, King Wasiu Marshal (K1), 2Face Idibia and Africa rapper No. M.I, among others featured in this year’s Felabration which was set up to celebrate the life, times and music of the genius Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

  Music Scene

Nigerian music industry is one of the fastest growing industries in Nigeria. Many artistes have continued to win international awards and collaborate with international stars.

Recently, Huffington post released a list of its own version of 10 Richest African musicians with 2Face, P’Square, D’banj and Banky W making the list.

Good music and some artistes became the toast of Nigerians as the likes of Ice Prince, Davido, Solidstar, Tiwa Savage and so on, released albums this year. The official launch of Late Chief Mrs. Christy Essien Igbokwe’s foundation and the presentation of her 11th and final album “All Of A Sudden” took place in November at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos.

Major International stars such as Maria Carey, Rapper Wale, Jill Scott, South African Pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, Marcus Miller, Soul/R’n’B, Mary J. Blige (MJB) and many gospel artistes thrilled their fans in Nigeria this year .

Nigerian artistes also won major international awards while some of them became brand ambassadors to telecommunications companies and others.

Some of them parted ways with their managers including Wande Coal and D’Prince. Some of them also got married this year including pop star, Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz, Peter Okoye of P’Square and Lola Omotayo, and 2Face and Annie Macaulay, among others.

Controversies, protests and strike

The National Arts Theatre, Lagos

The National Art Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos

  In April 2013, many people kicked against the proposed concession of the surroundings of the National Art Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos which the federal proposed to give to private investors to build shopping malls, hotels and other facilities.

Over a hundred members of the affected stakeholders in the culture and arts industry protested the Federal Government’s plan to concession some part of the National Theatre premises.

Some of the groups included Guild of Nigerian Fine Artists, Nigerian Dance Guild and the Radio Television Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU). Also, Artistes’ Village Network, led by Mr. Jude Udueni, protested against government’s plan to move them out the National Theatre.

In November, workers at the National Museum, Lagos embarked on a peaceful protest, requesting for efficient and corrupt-free museum system.

Bad sides of 2013

Deaths

In 2013, arts world had its own fair share of negative occurrences which left sadness in the hearts of many people. The year 2013 opened up on a bad note with the death of Yemi Ajibade, a playwright and actor who died on January 24, 2013. Born in 1929, he made it in theatre within and outside Nigeria

Goldie

Pop artiste Susan Harvey popularly known as Goldie died on February 14, this year at the age of 31 after a brief illness.

Prof Chinua Achebe

The author of the widely read novel, Things Fall Apart, died on March 21, 2013, at a hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Until his death, he was the David and Mariana Fisher University Professor of African Studies and Literary Arts at Brown University, an American Ivy-league institution located in Providence, Rhode Island.

The late literary giant was buried in his compound, Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on 23 May 2013.

Fatai Rolling Dollar

On June 12, 2013, news of the death of the legendary singer, Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju came as a shock to his friends, family members and fans.

Popularly known as Fatai Rolling Dollar, he was born on the 22nd July 1926 to the family of late Chief Olagunju in Ede, Osun State. Won Kere Si Number Wa is one of his popular songs that a lot of people know him with.

He was relevant in the art scene even at old age. He began his musical career in 1953, many professional musicians including Evangelist Ebenezer Obey and Late Dr. Orlando Owoh, amongst others went through his tutelage. He is one of the pioneers of Juju music genre in Nigeria

Folasayo Frances

Barely few days to Professor Chinua Achebe’s burial, another death occurred in the literary community. Creative writer, visual artist and performing artiste, Ms. Folasayo Dele-Ogunrinde, died peacefully  after praying with her father.  She died of stomach cancer at the age of 45 in Houston, the United States of America.

Ms. Ogunrinde graduated with a degree in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan in the 1980s, before she decided to embrace arts. The author of a 1989 British Council/Association of Nigerian Authors award-winning play, The Woman With a Past (Heinemann Books, Nigeria) was a recipient of the Christopher Okigbo Poetry Prize. She’s the author of Conversations With The Soul At 3:00 A.M., a collection of love poems and art photography. She relocated to the United States in 1995, where she pursued a Master's degree in Animal Nutrition from the Iowa State University. She has a patented innovative artistic mixed media style in the United States.

Kofi Awoonor

Great African voice, Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Professor Kofi Awoonor, who travelled to Kenya to participate in the Storymoja Hay Festival, a celebration of writing and storytelling was killed by a terrorists attack.

Born on March 13, 1935, he died on September 21, 2013, after sustaining injuries during the attack by Somali militant group, al-Shabaab at Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya.