FELA! (on broadway?) IN LAGOS...

So apparently the show, FELA! ON BROADWAY (except its not really on broadway) is coming to Lagos finally. After much protests, the producers have finally succumbed and agreed to bring the show to Fela's homeland. Infact the show is supposedly being staged right at home in The New African Shrine on the 19th of March and then at Eko Hotel from the 23rd to the 29th of March.

Readers this is such good news to me, I could not help but share... I dont know how many of you are dedicated Fela fans but Im sure you will appreciate that this is AMAHHZING! The show has been staged in America and London and Lagos is the third destination on the path of this successful smash hit.

It is not clear whether the cast will be Nigerian or if it will run with its usual cast...

May I confess at this juncture that despite my excitement and the track record of success which the show has enjoyed up until now, I can not help but express my doubts in the Nigerian public's reception of this exotic reiteration. It may be a lose-lose situation: Use a Nigerian cast and its a case of "too close for comfort, no one cane ever be like FELA" or Use a foreign cast and its a case of "the west has destroyed our traditions... they can never be as good as Fela". Either way NO ONE CAN EVER BE AS GOOD AS FELA sooo....

I personally think they should stick to a foreign cast. For once I want to sit back and watch the west try to be like us... Fela has afforded Nigeria that luxury.

What do you think. Will you be attending?

BAKE SALE @ LIFEHOUSE

Ooh La La, Lagos Je T'aime!

I have been out of town for almost a month missing this city deeply and wondering if I'd be able to blend into the madness when I get back, if the city will bring me the joy it always has. I guess this is where the wondering ends. A BAKE SALE! In short, these are the things I live for! If you live in Lagos, there is no reason to be caught elsewhere on sunday (unless ofcourse you are diabetic as this will be seriouss torture!)

FOOD AFFAIR

presents "the discerning palate"

SWEETS and DESSERT SALE
at Lifehouse -- 33 Sinari Darinijo Street, Off Younis Bashorun, Off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sunday, 19th September 2010; 12pm - 5pm

From Lagos' finest including

Abule
Cupyd's Patisserie,
CamCam sweeties,
Robert's Cakes
T-Kup
And a newbie SEYE BAKES

A cafe style dessert brunch on the green where N1000 gets you all-you-can-sample access to perfectly made cupcakes, muffins, chai tea, sorrell drinks and other carefully selected treats like all the sweeties you've grown to love and sometimes miss. It also allows you redeem a full-size item from a vendor of choice (limited to participating vendors and items).

Of course there is healthy stuff for you health nuts. Come and be delightfully placated!

Free entry if you come before 1 pm

Drawings, Water Colour and Pastel Art Exhibition

Society of Nigerian Artists (Lagos Charter) are hosting an exhibition of drawings, water colour and pastel art by artists such as Oliver Enwowu, Jeff Oneyere and Dotun Alabi.

The purpose of the exhibition is to restore the importance of drawings as a finished art form and to appreciate rarely used art forms in Nigeria, such as watercolour and pastel paintings. Actually coming to think of it, I can't remember the last time I saw a drawing in an art gallery asides from the last show I attended at the Omenka Gallery. If something is not done about this, finished drawings will soon be extict on the art scene in this country so this is a magnificent idea! Oui?

I expect this to be a subtle breath of fresh air so if you have the time (and cash) go bagsy yourself a delicate piece of art or if your like me, just observe.

Date: Saturday, 14th August- Saturday, 21st August 2010.
Venue: Ben Enwowu Foundation's art gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos.

PS: There's a clash of FSL's events here and coincidentally they are both rt exhibitions. Which will you attend on saturday? Omenka or Terra? I've made my decision. Whats yours?

Terra Kulture Miniature Art Fair

Hello Readers!

Feels soo good to be back (albeit for the next 15 mins). I know I'm not meant to be back on here until mid august but as I suspected something irresistable has cropped up so I decided that instead of spending my break occupied with meaningless chats, it makes more sense to blog in the public interest. Ok to cut my excuses short, I MUST BLOG!

The reason for my return is the Miniature Art Fair at Terra Kulture

Fresh, fun and feisty, this collection of works by the chosen 65 unheralded artists is sight for sore eyes. It is targeted for people like you and I who can't afford the works of Kolade Osinowo, Job Obateru and the likes.

The fair will be on at Terra Kulture from the 14th to the 19th of August and the doors open at 4pm on the 14th. This is the poster which shows the numbered works and their respective artists.

I particularly love No's 5, 20, 50, 51 and 58. The expression of the children in 5 is so true to life, reminds me of the worldcup... Yes random but, moving on swifly- who loves the color palette on 20? I find it irresistable. Oh and don't miss out the cutesy sand bottle just like the ones u get in dubai!

I feel like there's actually something for everyone. The collection is very diverse and at this juncture I'd like to congratulate those who carefully selected the works to be showcased at the fair. Kudos. I Don't know if there's more works than the 65 on the poster but I would be happy to go along and feast my eyes on only these 65 (hopefully I won't be just feasting my eyes but also a wall in my house!).

To be honest the poster for the fair speaks for itself (in law, res ipsa loquitur) so enjoy. On that note I best get back to my law books!

See you on the 14th

Keziah Jones @ Terra Kulture

Hello all,

Sorry for the long absence but unfortuntely we'll have to get used to it because due to exams I've had to cut down on my internet hours. Thats by the way anyway...

Keziah's in town again so this is an opportunity for everyone who missed out last time at Jazzhole to catch him. I assure it will be well worth your money and you will leave feeling inspired and hopeful.

The doors open at 7pm and the show kicks off at 8pm with Vincent Ezelle, a new Nigerian group delivering pure funk, soul and jazz while singing about our favourite city, Lagos in pidgin, yoruba and Ibo (check them out on www.vincentezelle.com). Seriously I reckon they are force to reckon with. The instrumentals sound so western, you can hardly believe what its covered with when you hear the vocals. And to think they are just an additional bonus to the original prize- Keziah Jones. I reckon you start putting your money together for this one. See you there

Keziah Jones
Thursday, June 10
Terra Kulture
Tiamiyu Savage
Victoria Island, Lagos
Tickets: N5,000 (buy online at www.naira.com or at The Jazzhole - 168 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi /The Life House - 33 Senari Darinjo Street, Off Younis Bashorun, VI; Chams City Ikeja - 2 Isaac John Road, Ikeja)

View and Buy Trunk Show!

This is a great opportunity to add some brand new unique pieces to your wardrobes and homes. Plus trunk shows are always fun so I think everyone should pop in and see what's available. I can atleast guarantee phunkafrique will put a smile on your faces ladies.

Great sales @ the Second Annual View and Buy Trunk Show.
Join B*Jeweled Accessories, Tai's Closet, Phunk Afrique & Yinkus Pinkus @ 84 Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island. By Mr Biggs on 16th May, 2010.12 - 7pm
All fashion lovers come, shop and enjoy a unique fun-filled day. Hope to see you there.
Items for sale includes, dresses, tops and shoes from tai's closet, great accessories from B*Jeweled, ready to wear African collection provided by Phunk Afrique and beautiful Indian attires/home furnishings provided by yinkus pinkus

Garment Galore at Rehab

I know Im late with this. I've been meaning to put it up but I keep forgetting and posting other things.

Anyway for those who love dresses, Leo Leo Nigeria is presenting 2 sundays of DRESSES, DRESSES, DRESSES. There will be all sorts of dresses up for sale- sun dresses, lounging dresses, dinner dresses- Its LADIES UTOPIA basically. But there's also Kaftans on sale for guys so you can tag your boyfriend/husband along and he wont feel left out.

The event also features items from the label Pretty Mai, UK.

It'll be at Rehab – 228b Ajose Adeogun Street Victoria Island Lagos

Date: 2nd & 9th of May
Time: 10am to 7 pm

The Other Side at Terra

Western Europe and North America have crumbling economies, despotic leaders and unstable governments. Africa has always been the land of plenty, a stable prosperous continent, and Lagos, its most attractive city. Darren Campbell, a white male born and raised in the United Kingdom seeks his fortune in Lagos as an illegal immigrant.

The theatre at Terra play for may is... "The other side" so for those of us that missed out on "Prison Chronicles" last month, this is another chance to catch another of Wole Oguntokun's plays.

Venue - Terra Kulture
Every Sunday in May
3pm & 6pm
Tickets-N2500

Keziah Jones @ Jazzhole

I have just really discovered Keziah Jones A.K.A. Olufemi Sanyaolu. I had previously heard "Rhythm of Love" by him but didnt realise firstly, that he's Nigerian and infact a LAGOSIAN by birth and secondly, that he is as consistent as it appears he is. If you havent heard of Keziah Jones readers, pls youtube him or check him out on www.keziahjones.com. He's really worth a listen.

His music is a fusion of what you've never imagined. There are hints of blues, funk (which he calls blufunk), jazz, rock, soul and afrobeat all encompassed in one. Its really Epic- Think Fela Kuti meets Jimi Hendrix (and yea he's also a guitarist). In short Jazzhole is going to be the place to be on friday (I can already imagine the vibe! Ohh i loove Lagos!)

Anyhooos I particularly love the songs "KPAFUCA" from his Black Orpheus album and "My kinda girl" from his most recent album "Nigerian Wood" so I've posted them below for those of you interested in discovering joy! :-)

Deets on the show are on the image above. Tickets are on sale at jazzhole. Enjoy!

N.B: If you are reading this on your mobile, remember to log on when next you are on a computer to watch the videos. What do you think of Keziah?

Nneka @ De Marquee

Yayyy!! Nneka is at De Marquee again!

This is for all you lovers of well-expressed soul music. Actually NNEKA is not just a soul musician. Her music is a mixture of everything- hip hop, AFROBEAT, reggae and soul. Its what we referred to as "indie" (independent) music. Her music is DEEP. She sings about love, Africa, poverty, globalisation, and the plight of the Niger-Delta region in Nigeria.

She will be performing at De Marquee with her live band on Sunday, 18th April 2010 at 6.30pm. Gate fee- N3000. De Marquee is the Penthouse bar at Mega Plaza, 4th floor, Idowu Martins. Enjoy!!

Tainted Visions Art Exhibition

The Ben Enwonwu Foundation is organising an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Obi Nwaegbe called "Tainted Visions".

It starts on Friday, April 16th 2010 and goes on to Friday, April 23rd 2010 at the Omenka Gallery- 24 Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos. Time: 4pm.

Golden Jubilee Auction 2010

 

 

 

 

 

I must apologise for the minimal activity readers. My internet has been acting up and I havent been able to put up any posts that include images. I wanted to share some of my favourite paintings from this auction so I didnt want to put up just text. The following post is 2 days old but here you go nontheless:

Ok I've literally just arrived back in Lagos and this is why I loveeee this city! Its all already jumping at me!!! I can see it everywhere, I cant escape the art and creativity even if I tried... Good News!

The Golden Jubilee Auction 2010 is an art auction organised by and holding at TERRA KULTURE on APRIL, 24TH 2010 at 4PM. It is being organised to celebrate Nigeria's Independence anniversary so you might know it know it as the "Waiting for Independence auction". There are about 100 works of art on action including paintings, carvings and other antiquities.

There will be a wide range of works on auction from varied artists including Bruce Onobrakpeya, Jimoh Buraimoh, Tola Wewe, Kolade Oshinowo, Rom Isichei and many more. I have had a look at the catalogue and I guarantee you this will be eye candy!! The catalogue itself is so evocative, I cannot imagine what some of the paintings will look like in actuality.

I have scanned pictures of some of the paintings in the catalogue. What do you think? Will you be attending?

FASHION AUCTION HOUSE presents "EDEN"

"Eden" is the third auction put together by FASHION AUCTION HOUSE and an awereness campaign for the Genesis House women's rehabilitation centre.

Genesis House women's rehabilitation centre is run by Freedom Foundation and is a shelter for victims of trafficking and sexual slavery. It rescues women and girls who are subjected to trafficking within Nigeria.

Naturally being an action, YOU determine the price and as usual it will feature numerous foxy, alluring handbags and shoes. You cant miss this bargain! Ladies how better can u spend your money than invest in a glamorous sturdy handbag and at the same time donate to charity all with one swipe of your card! At this point can i mention that Genesis House will be given 100% of the proceeds of ALL the handbags sold at the auction!!!! YESSS u heard right, 100%!

No on a more serious not women, trafficking is factual and evident in our society so we should do the little we can to help.

The fashion auction is on SUNDAY, 18TH OF APRIL 2010 at SAIPAN and will do no damage to your pocket if u find nothing that pleases you so why stay home??

Ultra Art Fair

Ultra Art Fair (01.01.2010- 31.12.2010) Harbour Lagos Dock 8

Word on the street is the Ultra Art Fair which has been a huge success in Miami, Dubai and Basel is now in Lagos, Nigeria. I tell you, Lagos is definitely becoming MAHUSSIVE on the art scene. Forget what your parents and grandparents say and fight for your right to be arty. This is definitely the decade for a change in our outlook on artistic careers!