A Theatrical Convergence of Political Resistance, Artistic Expression, and Pan-African Vision

Olugba is a profound and evocative dance  theatre performance that critically engages with the historical, socio-political, and economic challenges that have plagued African nations post-independence. The performance serves as both a cultural reflection and a call to action, drawing on the rich traditions of African performance to address the enduring impacts of colonialism and the neo-colonial forces that continue to shape the continent’s trajectory.

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In the aftermath of colonial domination, which spanned several centuries, the African continent was left fragmented and disempowered. Nigeria, along with numerous West African nations, formally attained independence on October 1, 1960, in what should have been a momentous victory for self-determination. However, the supposed liberation brought no lasting peace or stability. Instead, the newly independent states, including Nigeria, found themselves thrust into a perpetual cycle of military coups, civil wars, and sectarian violence—symptoms of a deeper political and economic malaise.

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Olugba illuminates this historical reality by focusing on the post-colonial African condition, where independence has often been symbolic rather than substantive. It critiques the inherent instability that has plagued African governance structures, resulting from decades of foreign interference, unequal power relations, and the continued extraction of resources by external powers. The production foregrounds the paradox of Africa’s wealth—its vast and untapped natural resources—and its continued economic underdevelopment. This contradiction serves as a focal point for interrogating the political economy of the continent: Why is Africa, endowed with unparalleled natural wealth, still struggling with poverty and underdevelopment?What are the structural forces that siphon Africa’s wealth away from its people? How do global powers, particularly former colonial nations, perpetuate the continent’s dependence and stunted growth?

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At its core, Olugba uses the stage as a platform for critical reflection and political engagement. The performance interrogates the concept of neo-colonialism, a term coined by Kwame Nkrumah, which describes the continuation of foreign control over Africa's political, economic, and social systems despite the formal end of colonial rule. By addressing the role of multinational corporations, Western governments, and global financial institutions in the exploitation of African resources, Olugba calls for a radical reimagining of Africa’s future—one where African leadership takes the reins of its destiny, unburdened by external manipulation.

 

Staging Olugba

Theatrically, Olugba is an interdisciplinary performance that blends narrative storytelling, music, dance, and visual art to engage audiences both intellectually and emotionally. Drawing from the aesthetic and performative traditions of African theatre, the production uses powerful symbolism and metaphor to create a visceral experience that communicates the urgency of Africa’s struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. In this sense, Olugba is not merely a performance but a political statement—an artistic intervention into the ongoing discourse on Africa’s post-independence identity and future.

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Central to Olugba’s narrative is the urgent call for Pan-African solidarity and unity. The production advocates for a collective movement across the African continent—one that transcends national borders and ethnic divisions. By invoking the legacy of Pan-African thinkers and leaders such as Nkrumah, Nyerere, and Fanon, the performance urges Africans, especially the youth, to take an active role in shaping their own futures. Olugba challenges the pervasive brain drain and mass migration of Africa’s brightest minds to the West, encouraging young people to remain in their home countries and confront the structural challenges that hinder progress. The message is clear: Africa’s future can only be secured through the agency of its own people, and it is up to this generation to seize the opportunity to break free from the chains of neo-colonial dependency.

Olugba does not shy away from the harsh realities facing Africa, but it also offers a vision of hope and renewal. It envisions a continent that rises above its historical legacies, embraces its rich cultural and intellectual heritage, and forges a path toward political and economic sovereignty. In this way, the performance serves as a clarion call to the African people, urging them to reclaim their narrative and steer the continent towards a more equitable, prosperous, and self-sufficient future.

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Ultimately, Olugba is a convergence of political resistance, artistic expression, and academic inquiry. It underscores the necessity of decolonizing both the mind and the material conditions of Africa, while reaffirming the continent’s potential to chart its own course. Through this dynamic and multifaceted performance, Olugba contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the future of Africa, offering a transformative vision that seeks to inspire a generation of leaders committed to the continent’s renewal.