By Olayinka Akanbi
In the last quarter, the theatre stage proved that some of Nigeria’s most powerful stories are still best told live.
Through productions such as Dear Kaffy, OBEY, and ZIK, Nigerian theatre combined artistry, cultural heritage, and world-class performances to demonstrate that local narratives can achieve both national relevance and international appeal.
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Dear Kaffy: A Modern Lagos Story
Produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters and BAP Productions, Dear Kaffy: Diary of a Single Woman made its London debut at the Shaw Theatre in August after successful runs in Lagos and South Africa.
The play follows Kikelomo “Kaffy” Olota, a successful woman navigating career ambitions, family expectations, and relationships in modern Lagos.
Through humour, music, and everyday experiences, the story explores issues many young professionals can relate to.
What makes the play compelling is its simplicity.
Although deeply rooted in Lagos, its themes are universal.
Whether in Nigeria, London, or elsewhere, many people understand the pressure of trying to live life on their own terms while managing societal expectations.
OBEY: Celebrating a Music Legend
OBEY looks back at one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians.
Produced by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, the play tells the story of Ebenezer Obey, whose music has entertained and inspired Nigerians for decades.
More than a biography, the production explores the journey of a man whose life is closely intertwined with Nigeria’s cultural history.
Through music and storytelling, audiences are reminded of Obey’s enduring impact across generations.
For many Nigerians in the diaspora, the London performance also provided an opportunity to reconnect with a cultural icon whose music remains part of family memories and celebrations.
ZIK: Bringing History to the Stage
Also staged in London by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, ZIK focuses on the life of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, one of the leading figures in Nigeria’s independence movement and the country’s first President.
The production brings history to life by looking beyond textbooks to explore the man behind the public image—his vision, leadership, and role in shaping modern Nigeria.
At a time when conversations about leadership and nation-building continue across the country, the play offers audiences an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey and the individuals who helped shape it.
What connects Dear Kaffy, OBEY, and ZIK is their diversity in storytelling.
One explores contemporary life, another celebrates a music icon, and the third revisits a pivotal historical figure.
Yet all three share a common purpose: telling Nigerian stories.
Their success in London highlights how far Nigerian theatre has come and how much further it can go.
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No longer limited to local audiences, it is increasingly finding a place on international stages, proving that Nigerian stories, history, and culture can resonate anywhere in the world.
