Patrick Diabuah
An ensemble cast and crew of approximately 100 people will deliver Living L’Abuja Loca, an unforgettable musical theatre of music, dance, and drama, to an anticipated audience of over 5,000 guests in five performances over three days just before Christmas takes centre stage in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A production of Bani Media Productions, which is proudly presenting its musical theatre debut Living L’Abuja Loca at the Mediterranean Recreation Centre, Asokoro, Abuja, the schedule for the three-day show runs from Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18, December 2022.
Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja turned 30 years in December 2021. The capital’s milestone anniversary serves as the premise for Living L’Abuja Loca the Musical where “Following weeks of civil unrest and the 30th anniversary of the commissioning of the capital city of Abuja, the ministry launches the Keys To City Pageant to provide an opportunity for residents of the capital to champion their causes and take a seat at the decision-making table. What ensues is a kaleidoscope of characters, stories and music from across the city, as they battle for available positions and answer the question: Who Should Run The Capital?“
No doubt, Abuja has evolved as the last five years indicate, with the capital’s population exploding exponentially as a combination of rising insecurity in the North and socio-economic upheavals that have made the city home to a new influx of people. For the first time in the three decades since the capital was officially opened, there is demand for cultural experiences, products and services that cater to the rising mobility within the diverse groups that now call Abuja home. Living L’Abuja Loca the Musical is the story of all those who reside within the FCT and more.
Living L’Abuja Loca the Musical is written by Eniola Shitta who also serves as the executive producer under the banner of her production company, Bani Media Productions.
Of the inspiration behind the musical she says: “Abuja is home to a complex mix of contradicting yet very entertaining realities. And they are all realities that must be recognised with stories that must be told. This is our aim with Living L’Abuja Loca. No matter how wild the capital can be, its residents will always find a way to thrive. In a nutshell, the play is about the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian who just so happens to reside in the capital.”
Living L’Abuja Loca is Shitta’s second play. Her first being Next of Kin which was performed at the British Council as part of Lagos Fringe Festival 2016. She has written and produced pilots for the country’s first interior design makeover TV series, Fix My Space and continuously produces bespoke content, design and experiences for clients across the country. Living L’Abuja is a satirical look at the nation’s capital and the city she has called home for the past six years.
The musical’s flamboyant narrative, dazzling dances and moving drama will be brought alive under the experienced and renowned directorial skills of Mr. Kenneth Uphopho (Saro, Beere, Lagos and Abuja Fringe Festivals). Speaking on his decision to accept to direct the play, Uphopho said, “Living L’Abuja Loca is a reflection of a reality we are trying to explore and exploit. I am really looking forward to the audience coming to experience very relatable scenes, extraordinary conversations, and magical spectacle.”
He will take the established performing talents of known names like Gideon Okeke (Tinsel, Saro), Patrick Diabuah (Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Banana Island Ghost, Wakaa), Tosin Adeyemi (Moremi, Ada the Country), Uche Elumelu (Yoruba Romance, M Is For Memories, Baby Showers, Omugwo), and fuse them with Abuja homegrown talents of the Abuja Metropolitan Musical Society Choir, Jazz and Classical Tones Band, Strings Squad with dancers from Adila Dance Company.
The opening night for Living L’Abuja Loca is Friday, December 16 with one performance at 7 pm. Two performances will be held on Saturday, December 17 at 3 pm and 7 pm as well as Saturday, December 17, and on Sunday, December 18 at 3pm, with the last show taking place same Sunday, December 18 at 7pm. The last show will be the final and Command Performance.
Sponsors for Living L’Abuja Loca include TBWA advertising agency, Constrix Construction, Watchlocker and 234 Brands Group. Opportunities exist for bulk ticket purchases and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, please contact info@bani-productions.com and pawstudiosafrica@gmail.com. Or social media handles https://instagram.com/baniproductions?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=