‘Motherland The Musical’ Breaks Record As Temi Otedola Debuts

‘Motherland The Musical’ – an enthralling musical set in Modern Day Nigeria that makes many references to the past – has broken records of previous musicals and concerts.

From the huge attendance, quality of cast and crew, number of days and shows, world-class venue, and the production company behind it, the musical did a number in Lagos, leaving the attendees with a memorable experience.

Temi Otedola, an Actress and media personality, also made her stage debut in ‘Motherland The Musical’. Directed and produced by Nigeria’s ‘Queen of Theatre’, Bolanle Austen Peters; the play was a perfect blend of costuming and storytelling.

In the stage play, Otedola acts and sings as ‘Young Hassana’, a Fulani girl who must navigate forbidden love amidst the political and social turmoil of 1957 Nigeria.

She has long demonstrated in her film roles, that she is an amazing physical actor. She outdoes herself here, showing dexterity and versatility with her singing and acting.

The play was a fast-paced, educational and emotional look into Nigeria’s history and the country’s current state, featuring actors like Francis Onwochei, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, and Uzo Osimkpa.

The relatable storyline and proven competence of Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) Productions, the producers of the play, all combined to stand out the musical even from similar productions of BAP.

The company has produced 9 plays that have been performed on 3 continents including; ‘Saro the Musical’, ‘Wakaa the Musical’, ‘Fela and The Kalakuta Queens’, and ‘Death and the King’s Horseman’ written by Wole Soyinka.

So, the world-class quality experienced by attendees at ‘Motherland The Musical’ was well anticipated.

The quality also speaks volumes about the improvement in creative skills, technical areas that used to be an issue, and finishing in Nigerian theatrical productions.

Somto Bisina