Blockbuster African stage plays to headline IPADA 2025 celebration in Lagos

From November 28 to December 7, 2025, the rhythmic pulse of African storytelling will come alive at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, as two grand theatrical productions — The Noble Warrior and Fork in the Road — take centre stage during the IPADA Initiative Celebration 2025.

Written and produced by renowned playwright Cash Onadele Aiye-Ko-Otoo, the plays promise to deliver a sensory feast of drama, dance, and drumming that will enthrall audiences daily from noon to dusk. The performances are designed to transcend borders, celebrate Africa’s cultural identity, and unite humanity through bold and unapologetic storytelling.

The organisers describe the new theatrical addition as a significant highlight of this year’s 10-day IPADA celebration, expected to draw visitors, tourists, and members of the African diaspora from across the globe to Lagos. According to them, the productions will showcase Africa’s rich theatrical heritage “in its purest and most authentic form,” blending the essential elements of stagecraft — drama, music, dance, costume, and lighting — to create what they call “a renaissance of African theatre.”

The organisers further revealed that the two plays, performed by an ensemble of accomplished Nigerian actors, are part of a broader showcase titled “Africa Rising.” The project aims to present African stories “in a manner never before performed in history,” positioning the continent’s creative voices at the heart of global storytelling.

“It will not just be a carnival but a cultural awakening — a rebirth of history, heritage, and identity for the world to see,” the organisers stated. “Theatre will become a weapon of pride and a magnet for the world. At these performances, Africa will take its rightful place on the global stage, not just through art, but through purpose and pride.”

They described Aiye-Ko-Otoo’s works as “African stories that elevate theatre — our story and your story — told with fury, fire, and fierce beauty.” Each performance, they added, would immerse the audience in a symphony of drums, dance, and voices, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends spectacle with soul.

The IPADA Initiative Celebration, launched in 2024 by Wanle Akinboboye, founder and president of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Motherland Beckons, was conceived to reimagine Africa through the active participation of its people across the world. The initiative focuses on developing tourism and stimulating economic growth across the continent by attracting Africans in the diaspora and other global enthusiasts to reconnect with their roots and contribute to Africa’s progress.

With Lagos and Abuja serving as gateways to Africa, IPADA features year-round activities culminating in the grand celebration each November and December. The event enjoys strong backing from the Federal Government of Nigeria, state governments, corporate organisations, and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serves as the initiative’s global ambassador, chief host, and grand patron.

Speaking on the vision behind IPADA, Akinboboye emphasised the importance of engaging the African diaspora in the continent’s development. “We have 32 million Africans in the Caribbean, 66 million in the United States, 120 million in Brazil, and nearly 10 million in Europe,” he noted. “No country can develop without its diaspora. IPADA is creating a platform for them to return, reconnect, and invest — a kind of African shopping mall that allows them to experience all 54 African nations, starting through Lagos and Abuja.”

With the inclusion of The Noble Warrior and Fork in the Road, the 2025 IPADA Celebration is set to be more than just an event — it promises to be a powerful cultural statement and an artistic homecoming for Africa and its global descendants.