Between December 11 and 13, 2020, Bariga Artistes Forum (BAF) will through the 2020 edition of the Bariga Open Arts Festival (BOAT) treat residents of Bariga, Oworo and Lagos at large to the best in creative activities which will, in turn, promote arts and culture.
Mr. Anthony Oluwabiyi, Executive Director, Theatre Centrik and the Presiding Chairman of the festival, made this known in a recent statement.
He said that BAF was an assemblage of all theatre practicing companies in Bariga and Oworo who had collaborated to strengthen community partnerships and expand engagement opportunities.
Oluwabiyi said the festival would feature performances, activities, health screenings, career awareness, dance, drumming, comedy, street arts, and family entertainment with the theme “Spirit of Communion”.
To kick start the activities, the executive director disclosed the festival would open on December 11 with a visit to the Oba of Shomolu/Bariga, Oba Gbolahan Timson, and a seminar at the Bariga Local Govt, a visit to the Baale of Isale Akoka, and a boat regatta.
According to him, December 12 would feature a drum class with Mr. Isioma Wlliams, a professional Drummer who will take the lead to instruct about “The Man and the Drum”.
He further disclosed that the third day, December 13 which is the grand finale, would be held at the Crown Art Resource Centre, Lagos with performances by Crown Troupe of Africa, Theatre Centrik and Kings, and Queen.
“The event will have the performances of Crown Troupe of Afrika, Theatre Centrik, Kings and Queen, The dream dance, Footprints of David Arts Academy, Ola Black Art, Art Castle, Dynamic Art, and Art O Ten and Starlight.
Others are Just Theatre House, Footprints Art Ambassador, Gothad Bariga Unit, Feetprint Afrika, PIN BCC, and many more.
The event generally stands to promote African culture to the world as we project the rich cultural values of our dance, drum, music, and clothing to the globe.
We shall make our drum play in honour of the late father of the Vice President of BAF, Mr. Olumide Fowode for whom we shall hold a special presentation of respect on the 13th of December” he said.
Oluwabiyi said BAF was an organisation dedicated to creating new opportunities for historically marginalised communities in Bariga.
He noted that the 2020 annual BOAT Festival, anticipated attendance of more than 7,000 people.
“The annual festival is a platform for Bariga owned theatre businesses to sell their goods and services outside their retail spaces and also promote their indigenous culture.
“In 2019, the festival’s venue saw foot traffic of more than 5,000 people, and more than 3,000 individuals made purchases from the festivals with over 15 participating theatre companies.
We will be having special appearances from Adunni Nefretiti, Ariyike Ajijobata, White Stones Culture Ambassadors, and many more.
We hope to see many Nigerians grace the festival as it promises to be entertaining and educating,” he added.
