Leading creative institute, Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), recently showcased its transformative impact on young talents across the country.
Founded with a mission to educate and upskill young Nigerians in various creative industries including animation, art business and entrepreneurship, scriptwriting, sound design, and stage lighting, TAFTA has become a beacon of empowerment.
Since its inception in 2022, TAFTA has empowered over 24,440 young Nigerians across Lagos, Kano and Ogun states with invaluable theatre arts and entrepreneurship skills. Notably, TAFTA has successfully integrated 9,165 youths into the workforce, with 5,156 young women securing employment or gigs in their respective fields.
Under its flagship initiative, the TAFTA Action Learning Project (TALP-X), TAFTA, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Utica Capital, hosted an unforgettable evening at Terra Arena, Victoria Island, Lagos on July 14, 2024. Featuring five spectacular stage plays, the event not only entertained, but also highlighted the depth of talent nurtured through TAFTA’s programmes, creating an experience that truly made the attendees say, ‘we outside’.
The evening kicked off with a soul-stirring performance by Wisdom Joe, whose rendition of classics such as Coat of Many Colours and Mr. Jailer set the stage on fire. This was followed by powerful spoken word performance by Adeoye Adelakun, who gave a poignant eulogy of Yorubaland, creating an electric atmosphere from the start.
The stage then came alive with the captivating storytelling of the first play, Nocturnal. The audience was transported into a riveting tale of a dysfunctional couple, who despite their differences, successfully resist outside intervention and pressures. Following the thunderous applause, the students of the academy presented a thought-provoking contemporary drama, Hues, which explores women’s empowerment through collaboration.
As the night progressed, the energy in the room intensified, as the audience roared with laughter during Kolo, a thought- provoking social commentary on sanity. The hilarious play offered a satirical look at two madmen who, realizing that madness is more affordable, ultimately choose to embrace insanity.
The heartfelt performance, Maami, a touching comedic portrayal of familial bonds during a wedding fundraiser, added layers of depth and emotion.
The night culminated in Hello, a gripping dialogue between God and Lucifer inspired by Adele’s classic song of the same title, leaving the audience mesmerized and inspired.
The highlight of the night was the overwhelming support and enthusiasm of the attendees, who filled the venue with cheers and applause throughout the performances. Their energy elevated the atmosphere to new heights.