Dr. Akin Lewis
MTN Foundation
First @ Arts
Alayande Stephen T.
Africa Umoja
Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode
The TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) is thrilled to announce its 2025 edition, set to be a momentous celebration of creativity, excellence, and significant contributions to the arts, culture, and societal development across Africa. TAF 2025, scheduled for Tuesday 9th & 10th, December , 2025 at Shodex Gardens Ilupeju and Radisson Blu Hotel Ikeja Lagos Nigeria, promises a rich tapestry of theatrical performances, musical showcases, masterclasses, and an emotional, star-studded awards ceremony dedicated to honouring individuals and organizations whose works have profoundly impacted the continent.
This year’s festival is themed “Beyond Borders : Celebrating the Global reach of African Theatre,” focusing on the power of our storytelling mechanism that resonates globally and that helps to shape future generations.
In the words of the CEO/Co-Founder, TAF, Alayande Stephen T , he said ” the highlight of TAF 2025 include but not limited to the prestigious awards ceremony, where the festival will bestow honours upon a stellar list of nominees like Ankata Dance Company (Burkinafaso), Theater Rast ( Tanzania), Academie Ivories Marionettes ( Coted’voire), Black Image Theatre ( Nigeria), The African Theatre Magazine ( Uganda), Showbiz Afrika and Splash9ja ( Nigeria), Roverman Productions ( Ghana), Performing TV UNILORIN ( Nigeria) etc in different categories like Best Theatre Writer/Reporter, Best Stage Design, Best Contemporary Dance Group, Best Well Lighted Production, Best Script Writer, Best Producer, Best Stage Play etc.
Also, the highly anticipated Generation Next Theatre (GNT) which focuses on the need to unleash the creative juices and abilities if students in secondary and primary school will take the centre stage on both days, as elimination series will take place at Shodex Gardens Ilupeju Lagos on the 9th December and the final will take place at Radisson Blu Hotel Ikeja Lagos on the 10th, December 2025 for the shortlisted schools.” he averred.
Leading the distinguished group to be honoured and celebrate is the iconic matriarch of Nigerian theatre and film, Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (OON), who will be celebrated for her enduring legacy, pioneering spirit, and decades of masterful performances that have inspired countless actors and audiences globally. She stands as a living testament to the excellence of African artistry, embodying the festival’s commitment to recognizing foundational figures.
Also slated for recognition is Africa Umoja, a globally acclaimed theatrical musical production that tells the powerful story of South African music and dance through vibrant and energetic performances. The celebration of Africa Umoja highlights TAF’s commitment to promoting pan-African cultural exchange and recognizing productions that successfully export the continent’s diverse heritage to the world stage. Their award will acknowledge their role in fostering cultural pride and unity through the universal language of music and theatre.
In the realm of contemporary theatre and film, the veteran actor Dr. Akin Lewis will be honoured for his versatile career spanning decades. Dr. Akin Lewis has become a fixture in Nigerian entertainment, known for his compelling and diverse roles across various platforms. His recognition underscores the festival’s appreciation for consistency, dedication, and the continuous effort to elevate the standards of acting within the African film and theatre industry, influencing both upcoming and established professionals.
These three iconic figures in Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (OON), Africa Umoja (South Africa) and Dr. Akin Lewis will be honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award and be inducted into TAF 2025 Hall of Fame for their continuous contribution to the Theatre/Creative Industry in Africa.
Beyond the arts and theatre space, TAF 2025 will also recognize significant figures in public service and corporate philanthropy, acknowledging the crucial role they play in supporting the creative ecosystem. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode will be celebrated for their exemplary leadership and dedicated efforts in fostering policies and environments conducive to the growth of arts and culture. Their recognition reflects the festival’s belief in a holistic approach to national development where the creative sector is a vital component.
Furthermore, TAF 2025 will celebrate corporate entities that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the arts. MTN Foundation will be honoured for its sustained and impactful investment in numerous social upliftment projects, particularly its significant support for creative industries, talent development, and cultural initiatives across the continent. Similarly, First @ Arts will be recognized for its innovative and dedicated efforts in supporting the visual and performing arts, often providing platforms for emerging artists to showcase their talents and contribute to the national cultural discourse.
There will also be different Panel sessions where the central theme and other sib-tioics will be treated and importantly, there will be a Command Performance of a stage production titled Grain In The Wind 4.0 as part of the TAF 2025 Awards Nite & Induction Into Hall of Fame.
Alayande then summarised it this way ” The TheatreMania Africa Festival 2025 is more than an event; it is a movement dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of African theatre while fostering its future. By honouring these distinguished personalities and organizations—from the foundational artistry of Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and the global spectacle of Africa Umoja, to the contemporary excellence of Dr.Akin Lewis, the political support from Hon. Faleke and Hon. Ogundipe, and the crucial corporate patronage from MTN Foundation and First @ Arts By First Bank—TAF is firmly cementing its place as the premier platform for celebrating African narratives and the heroes who bring them to life. ” he proudly submitted.
Join us as we shine a light on the past, engage with the present, and inspire the future of African creativity.
Go to www.theatremaniaafrica.com to register to participate and be a part of this theatrical and historical movement.
