Greg Dyondun
The
just-concluded Tales of Legend event, Tafawa Balewa: The Golden Voice
of Africa, reverberated with a profound message delivered through the
powerful performance of Husayn Zaguru in the lead role. Embodying the legendary
Sir Tafawa Balewa, the play captured the enduring values of integrity, national
sacrifice, compassion, and selflessness. As the audience reflected on these
virtues, they were inspired by Balewa’s legacy to strive for justice and unity
in Nigeria’s future.
The event
premiered at the NUC Hall in Maitama, Abuja, showcasing the second edition of
the Tales of Legend series. The production combined live theatre and art
to celebrate the legacy of Sir Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister.
This initiative, spearheaded by Ola Awakan of Artswax Communications in
partnership with the National Troupe of Nigeria, aims to preserve the history
and leadership ideals of Nigerian heroes, inspiring the younger generation to
emulate their excellence.
Sir Tafawa
Balewa served as Nigeria’s first Prime Minister from independence in 1960 until
his untimely death in 1966. Renowned for his humility, selflessness, and
unyielding dedication to nation-building, Balewa’s tenure was marked by efforts
to foster unity in a newly independent nation. He worked tirelessly to promote
education, infrastructure development, and diplomacy, earning him the title
“The Golden Voice of Africa” for his eloquence on the international stage.
The premiere on
January 19, 2025, brought together a distinguished audience, including Senator
Shehu Sani, former First Lady of Kaduna State Hadiza El-Rufai, celebrated
novelist Hajia Hafsat Abdulwahab, and Sadiq and Mukhtar Tafawa Balewa, sons of
the late leader. Former Minister of Communication, Arts, and Culture, Alhaji
Lai Mohammed, commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of
documenting and preserving Nigeria’s rich history. “We are a country of
stories,” he remarked. “If we do not document our history, we risk losing it or
allowing others to rewrite it.”
The artistic
director and CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria called on the younger
generation to emulate Balewa’s exemplary leadership, which was vividly brought
to life on stage. The play’s writer and organizer, Ola Awakan, outlined three
core objectives of the project: educating youths about Nigeria’s heroes,
empowering them through live theatre to combat social vices, and promoting
cultural pride and awareness.
The live
performance captivated the audience, drawing them into a rich and poignant
retelling of Balewa’s life and leadership. Sadiq Tafawa Balewa highlighted the
importance of fostering values that drive national progress, urging individuals
to reflect on how they can contribute to building the Nigeria of their dreams.
“My father embodied selflessness, humility, and simplicity in his service to
the nation,” he said.
Renowned writer
Salamatu Sule emphasized the role of storytelling in preserving history and
guiding future generations. “Writers must be deliberate in documenting history
as it is,” she stated. “History is the foundation upon which society builds its
future.”
The play
featured a talented cast and crew, including Husayn Zaguru as Tafawa Balewa,
with Denja Abdullahi directing and Jibrin Ahmed assisting. The ensemble’s
powerful performance brought Balewa’s legacy to life, inspiring reflection and
admiration among attendees. The production’s dedication to cultural and
historical accuracy resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the
importance of storytelling through art and theatre.
As the curtains
closed, one message remained clear: the values exemplified by Sir Tafawa
Balewa—patriotism, selflessness, accountability, and integrity—are critical for
Nigeria’s progress. The play not only celebrated a great leader but also served
as a call to action for present and future leaders to lead with purpose and
compassion. By fostering youth empowerment and cultural appreciation, Tafawa
Balewa: The Golden Voice of Africa aims to reshape the nation and inspire
collective prosperity.
Cast &
Crew Highlights:
Writer/Executive Producer: Ola Awakan
Director: Denja Abdullahi
Assistant Director: Jibrin Ahmed
Lead Role: Husayn Zaguru as Tafawa Balewa
Notable Cast Members: Kawu Mohammed Lawan, Alawode Ariyikeade O., Musa-Goodo
Abdulrarman, and many more talented performers.
This groundbreaking
production underscored the transformative power of art and theatre in
preserving history and fostering a sense of identity and purpose in Nigeria’s
youth.
