Dazzling TAFTA showcase by TALP X: drama, tunes, insights

Terra Kulture, Lagos, played host to an electrifying celebration of Nigerian creativity on Saturday, July 19, as Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) presented the July edition of TALP X. This quarterly stage showcase, designed to spotlight graduates of TAFTA’s intensive arts training, brought together theatre, music, comedy, and social commentary in a riveting display of talent.

Running from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the event featured four powerful stage productions, each crafted by trainee teams. The showcase was sold out, a testament to the growing popularity of TAFTA’s approach to talent development through performance.

The opening play, Gbas Gbos, used humor and family drama to explore themes of domestic tension, culture, and emotional accountability. You Say! then lightened the mood, blending live musical performances and stand-up comedy, offering a feel-good celebration of everyday life in Nigeria.

The third act, Endgame, shifted the tone with its raw depiction of emotional abuse and toxic love, drawing attention to the urgent need for self-awareness in relationships. The night closed with Jigida, a revolutionary tale of women standing up against patriarchal systems, leaving the audience inspired and emotionally moved.

Celebrity guest and TAFTA ambassador, BamBam, expressed her admiration: “I was deeply touched. It was informative, entertaining, and powerful. TAFTA has done something remarkable.”

TAFTA’s JO Umoibom added, “This is what it means to train with purpose. TALP X gives our participants the opportunity to transform their learning into performance on Nigeria’s most prestigious stage.”

Founded by Bolanle Austen-Peters, TAFTA offers free creative arts training in scriptwriting, lighting, sound, animation, and entrepreneurship. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the academy blends online modules with live practicals, positioning students for real-world success in the arts industry.

TALP X is not just a performance—it’s the final chapter of each student’s TAFTA journey, showcasing their growth, creativity, and readiness to reshape African storytelling. With every edition, TALP X reinforces its role as a springboard for young Nigerian talent, championing originality and courage in every scene.