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Bolanle Austen-Peters To Launch Lagos International Theatre Festival

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Bolanle Austen-Peters To Launch Lagos International Theatre Festival | fab.ng

Renowned Nigerian theatre personality Bolanle Austen-Peters will introduce the inaugural Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) in November 2024. This groundbreaking event, a joint initiative between Austen-Peters and Lagos State, aims to create a thriving hub for theatrical artists worldwide.

The LITF will show a diverse array of creative talents, fostering excellence and sustainability in the Nigerian theatre industry. Austen-Peters, a distinguished director, producer, and award-winning filmmaker, is leading the charge, garnering support from corporate partners including First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dorman Long Engineering, Amstel Malta, and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

In a statement announcing the festival’s launch, Austen-Peters expressed her enthusiasm for this ambitious project. She emphasized the LITF’s potential to elevate the Nigerian theatre scene and provide a platform for international collaboration. She said,

ARTS & CULTURE

An Ancient Marvel: Sungbo’s Eredo, Nigeria’s Lost Yoruba Kingdom

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Sungbo's Eredo, Nigeria's Lost Yoruba Kingdom | fab.ng

Sungbo’s Eredo is a fascinating system of defensive walls and ditches. It is near Ijebu Ode, a Yoruba town in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria. Built between 800 and 1000 AD, this structure was erected in honour of Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo. She was a noblewoman from the Ijebu Kingdom.

Spanning more than 160 kilometers (99 miles), Sungbo’s Eredo remains one of the most notable earthworks in West Africa, serving as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of the time.

Construction and Features of Sungbo’s Eredo

The fortifications that make up Sungbo’s Eredo consist of a massive ditch and an earthen bank. With its smooth, sloping walls, the ditch is reinforced by a large bank on the inner side.

In some areas, the difference in height between the bottom of the ditch and the top of the bank reaches 20 meters (66 feet), a stunning feat given the rudimentary tools available during the construction period.

The entire structure forms a rough circle, enclosing the heart of the ancient Ijebu Kingdom. The ring stretches about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from north to south, and over time, trees and vegetation have grown around the walls, turning sections of the Eredo into lush, green tunnels.

Legends Surrounding Sungbo’s Eredo

The local people of Ijebu link Sungbo’s Eredo to Bilikisu Sungbo, a wealthy and childless widow. According to oral tradition, the massive earthwork was built as a personal memorial for her.

Another layer of legend claims that her grave is located in Oke-Eiri, a town just north of Sungbo’s Eredo. This is where pilgrims of different faiths — Christians, Muslims, and traditional African religious followers — visit annually to pay homage.

Interestingly, some historians and local folklore connect Bilikisu Sungbo with the legendary Queen of Sheba. She appears in both the Bible and the Quran.

In the Hebrew Bible, the Queen of Sheba is said to have brought gifts of gold, ivory, and other treasures to King Solomon. In Islamic tradition, she is an Ethiopian sun-worshipper who converts to Islam after meeting Solomon.

Some Islamic commentators even suggest her name was “Bilqis.” While this theory cannot be confirmed, it has fueled further curiosity about the origins of Sungbo’s Eredo.

Archaeological Findings and Theories

In 1999, archaeologist Patrick Darling led excavations at Sungbo’s Eredo. He unearthed evidence that pointed to a highly organized and large-scale polity in the region before the advent of the trans-Atlantic trade. Darling’s team discovered that the Eredo served a defensive purpose during construction. This was between 800 and 1000 AD.

This period is a time of political strife and consolidation within the southern Nigerian rainforest. Therefore, many believe Sungbo’s Eredo was part of a broader trend of building walls and ditches across western Nigeria. Moreover, it was similar to the fortifications found around Ifẹ̀, Ilesa, and the Benin Iya.

Sungbo's Eredo | fab.ng

The construction of Sungbo’s Eredo is believed to have been driven by a desire. This desire is to unify diverse communities into a singular, powerful kingdom. Interestingly, the builders deliberately dug deep into the ground to reach groundwater or clay. Furthermore, this created swampy ditches in certain areas.

In some places, conical idol statues were placed at the bottom of these ditches, further adding to the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.

Modern Interest and Renewed Attention

Despite its historical significance, Sungbo’s Eredo remained relatively unknown outside of its immediate surroundings until the late 20th century. Forty years passed between Professor Peter Lloyd’s initial analysis of the site and Patrick Darling’s 1999 survey, which brought the ancient earthwork into the global spotlight.

Darling’s work led to widespread media attention. It ignited interest in preserving Sungbo’s Eredo and exploring its place in West African history. Although difficult to prove, he emphasized that the local belief in the site’s connection to the Queen of Sheba added an essential layer to its cultural importance.

In 2017, Ade Olufeko, a Nigerian polymath, led a freelance team on an ambitious project to map and explore Sungbo’s Eredo. Olufeko’s team combined advanced technology with historical research to document the site, reigniting interest in this ancient marvel.

Their work brought the site back into social dialogue and connected Sungbo’s Eredo to international academic circles, think tanks, and tourism. This effort has contributed to a better understanding of Sungbo’s Eredo and sparked new conversations about its place in Nigerian and global history.

Significance of Sungbo’s Eredo in West African History

The size and intricate construction of Sungbo’s Eredo have led scholars to reconsider the political and cultural development of West Africa before European contact.

The site shows that large, complex societies in the region were already flourishing long before the trans-Atlantic trade began. These communities on a massive scale, were capable of organizing labor, managing resources, and constructing monumental earthworks that rival those in other parts of the world.

Sungbo’s Eredo also underscores the importance of local traditions and spiritual beliefs in constructing ancient African societies. The inclusion of idol statues and the deliberate creation of swampy ditches point to the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the site. Indeed, this makes it not only a defensive fortification but also a place of ritual significance.

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ARTS & CULTURE

10 Nigerian Proverbs To Sit On For Wisdom

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Nigerian Proverbs That Will Blow Your Mind | fab.ng

Nigerian cultures deeply embed proverbs into their daily communication. Nigeria is often called the giant of Africa, and they place particular emphasis on these pearls of wisdom.

Nigerian proverbs can be simultaneously witty, humorous, and occasionally provocative, though each saying ultimately conveys profound insights to those who can interpret their deeper meanings.

Africa’s linguistic landscape encompasses approximately 2,000 distinct languages, with Nigeria alone contributing over 500 to this diverse tapestry. Speakers originally conceived these proverbs in their respective local languages, adapting them to reflect specific cultural contexts and values.

To make these wisdom-packed sayings more accessible to a broader audience, translators have carefully rendered many of them into English, preserving their essence while bridging linguistic barriers.

These translations now allow people to explore and appreciate the rich collection of African and Nigerian proverbs, each accompanied by explanations that unlock their significance and cultural relevance.

1. “When the music changes, the dance also changes”

As life presents new situations and circumstances, people must adapt their approach and behaviour accordingly. This proverb teaches the importance of flexibility and situational awareness.

Just as dancers must adjust their movements to match changes in rhythm or melody, individuals must be ready to modify their strategies and responses as their environment or circumstances evolve. This proverb emphasizes adaptability as a crucial life skill.

2. “What an elder sees while sitting down, a youngling can never see even though he climbs the tallest tree”

This profound saying highlights the irreplaceable value of life experience. Elders have accumulated decades of knowledge through direct experiences, observations, and lessons learned from both successes and failures.

Despite their energy and enthusiasm, young people cannot match this depth of understanding simply through effort or physical advantages.

Wisdom comes with time. Young people should respect and learn from their elders’ perspectives, even when they don’t immediately understand the reasoning behind their advice.

3. “A lion will not give birth to a goat”

This proverb speaks to the power of inherent nature and genetic inheritance. Offsprings will inevitably reflect the characteristics, qualities, and traits of their parents.

Beyond literal biological inheritance, this saying also applies to broader concepts of legacy and influence. The actions, values, and behaviours that people demonstrate will be reflected in those they nurture or mentor.

4. “The Stubborn fly follows the corpse to the grave”

A cautionary tale about the dangers of refusing good advice, this proverb warns against obstinacy and poor judgment. Just as a fly that refuses to leave a corpse meets its doom, people who persistently ignore wise counsel often find themselves in dangerous or irreversible situations.

Importantly, heeding warnings and being open to guidance, as stubbornness can lead to dire consequences.

5. “Even if a goat frowns its face, someone will buy it at the market”

This optimistic proverb teaches that outward appearances or temporary setbacks do not determine one’s ultimate value or potential for success. It encourages people not to be discouraged by current circumstances or others’ perceptions.

Here, it means that opportunities exist for everyone and your current situation is not your final destination. Success often comes to those who persist despite appearing disadvantaged.

6. “The same sun that hardens clay, melts wax”

This proverb illustrates how identical circumstances can have vastly different effects on different people or situations. It speaks to the power of perspective and resilience.

Challenges that strengthen some may weaken others, and opportunities that benefit some may harm others. The key message is that outcomes often depend not on the circumstances themselves, but on how one responds to them and one’s inherent nature.

7. “No matter how hot one’s anger is, it cannot cook beans”

A lesson in emotional regulation, this proverb reminds us that anger, no matter how intense, is ultimately unproductive. It emphasizes the futility of holding onto rage, as anger alone cannot solve problems or improve situations.

Forgiveness and letting go are paramount here. This is because time naturally cools even the hottest tempers. It encourages people to channel their energy into constructive actions rather than maintaining unproductive anger.

8. “He who sleeps with an itchy anus will wake up with their hands smelling”

Hidden misdeeds will eventually come to light. It is a deterrent against engaging in secretive wrongdoing, reminding people that actions have consequences and that the truth has a way of revealing itself.

The proverb encourages ethical behaviour by highlighting the inevitability of exposure for those who engage in questionable activities.

9. “Only God can chase flies from a tail-less cow”

This proverb speaks to the vulnerability of those without natural defences or social support systems. It acknowledges that some people lack the resources or connections that others might take for granted.

However, it also offers hope by suggesting that divine intervention can provide protection and assistance to those who have no other helpers. The proverb both recognizes life’s inequalities and offers comfort to the disadvantaged.

10. “He who has no helpers must be sensible”

Building on the previous proverb, this saying advises those without support systems to rely on wisdom and careful judgment. It suggests that people who lack social, financial, or other forms of backup must be especially prudent in their decisions and actions.

Unlike those with safety nets who can afford to take risks, the unsupported person must think carefully about their choices, as they have only themselves to rely on when things go wrong.

If you enjoy reading Nigerian proverbs, visit here for more.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Lagos Fringe Festival Returns For Its 7th Edition This November

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Lagos Fringe Festival Returns For Its 7th Edition | fab.ng

The Lagos Fringe Festival is back for its seventh edition! The festival will kick off on November 19th and run until November 24th, 2024, at the iconic Freedom Park Lagos.

The team has packed this week with exciting workshops and a pop-up market. As the organisers revealed in a post, the event will feature talented artisans and creators. Interestingly, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“We are getting closer to #LF2024, and we can’t wait to bring you another unforgettable festival experience! From mind-blowing performances to hands-on workshops that will sharpen your creative edge, and a pop-up market showcasing the best of local and global talent, there’s something for everyone! Whether you are into theatre, music, dance, or film, or looking to level up your skills in one of our exciting workshops, the anticipation is real! Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the Lagos Fringe Festival, where creativity comes to life!” the post said.

Lagos fringe festival organizers invite the public to showcase their work at the event.

“Lagos Fringe Festival is an open-access multidisciplinary art festival that offers producers, culture advocates, exhibitors, and performers the platform to showcase their existing or new work to a diverse audience, including local and international attendees, venue owners, curators, and art buyers,” the post added.

The Lagos Fringe Festival was launched in 2018. It has since experienced significant growth in the number of performances, participants, and audience engagement both locally and internationally. This growth has solidified its position as “one of the largest outdoor festivals in West Africa.”

According to a statement on their official site, “Over the last 7 years, Lagos Fringe has Impacted – over 5,000 young creatives, Produced – 500 + projects and events Entertained, 21,000+ people, Hosted 50+ international guests and employed over 70 personnel each year.”

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