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National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, By Omoeko Media –

Top 10 Facts about National Art Theatre

Nigeria’s principal performing arts center is the National Theatre of Nigeria. The monument is located in the Surulere area of Lagos. Its construction was completed in 1976, just in time for the 1977 Arts and Culture Festival (FESTAC). Nigeria’s National Theatre is essentially the NATIONAL HOME OF ENTERTAINMENT.

Aside from the mind-blowing architectural style, the National Theatre also has lush foliage, gorgeous gardens, sculptures, wall carvings, paintings, lakes, and well-kept vegetation to keep your eyes entertained. It also has a main theatre, a cinema, a national gallery of modern Nigerian arts, and a universal studio of arts.

Here are some of the top ten facts about the National Art Theatre that you should consider knowing if you are planning a trip to Nigeria they include the following;

1. The military administration of General Yakubu Gowon began construction on The National Theatre

Construction of The National Theatre was started by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon.

General Yakubu Gowon is a retired Nigerian Army general and military leader.  As Nigeria’s Head of State, Gowon presided over a contentious civil war and delivered the famous “no victor, no conquered” address at the end of the conflict to encourage healing and reconciliation. The Nigerian Civil War is considered to be one of the bloodiest in modern history, with some charging Gowon with crimes against humanity and genocide.  Gowon claims he did nothing wrong throughout the war and that his leadership saved the country. 

2.Finalized during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is a Nigerian political and military leader who served as President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. From 1999 until 2015, he was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and since 2018, he has been a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) (ADC).

The construction of the national Theater was finalized during his regime. However, President Olusegun Obasanjo announced plans to privatize the National Theater in 2005. Thus generating a debate among Nigerian performers and writers such as Wole Soyinka.

3. It is a monumental masterpiece

National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, By Omoeko Media –

National Art Theatre is a source of pride for Nigerians. It is one of Lagos’ most stunning tourist attractions. It is a center for fostering arts and culture in Nigeria. It was constructed in 1977 to commemorate the Festival of Arts and Culture.

4. The sale of the National Theatre has sparked controversy

It was reported that the National Theatre was sold to a Dubai-based business for $40 million on December 30, 2014, and the facility will be turned into a duty-free shopping mall.

5. The ‘key to the kingdom ‘ took place at the theatre

Official poster for Black Is King. By Disney+ –

The National Arts Theatre in Lagos was used to film the “Keys to the Kingdom” video from Beyonce’s visual album Black is King.

For four to six months, principal photography for Black Is King took place in the latter half of 2019. Beyoncé wanted to include both the African continent and diaspora in the filming, which took place across six nations on three continents. 

Therefore the Nigerian chapter was led by director Ibra Ake, with co-directors Dafe Obro and Meji Alabi.  The “Keys to the Kingdom” video was shot at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos because Ake wanted to present an image of Africa that isn’t magical but is based in a real environment while yet being wonderful and impressive.

6. Burna Boy performed inside the theatre

Burna Boy performing at Nativeland Concert in Lagos, 2016, By Catherine Omeresan Sutherland –

Burna Boy performed a mashup of his singles “Level Up,” “Onyeka,” and “Ye” in front of and inside the building on March 2, 2021, at the Premiere ceremony of the 63rd Grammy Awards.  Later that week, his record Twice as Tall was nominated for a Grammy for Best Global Music Album. 

He is a singer, composer, and record producer from Nigeria. He has received numerous awards and nominations. Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards, Album of the Year at 2019 All Africa Music Awards, and Best World Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards are among the honors.

7. It resembles the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria 

Night-time view of the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria. By Sky cycle – Own work,

The Palace of Culture and Sports is an indoor cultural and sporting center in Varna, Bulgaria. There are three sports halls in the complex: “Kongresna Hall,” “Mladost Hall,” and “Hall 20.” In 1968, the Palace of Culture and Sports was constructed.

However, the “National Arts Theatre”, Iganmu, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a perfect replica of the “Palace of Culture and Sports.” Stefan Kolchev, the architect, designed both buildings. 

8. It is literary  the National Home of Entertainment

National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, By Omoeko Media –

The National Theatre of Nigeria is essentially the NATIONAL HOME OF

ENTERTAINMENT and its management are dedicated to attaining the goals for which the National Theatre was founded. They include the exhibition, preservation, and development of arts and culture in Nigeria.  Since its construction was finished in 1976 in time for the Arts and Culture Festival (FESTAC)

It is determined to widen its role as a partially commercialized Federal Government parastatal by becoming more innovative and daring to become more relevant in a competitive market.

9. It was constructed by a Bulgarian company

Bulgarian construction company planned and built Nigeria’s National Theatre (Techno Exporstroy). Alhaji Sule Katagum was a co-owner as well as the company’s chairman.

Hence, it is similar to Varna’s Palace of Culture and Sports (finished in 1968), with the National Theatre Lagos, Nigeria being the larger of the two. Stefan Kolchev, the architect, designed both buildings

10. Things to do at the theatre

First Nations artwork on display, By Leo boudv – Own work-

When you visit the National Art Theatre, you may engage in the following activities: attending a stage performance, visiting the art gallery, organizing a picnic, visiting the universal studio of art, and enjoying various types of artworks and sculptures.