The future of African theatre found its voice this week at the Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju and at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria during the first-ever Generation Next Theatre (GNT) competition, a flagship sub-event of the 2nd edition of TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) 2025.
GNT 2025 themed “Advocating for Peace in Africa,” the competition challenged schools to use the stage as a tool for social change using the instrumentality of acting, dance, spoken words, poetry, chanting and all other artistic expressions to convey same Peace in Africa message.
Out of about 15 schools that submitted entries and showed interest, only three schools emerged to the semifinal stage at the Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria.
They are VICMOB Schools, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos, Love Living Spring School, Bariga, Lagos and Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State.
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On the final day at Radisson Blu Hotel Ikeja Lagos, Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State emerged as the inaugural winner of the GNT Competition, delivering a poignant, technically superior performance that narrowly edged out VICMOB School, Akowonjo at the final.
The Generation Next Theatre (GNT), nurtures young talent in Primary and Secondary Schools through theatre, dance, and music. GNT discovers, mentors, and trains future African/Nollywood actors, fostering creativity, morals, and patriotism through competitions, celebrity mentoring, and performances, culminating in awards at TheatreMania Africa Festival.
GNT seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional theatre, providing a platform for young voices to engage with continental issues. Importabt Nollywood players in attendance which included stalwarts like Dr. Akin Lewis, Dr. Sam Uche Anyamele fta., Bukky Thomas, Ngozi Nwosu, Jacinta MacJob, Titilola Aboyade-Cole (UK) etc praised the students for their bravery and creative execution.
In the words of a member of the 2025 TAF Awards Jury, Mrs. Jacinta MacJob, she said “let me congratulate all the schools and students that participated in the just concluded Generation Next Theatre (GNT) Competition.
Corona Secondary School performing.
“You are all winners and champions however, one winner must emerge at the end of the competition, hence, we have looked at different criteria to evaluate and adjudicate over this process including usage of the stage, character interpretation, facial expressions, usage of costumes & props, understanding and implementation of the thematic thrusts which talks about Advocating for Peace in Africa, artistic display & prowess among others.
In view of the above, Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State scored above others and edged VicMob School, Akowonjo, Lagos State to this year’s GNT Competition.
“Congratulations to TAF Leadership and all the participating schools even those that submitted entries but couldn’t come presents because of their examinations, next year would provide another opportunity”, she proudly submitted.
The students had the rare opportunity of interacting with Nollywood royalty that were present to encourage the younger generation.
In the word of Dr. Sam Uche Anyamele, (Nollywood Actor & Filmmaker): “Seeing these young performers tackle themes of peace and conflict with such maturity gives me hope for the future of the industry, we are truly honoured to have schools participate actively in this year’s TAF. It can only get better and bigger with wider participation,” he averred.
The day’s proceedings were energized by the vibrant hosting of Seun Akinola (Leo Skywalker) on Day 1, followed by an insightful anchoring on Day 2 by Oluwatosin Alayande and Adeola Eka.
TAF 2025 was supported by Shodex Gardens, Radisson Blu Hotel Ikeja Lagos, First @ Arts By First Bank, MTN Foundation, WAP TV, NTA, InnogX, KDove Hotel, Nkan Media, QUIDBOT By Finnova, Igrek77, Surplus FXchange, Podium Empire, Eagles House Global Resoources, Platos Health, ATn T Media, InnogX, Ariya TV, Walure Media, Brand Times, Brand Visibility, The Nollywood Reporter, Brand Crunch, SPLASH9JA splash9ja, THEATREDOME, Plusplace Media, Shanks TV, THM360, TSUP, Paparazzi Press, RWELLS Media, Moon TV, JYB TV, EMCOAN, Showbiz Afrika Magazine, Nelofem Media, among others.
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