The vibrant streets of Lagos came alive this December with its signature “Detty December” energy, the Muson Centre in Onikan offered something extraordinary; Ye! An Afrobeats Musical. A production by The Vibra Company, this theatrical masterpiece brought together the pulsating beats of Afrobeats and the heartfelt narratives of two generations navigating love, ambition, and societal challenges.
Directed by the brilliant Kelvinmary Ndukwe, Ye! is beyond just a musical but an experience. From the very first note, the audience was transported into the lives of its characters; Rire, Jemi, and their colleagues, young Nigerians filled with big dreams. Their journey of navigating ambition and love while confronting the harsh realities of societal expectations was told through a seamless blend of music, dance, and drama.
The play’s ingenious use of popular Afrobeats songs brought a familiar yet refreshing energy to the stage. Tracks from Simi, Ayra Starr, Adekunle Gold, Falz and others were beautifully reimagined and performed live by the cast under the direction of Kehinde Oretimehin, the music director. Each song carried the story forward, amplifying emotions and creating moments of pure magic. The performances of the actors were electric, delivering a perfect balance of heartfelt drama and lighthearted humor. The characters Jemi played by DAMIAN-OBILONU and Rire played by FLORA FASAN had such a chemistry about them plus seeing veteran actor, musician, academic and performer Otunba Tunji Sotimirin play Jemi’s father made an interesting blend of different generations.
Dance also played a pivotal role, with Uche Onah’s choreography showcasing the fluidity and energy that define Afrobeats culture. The ensemble performances were a visual delight, did not come across as complex and seamlessly intertwined with the narrative without overshadowing its message.
The production design was equally mesmerizing, really colourful and captured the vibrancy of Nigerian life.
The audience’s response? Thunderous applause, laughter, and even impromptu sing-alongs. By the time the curtain call turned into a mini-concert, it was clear that Ye! had struck a chord.
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