Celebrating Baba Sala, ace comedian
By Akinsola Omidire
Encomiums were showered on Moses Olaoluwa Olusanya Adejumo popularly known as Baba Sala regarded as the father of modern Nigerian Comedy. He was honoured in Lagos by members of the National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Lagos Chapter which organized second edition of it’s Living Legend Series 2 at the National Theatre. Iganmu, Lagos. Olaiya’s honour came barely three months after Barr. Fred Agbeyegbe was inducted as the first Living Legend by the association.
The event which was compered by Yemi Solade and Feyikemi Abiodun - Ogunyinka also feature Oba Sonuga gave traditional prayers.
Baba Sala as he is widely known was ushered in amidst drums and praises in Yoruba language. He was accompanied by his wives Tayo and Funmi as well as his first son Rev. Dele Adejumo with a standing ovation by the audience.
Reputed for his brilliance, intellect and artistry which are his hallmarks for getting to the zenith of his chosen theatre profession, the hall was filled by veteran and young artistes with members of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners (ANTAP) the Yoruba extraction of Nollywood,turning out in their hundreds to grace the occasion.
The event kicked off with started by Funkadelic Agidigbo, a highlife band which dished out various Agidigbo songs, just as the Black Horsefall Performing Company took over and dazzled the audience with acrobatic displays.
Another popular comedian,Lanko Omo Baba Dubai, almost stole the show when he mounted the stage with rib-cracking jokes to which the audience responded. Also Eyo Masquerade and traditional dancers from Akwa Ibom later thrilled the audience.
Speaking at the event,father of the day and Nigerian Cultural ambassador, Amb.Segun Olusola desribed Baba Sala as one of the best comedian to have come out of Africa. ’I’m so proud of him ‘ Olusola added that NANTAP has taken a bold step by initiating the Living legend series by celebrating Fred Agbeyegbe and now Moses Olaiya for their exploits in the Nigeria theatre sector which produced accomplished theatre practitioners in the industry today.
Olaiya started his career at a highlife musician in 1964 with his Federal Rhythm Dandies, commenced his comic group which he developed and sustained as a major theatrical force involved in stage performances and film productions. His major productions with the Alawada Group International include Aare Agbaye,Mosebolatan and the famous Orun mooru among many others.
It is also significant that Baba Sala equally. Inspired a generation of theatre artistes who used the ‘Baba’ nomencleture as prefix before their names. They include Baba Suwe,Baba Wande,Baba Mero among others .The comedian later started his series of television plays on NTA which took direct materials from the society,ridiculed the society, leaving the society to laugh at itself’ Most of Baba Sala’s works provided comic relief but at the same time they were satirical of the Nigerian society. His exaggerated costumes were not just symbols of the people but ‘man’s attempt at understanding fully the trappings of colonialism’ which have completely overwhelmed the African culture.
In his response,the thespian who clocked 70 last May expressed appreciation to NANTAP for celebrating him while still alive’Im ready to climb the stage or be on set to act anytime’ National President of NANTAP, Greg Odutayo said Olaiya’s professional life which dates back to the traveling theatre days still remains unsurpassed . Odutayo said ‘Baba Sala’s drama series in photography magazines,his theatre showcase on television and entry into the world of films are no mean feat for a hard working theatre practitioner whose life has been dedicated to the practice of theatre’
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include Oba Gbadebo Sonuga,the Fadesewa of Simawa,Adejumo Lewis,Veteran filmmaker Jimoh Aliu,Larry Williams and Victor Ashaolu among others.
Encomiums were showered on Moses Olaoluwa Olusanya Adejumo popularly known as Baba Sala regarded as the father of modern Nigerian Comedy. He was honoured in Lagos by members of the National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Lagos Chapter which organized second edition of it’s Living Legend Series 2 at the National Theatre. Iganmu, Lagos. Olaiya’s honour came barely three months after Barr. Fred Agbeyegbe was inducted as the first Living Legend by the association.
The event which was compered by Yemi Solade and Feyikemi Abiodun - Ogunyinka also feature Oba Sonuga gave traditional prayers.
Baba Sala as he is widely known was ushered in amidst drums and praises in Yoruba language. He was accompanied by his wives Tayo and Funmi as well as his first son Rev. Dele Adejumo with a standing ovation by the audience.
Reputed for his brilliance, intellect and artistry which are his hallmarks for getting to the zenith of his chosen theatre profession, the hall was filled by veteran and young artistes with members of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners (ANTAP) the Yoruba extraction of Nollywood,turning out in their hundreds to grace the occasion.
The event kicked off with started by Funkadelic Agidigbo, a highlife band which dished out various Agidigbo songs, just as the Black Horsefall Performing Company took over and dazzled the audience with acrobatic displays.
Another popular comedian,Lanko Omo Baba Dubai, almost stole the show when he mounted the stage with rib-cracking jokes to which the audience responded. Also Eyo Masquerade and traditional dancers from Akwa Ibom later thrilled the audience.
Speaking at the event,father of the day and Nigerian Cultural ambassador, Amb.Segun Olusola desribed Baba Sala as one of the best comedian to have come out of Africa. ’I’m so proud of him ‘ Olusola added that NANTAP has taken a bold step by initiating the Living legend series by celebrating Fred Agbeyegbe and now Moses Olaiya for their exploits in the Nigeria theatre sector which produced accomplished theatre practitioners in the industry today.
Olaiya started his career at a highlife musician in 1964 with his Federal Rhythm Dandies, commenced his comic group which he developed and sustained as a major theatrical force involved in stage performances and film productions. His major productions with the Alawada Group International include Aare Agbaye,Mosebolatan and the famous Orun mooru among many others.
It is also significant that Baba Sala equally. Inspired a generation of theatre artistes who used the ‘Baba’ nomencleture as prefix before their names. They include Baba Suwe,Baba Wande,Baba Mero among others .The comedian later started his series of television plays on NTA which took direct materials from the society,ridiculed the society, leaving the society to laugh at itself’ Most of Baba Sala’s works provided comic relief but at the same time they were satirical of the Nigerian society. His exaggerated costumes were not just symbols of the people but ‘man’s attempt at understanding fully the trappings of colonialism’ which have completely overwhelmed the African culture.
In his response,the thespian who clocked 70 last May expressed appreciation to NANTAP for celebrating him while still alive’Im ready to climb the stage or be on set to act anytime’ National President of NANTAP, Greg Odutayo said Olaiya’s professional life which dates back to the traveling theatre days still remains unsurpassed . Odutayo said ‘Baba Sala’s drama series in photography magazines,his theatre showcase on television and entry into the world of films are no mean feat for a hard working theatre practitioner whose life has been dedicated to the practice of theatre’
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include Oba Gbadebo Sonuga,the Fadesewa of Simawa,Adejumo Lewis,Veteran filmmaker Jimoh Aliu,Larry Williams and Victor Ashaolu among others.
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