Barely few years after the demise of the great comedian, Late Moses Olaiya Adejumo popularly known as Baba Sala, a call to immortalize the great theatre icon came calling which made all and sundry to come together to build a formidable team which took decision to float an annual festival in honour of the late artiste.
According to Emmanuel Adejumo also known as Boisala, one of Baba Sala’s son and the initiator of this festival, Baba Sala is already a household name in the make-believe world especially among the older people and the youth who have presently spent close to five decades on earth. A call to immortalize him with an annual programme came up by the demand of the people and this birthed LAFTAISM: BABA SALA FESTIVAL. An annual show of comedy and pure entertainment which the late Doyen of comedy was known for. The maiden edition is billed for 15th October, 2022 at the National Theatre, Iganmu , Lagos .
Speaking on the upcoming event, Bukky Ogunnote, a Nollywood actress and administrator, host of African Kitchen, who chaired the event planning committee said, everything has been put in place to make Baba Sala Festival eventful. ‘It is an open secret that Baba Sala unveiled comedy to so many that are practicing the act till date, the late artiste was one of the originators of a great platform that paved way for so many now. During his time, he did his comedy with selflessness just to make people happy unlike now when many are into acting because of material things.
In Bukky Ogunnote’s words, “It is a welcomed development when the idea to immortalize the great icon was brought up and we quickly key to it because this will stand as an avenue to bring out originality out of the upcoming artistes and comedians. We shall ride on the legacy of Baba Sala to produce best artiste annually.” It is expected that new comedy acts discovered will be rewarded. “Therefore endorsement, sponsorship and partnership is welcomed from all good brands ready to associate with a tourist-attracting annual festival” she added.
(Dr) Nathaniel Oyinloye, Human Right Advocate and Community Development Consultant, whose contribution has made great impacts globally in the private, public and voluntary sectors is the Patron of the Festival. He says “No one will ever forget the good works this icon had done, by putting smiles in broken homes, he was loved by all and sundry and this attracted him to core of great people in Nigeria who through is acts befriended him, the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, MKO Abiola and many more. Baba Sala was the first comedian in Africa and many upcoming comedians followed his template and his idea at the time, he became an institution where all aspiring Comedians developed themselves. It is imminent to start up something good in his name so that the name can be immortalized in order that children yet unborn can meet something on ground that says good things this man, Moses Olaiya Adejumo did in his life time. He says all hands is on deck to ensure this first edition become a success.
This year festival will be for one day with the support of the General Manager of National Theatre, Prof. Sunny Ododo and Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed. Baba Sala Festival which have activities such as Stand-up comedy, Comedy Skit, Dance, Music, Poet, and a command performance of one of Baba Sala’s classic comedy play titled MBA JE ADAM (If I were Adam) which will be the grand finale for the evening. There is going to be a symposium opening the Festival which will have Prof. Tunji Azeez of the Theatre Arts and Music Department of the Lagos State University and veteran actor, film producer and Brand Ambassador Agbaakin Yemi Solade as the Guest Speakers on the topic “Effect of comedy in the face of a challenged society”
Prince Jide Kosoko, a Veteran Artistes and Film Producer will lead other veterans to declare the festival open as popular stand-up comedian and film producer Koffi Tha Guru anchor the whole event.
Although this is the maiden edition, but with more efforts and commitment it shall stand the test of time and shall be accepted globally.
The event, which is scheduled to come up mid October at National Theatre Iganmu, Lagos State will feature established A-list Comedians, Dance Troupes, Poets, Musician and many Up-coming Entertainers bringing colour to the Festival