By Prisca Sam-Duru 

The highly anticipated London staging of ZIK and OBEY, two landmark theatrical productions celebrating the lives, legacies, and enduring impact of some of Nigeria’s most influential historical and cultural icons, have been scheduled for August 2026.

The productions taking place courtesy of Lebara Nigeria and the Duke of Shomolu Foundation will be staged on August 15 and 16, 2026 at the Shaw Theatre, London, marking a significant milestone in the internationalisation of Nigerian theatre and storytelling. The shows are expected to attract audiences from across the United Kingdom, Europe, and the global African diaspora, including business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, cultural stakeholders, creatives, and theatre enthusiasts.

With millions of Nigerians living across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other parts of the world, the productions provide a unique opportunity to deepen cultural ties, celebrate national heritage, and showcase the richness of Nigerian history and creativity to global audiences.

ZIK chronicles the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, one of Africa’s foremost nationalist leaders, a leading architect of Nigerian independence, and Nigeria’s first president.

OBEY celebrates the remarkable journey of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, the legendary musician, composer, and cultural icon whose contributions have profoundly shaped Nigerian and African music while inspiring generations through faith, creativity, and social impact.

The partnership between Lebara and Duke of Shomolu reflects a shared commitment to promoting Nigerian culture, preserving African history, and expanding the global reach of Nigerian storytelling through world-class theatrical productions.

As a company built on connecting people across borders, communities, and generations, Lebara Nigeria recognizes the important role culture plays in strengthening relationships between diaspora communities and their homeland. The collaboration aligns with the company’s broader mission of fostering meaningful connections through communication, shared identity, and cultural engagement.

Under the partnership, Lebara Nigeria will support the international presentation and promotion of ZIK and OBEY, helping to deepen audience engagement and strengthen the productions’ visibility among Nigerian, African, and international audiences. The collaboration further underscores the increasing role of private-sector investment in Nigeria’s creative economy and the growing importance of cultural diplomacy as a tool for international engagement.

Speaking on the partnership, Teniola Stuffman, Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, said: “At Lebara Nigeria, we believe that meaningful connections extend beyond telecommunications. They include the stories we tell, the cultures we celebrate, and the communities we bring together. We are proud to partner with the Duke of Shomolu Foundation in supporting productions that honour the lives and achievements of two remarkable Nigerians while showcasing the richness of our cultural heritage to international audiences.”

She described “cultural platforms such as ZIK and OBEY as powerful vehicles for national storytelling, diaspora engagement, and the promotion of Nigerian excellence on the world stage,” adding, “We are proud to support initiatives that remind the world of the depth of Nigeria’s history, talent, resilience, and enduring influence.”

Founder of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, Joseph Edgar, popularly known as the Duke of Shomolu, described the collaboration as an important milestone in the continued internationalisation of Nigerian theatre.

“For years, we have been committed to taking authentic Nigerian stories to audiences around the world. This partnership with Lebara Nigeria represents a significant step forward in that journey. Together, we are creating a platform that celebrates our history, honours our icons, and showcases the immense creative talent that exists within Nigeria.

“The stories of ZIK and OBEY are stories of leadership, resilience, innovation, faith, and national pride. We believe they deserve a global audience, and through this collaboration, we are ensuring that these narratives continue to inspire generations at home and abroad.”

The upcoming productions build on the success of the Foundation’s previous international production, Kashimawo, a theatrical portrayal of the life of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, which generated significant engagement among audiences in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and across the global African diaspora.

According to him, “With live stage performances, and global livestream distribution, ZIK and OBEY are expected to reach audiences across multiple continents. Both productions will be livestreamed globally through Covento, enabling viewers around the world to participate in this celebration of Nigerian history, culture, and achievement.”

Vanguard News