By Henry Akubuiro
The National Troupe of Nigeria ended 2024 on a high with an innovative programme to broaden the reach and appreciation of Nigeria’s cultural dances. This inventive initiative deploys state-of-the-art technology to maximum effect in the operations of the National Troupe of Nigeria. It involves elevating cultural dances and, at the same time, melding Nigerian dances with technology in a bid to develop variants of Virtual Reality, which the troupe hoped would not only document but preserve for today and future generations.
On Saturday, December 21, 2024, the National Troupe of Nigeria launched the pilot of Reimagining the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) and Open Innovation Access (OIA) initiative at Queen Amina Garden, National Theatre Iganmu, Lagos. The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hanatu Musa Musawa, was represented by Ms Mariam Ajaga, the Special Adviser to the President on Art and Culture and the Creative Economy. Also present were the DG of National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Husseini; legendary actress Joke Sylva; Isaac and Nneka Moses of Goge Africa duo, among others.
The Artistic Director/CEO of National Troupe of Nigeria, Kaltume Bulama Gana, FSNA, said in her remarks that, through the innovative partnership, NTN aimed to immerse their “audiences by seamlessly blending traditional dance forms with state-of-the-art technology, while creating breath-taking performances that transport viewers to a realm of wonder and imagination.”
She noted that the ground-breaking initiative was a testament to the forward-thinking vision of the ministry, adding, “We will bridge the gap between the past and the present, inspiring young people to embrace their cultural roots and carry forward the legacy of our ancestors. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to embracing innovation and leveraging technology to enhance the way we engage with the world.”
Aside enhancing the visibility of the National Troupe of Nigeria, the project would connect the NTN to a wider audience outside those present in live performances and traditional media like television and videos. This digital initiative is also targeting audiences in the diaspora. The mobile immersive experience centre will be beamed to different communities in a specially customised Mercedes Sprinter Van.