TAF inducts Ajai-Lycett, Africa Umoja, Akin Lewis into hall of fame

The curtains have officially fallen on the 2025 TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF), concluding a two-day whirlwind of cultural brilliance that culminated in a glitzy Awards Nite at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.

The festival, which kicked off at Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju on the 9th of December, 2025, solidified its status as the continent’s premier theatrical gathering, blending veteran honors with contemporary competitive excellence.

The highlight of the evening was the induction of three titans into the TAF Hall of Fame with Lifetime Achievement Awards. The legendary Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (OON) who was ably represented by another veteran actor Dr. Akin Lewis, and the world-renowned South African dance troupe Africa Umoja were honored for their decades of contribution to the global arts landscape.

In the corporate and leadership categories, TAF recognized those fueling the creative economy includig First @ Arts By First Bank, MTN Foundation: 2025 THEATREMANIAC of the Year, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode.

The cynosure of the night was undoubtedly the command performance of ‘Grain In the Wind 4.0’featuring powerhouse performances by Dr. Sam Uche Anyamele fta.,Titilola Aboyade-Cole (UK), Dr. Ochuko Odesa, Faloni Moyosore and Paul Uwagbai, the play left the audience in awe. The production’s technical depth and emotional resonance served as a fitting tribute to the festival’s theme of African unity and resilience.