Wana Udobang
The second edition of Cultural Diaries by Wana Udobang is set to go on air. In the series, Udobang will chat with some of the prominent players in the African art and culture scene. Initiated to document the lives of those shaping contemporary culture and arts, lifestyle, history in Africa, this edition features artist such as, actor Ade Laoye, poet and writer, Titilope Sonuga, writer and visual artist Victor Ehikhamenor, singer Brymo, artist and photographer Abraham Oghobase, actor Ireti Doyle, dancer and choreographer Qudus Onikeku, among others.
Udobang spoke about what inspired the series, saying, “I decided to embark on Culture Diaries because I thought it was important to start documenting Nigerian artists and their processes. I also felt that the creative community is quite insular and that it is vital that other people who aren’t necessarily within that community experience the richness of the talents that abound. Above all, I wanted to create an interview series that I would be interested in watching. One that asks the kinds of questions I needed answers to.”
In the episode that premiered last weekend at the British Council, Ikoyi, Lagos, Udobang engaged Laoye in an interesting and inspiring discussion. Laoye, who studied drama in America and returned with loads of optimism to work in an industry that is supposed to be one of the biggest employers of labour, Nollywood, didn’t quite find it so rosy.
In the chat, Laoye revealed how she found her dark skin problematic, something actor Diana Yekini, also testified to.But when she learnt that some of the biggest stars in the industry, such as Joke Silva, Mercy Johnson, Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo were dark-skinned, she said, “Yes; I thought of that too but then I guess it is something I didn’t know. Before they became big, I am sure there are stories that they shared.”
There is also the problem of sleeping with producers to get roles, which Laoye said she found irksome, as she classifies herself a good actor and has no need to do so. The episodes are showing on Youtube and Udobang hopes to ultimately go round Africa, interviewing artists and culture creators from across the continent. She also hopes to broadcast it on TV some day soon.
