The Federal Capital Territory is gearing up for a weekend of riveting theatre as Once Upon Four Robbers, the iconic play by renowned Nigerian playwright Femi Osofisan, comes to life at the NAF Conference Centre from Friday, December 13, to Sunday, December 15.

Directed by the celebrated ‘Dire Badejo, the production features a star-studded cast of 50, combining drama, music, dance, and comedy to create an unforgettable experience for audiences. The play dives into the complexities of poverty, morality, and survival, exploring how systemic challenges force individuals into morally ambiguous decisions.

First staged decades ago, Once Upon Four Robbers remains as relevant as ever, shedding light on societal corruption and economic inequality—issues that still resonate in many African nations. Its thought-provoking narrative offers a powerful commentary on the human condition, sparking conversations about justice, empathy, and societal transformation.

Tickets are available online at ₦10,000 for regular seats and ₦15,000 for VIP access. There will be no on-site ticket sales. The event is proudly sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as part of its corporate social responsibility, aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich culture and literary heritage.

This theatrical masterpiece promises to entertain and inspire, making it the perfect outing for families, theatre lovers, and cultural enthusiasts. As Abuja welcomes this iconic production, audiences are set to reflect, laugh, and be moved by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated plays.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this dynamic blend of storytelling, culture, and performance.

16:Xisten Events CEO, Smith Oseghale, has debunked the long-held belief that entertainment professionals can only thrive in Lagos. Speaking on the industry’s growth, Oseghale asserted that the immense potential in Nigeria’s population allows practitioners to flourish anywhere in the country.
While Lagos remains a powerhouse for the industry, Oseghale emphasized that social media and growing regional markets have made it possible for stars to be discovered and thrive in cities like Benin, Warri, and Abuja.
He highlighted the success of shows like Edwardo Untamed and MC Edo Pikin Undiluted as proof that entertainment knows no boundaries.
With major upcoming events like King Zina set for January, 16: Xisten Events is leading the charge for a nationwide entertainment revolution.

While noting the immense infrastructure and support the industry gets in Lagos, Oseghale
Indicated that everybody do not need to relate to the former capital to contribute their quota in the sector.

He said the industry must be diversified to promote excellence and professionalism to satisfy the entertainment needs of millions of Nigerians living in different regions.

According to him, the large population of Nigeria is of immense advantage to anybody to benefit from in any business venture hence the notion of moving to Lagos as surest way to become a star is not totally correct.

While applauding the role Lagos plays in the growth and development of different sectors of the entertainment industry like music, movies, comedy, dance, event manage, among others, he pointed out that stars over the years have been discovered in other parts of the country.

The 16: Xisten CEO, who said the world has become a global village with the emergence of various social media platforms insisted that “such insinuations are no longer entirely true but just a figment of the imaginations of a few naysayers”.

“As the sky is wide enough to contain the millions of birds, so is the industry wide enough to contain practitioners irrespective of the location they play in”.

“Our population is one of our biggest strengths as a nation and if we can explore the huge market inherent, then we will know that with the right strategy, we can thrive in Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Lokoja, Benin, Owerri, Oshogo or Illorin”.

The young entrepreneur, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma and a Master Degree in Environmental Toxicology from the University of Benin, maintained that all the shows he has produced in Benin, Abuja, Warri and other cities are testaments that a true professional can blossom anywhere.

According to him, “I just produced a massively successful event Edwardo Untamed on October 1st which is an annual show held in Benin City. “That event also made its debut in Abuja in February this year and we are working assiduously to replicate the second edition in Abuja in 2025”.

“Most of the shows we have produced as thoroughbred professionals is testament that entertainment can break boundaries anywhere”.

“Over the past few years, 16: Xisten Events have produced some of the biggest shows particularly in South-South part of the country including but not limited to Maleke Unchanged, MC Edo Pikin Undiluted, Just Comedy with Funny P, Medica Live among many others”.

“Our Company has other shows coming up this year but we are currently finalizing plans for a major one coming up in January and that one is King Zina”.

Modalities for a Global African Music upscale are set with Nigeria taking part in a round table meeting with organizers of the Grammy Awards, Recording Academy, and four other countries

The meeting which took place on Tuesday at the Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda is aimed at elevating the vibrant music and culture of Africa to take to the global stage.

The steering committee consisting of Ministers of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy of Kenya, Rwanda, a delegation from South Africa representing the Ministry in South Africa, the CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, and representatives of Afrexim bank and the Recording Academy, resolved to advance the creative industries across the continent and support the diverse artistic heritage.

Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa in her remarks said that Africa is the future of the music industry boom.
Special adviser to the minister on media, Nneka Ikem Anibeze quoted the minister to have indicatef that Nigeria is diversifying from oil to music, culture and entertainment which will fetch the country, $100b by 2030.

Musawa also urged on member countries to support one another and embrace the African music project which will not only serve as a platform for global economic expansion but also as a tool for national reconciliation, unity and progress in Africa’s entertainment industry.

“I must salute our Afrobeat superstars as their globalization and emergence into global pop culture has brought the Grammies to Africa. I will first thank the legends of the Nigerian Music industry that brought us here; Burna Boy, WIzkid, Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Davido, P-Square, 2Face, Asake, Tiwa Savage, and others too numerous to mention.

“Nigeria was invited to this meeting by the Recording Academy following the global success of Nigeria’s afrobeats movement. As Africans, we are the future. We are undeniable and have a voice which must be used to propel the unity and progress of not only Africans but the black race all over the world.

“The music industry provides alternative source of revenue for Nigeria as well as other African countries, thus reducing dependency on traditional sectors like oil. The Nigerian music industry is enjoyed across Africa and the globe, providing employment opportunities for millions of young people in Africa, while promoting the African culture and generating foreign currency to the country’s gdp.

“We have a responsibility to use this collaboration with the Recording Academy and all the founding members, to give Africa the strength and identity they have always yearned for. The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed me to ensure that we create an enabling environment for this collaboration to thrive and to see how can all work together as equal partners”.

The steering committee discussed issues affecting the African music industry including Intellectual Property Rights, Piracy, and poor funding.

Member countries also committed to supporting economic policies for creative industries which involve working with governments and policymakers to create favorable environments for artists and creators.
This they said will foster a cohesive Pan-African vision for the music industry, promoting intellectual property rights and creative innovation, facilitating artistic mobility of music creators through unhindered access to performance venues across continents, access to global opportunities through joint programs and cross collaborations.
This is to ensure that African creators share their talents on the world stage as well as provision of educational resources, training and global elevation of African music and cultural excellence.

Key stakeholders at the meeting included the Recording Academy’s Chair, Tammy Hurt, the CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr., Co-President Panos A. Panay, and the Special Advisor to the CEO and President of the Recording Academy Joe Phelan.
Others include the Minister of Youth and Arts in Rwanda, Hon. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, Minister of Sports and Culture in Kenya Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Acting Minister of Sports, Art, Tsholofelo Lejaka who represented the Ministry from South Africa and the representative of Afrexim Bank Temwa Gondwe.

The Recording Academy had earlier announced agreements with Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa to extend its efforts to support music creators on a global scale.
Nigeria embraces this vision of partnering with other creative minds on the continent, to explore advanced strategies and roadmaps aimed at promoting the country’s talents through world-stage performances.