24/02/2026
During the making of the ERHA collection, we went on a journey of research and appreciation into the works of my father, Erhabor Ogieva Emokpae (OON).
The most inspirational visit, by far, was to the National arts theatre, one of many great contributions by Emokpae to Nigeria and to the world.
The construction of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, was one of the monumental legacies of FESTAC ’77 and as the cultural Architect of FESTAC ’77, one of Emokpae’s most iconic and enduring contributions to Nigerian visual culture was his role in shaping the artistic identity of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) — a landmark event held in Lagos in 1977 that convened artists, performers, and intellectuals from across Africa and the African diaspora.
Rather than simply being a performance venue, the theatre was conceived as a cultural landmark — a space where architecture and the visual arts would merge to express African identity.
Emokpae was commissioned in 1974 to conceive and create much of the artistic work that adorns this national monument. His contributions included:
Bronze friezes and decorative sculptures at the theatre’s main entrances, infusing the building’s façade with narrative and symbolic imagery rooted in African culture and experience.
Murals and mosaic designs that complement the theatre’s architectural spaces, making the structure not just a performance hall but also a grand gallery of public art.
His designs for the theatre integrate Afrocentric themes — from traditional masks and performance motifs to forms celebrating unity, music, and cultural expression — turning the theatre into a permanent testament to Nigeria’s creative spirit. These works helped redefine how public art could interact with civic space, ensuring that visitors encounter storytelling, heritage, and visual celebration before even entering the auditorium.
These images try to capture some of that magic during a tour so graciously granted to us by the esteemed Director General of the center for culture and creative arts, Mrs. Tola Akerele.
Heartfelt thanks to my inspiration and staunchest supporter .