A celebration: this could be a way to describe Re: incarnation by rising star of African dance Qudus Onikeku. Having gained international attention for the energy of his creations, the choreographer seems to use tradition as a filter through which he invites us to imagine the future. The vibrant colours of his world – which characterize the final days of Romaeuropa Festival 2023 – are also a tribute to the richness of Nigerian groove, whose afro beat roots are now revisited by dance-hall, hip hop and electronic music. Re:incarnation builds a bridge between the energy and rhythms of yesterday, and the new generation of dancers active on social networks, who participate in the definition of new musical trends that conquer the world from Nigeria. Drawing inspiration from Yoruba philosophy, ten male and female dancers and a live musician bring to the performance their own unbridled creativity and draw a contrast between the living memory of the body and the linear pattern of Western thinking.
Credits
Conceptions and Artistic direction QUDUS ONIKEKU
with the company dancers and collaborators: Adila Omotosho, Angela Okolo, Busayo Olowu, Faith Okoh, Joshua Gabriel, Sunday Ozegbe, Patience Ebute, Esther Essien, Wisdom Bethel, Addy Daniel.
Live Music: Olatunde Obajeun, Fabiyi Abiodun, Chants by Qudus Onikeku.
Lights design: Mathew Yusuf
Costumes design: Qudus Onikeku and WACK NG
Stage manager: Isaak Lartey
Mask makers: Nas Magnificent and Yusuf Aina Abogunde.
Production Credits
Production: The QDance Company – Lagos
Coproduction: Biennale de la danse – Lyon, Les Spectacles vivants-Centre Pompidou – Paris, les Halles de Schaerbeek – Bruxelles, Théâtre Paul Eluard – Bezons et Théâtre National de Bretagne.
With the support of Escales danse en Val d’Oise and l’ONDA.
Diffusion: Hajarat Alli.
Production Nigéria: The QDance Company – Lagos: Hajarat Alli & Adelu Oyindamade.
Production France: YK Projects.
