‘Today, as I embark on that solitary journey back and forth, I simply mentally doff my hat to those young people who have passed through or are still in the company for their dedication in spite of the choices today’s society offers them‘
THURSDAY, June 1
Crown Troupe turns 27.
Exactly 27 years ago a group of friends came together to form an ensemble, a toupe comprising musicians, dancers, actors and every other thing in between. We were all very young (by Nigerian standard) and so there was a considerable level of apprehension about who we were and what we were about.
As far as casual observers were concerned and also considering the environ (Bariga in Lagos, Nigeria) that spewed us, we were just a bunch of juvenile delinquents.
Bariga is supposed to be a blighted slum inhabited by poverty-stricken hoodlums.
What serious child would make art a profession?
How can mere singing, dancing or acting put any form of edibles on anyone’s table?
‘Oh they’re lazy’
‘Oh they’re crazy’
‘Oh forget about them, they’ll soon realize their folly and get back to real business’.
27 years ago!
Well.
We fell, we rose, we were bruised, we were blessed.
We fought, we cried, we triumphed, we lost, we dispersed, we converged.
Generations left and generations came. Exploitations and exultations came and went but we managed to stand firm through thick and thin.
Today, as I embark on that solitary journey back and forth, I simply mentally doff my hat to those young people who have passed through or are still in the company for their dedication in spite of the choices today’s society offers them.
In retrospect, I think we, the Founding Members, were lucky because we met more role models we wanted to emulate.
This, I believe, is one of the things we owe our world today. It is a huge burden I tell you, in an existentialist reality but realizing and admitting that we are all ‘work in progress’ lightens this burden of responsibility.
So, today is about gratitude..
Gratitude to all who have made the journey worthy.
Gratitude to the Founding Members of The Project.
Gratitude to all those who have passed through and contributed to the growth of The Project.
Gratitude to the Blossoming Products of the Project.
Gratitude to our Grand Patron whom you shall meet in due time.
Gratitude to the Board of Trustees of the Crown Arts Foundation, they too you shall shortly meet.
Gratitude to the stoic members of The Project who really are the lifeline.
Gratitude to those who see value in our modest contribution.
Gratitude to Olodumare for being the Author of all.
ÎBÀ.
oriade– June 1, 2023.
