Adeyemi Olumegbon is one of the key members of the Lagos State Art and Cultural Troupe, and has represented the state at many international fora.
His is a world of artistic talent and distinction as he could dance, direct and act plays, while his artistic talent has led an international organisation, Elsewhere Artist Collaborative, to invite him and five others for an exchange programme in North Carolina, United States of America, in October.
Olumegbon and five others, Julius Bamisaye, Ayantola Kehinde, Celestina Ogoamaka, Victor Afolabi-Apeju and Enonche Alice, form the Nigerians Street Theatre Group invited for the exchange programme.
“We are being invited on a collaborative cultural exchange programme with the local indigenes in North Carolina. It is a highly competitive thing. They invite artistes who excel in their chosen profession.
“They look for work sample and what you have been able to achieve over the years. Various professionals in other continents are also invited,” he said, adding, “this group comes together to produce a master artistic production that can actually bring about the exposition of Lagos State’s culture and the entire country as a whole, in terms of dancing, drumming, costume and craft, to the whole world.”
Because of his artistic talent, Olumegbon won a United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO’s) Lyric award and scholarship some years ago.
“I was one of the seven persons selected in the whole world for the award. What stands me out among other members the Lagos State Art and Cultural troupe is the excellence in the artistic exposure and talent in the aspect of dance, drumming and theatre,” he added, while lamenting government’s inability to help cultural artistes in the state
“With the two outings which I have had, the last one being in Czechoslovakia Republic, government does not really assist at all,” he stressed, adding, “I have never been sponsored by the state government despite all my awards and achievement. Art is just not being encouraged.”
He called on Governor Babatunde Fashola to come to the aid of members of the state’s cultural troupe in terms of sponsorship to international programmes.
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