Bassey Effiong Ndon

Bassey Effiong Ndon is a young artist (and a minister) who hails from Nigeria's southeast. A graduate of the University of Uyo, he is a painter and digital artist who draws on traditional subjects--including some references to the graphic imagery of Cross Rivers' nsibidi and Igbo uli body painting--and infuses them with a modernistic style.

Some aspects of his work are reminiscent of Inyang Ema, the late painter and set designer also from southeastern Nigeria. Like many other African academic artists, he draws inspiration from dancers, musicians, and religious figures--a romanticism with intense colors that recalls the past through a gauzy filter.

Abang Dancers (2007)

The Efik and Ibibio bring out the Abang dancers at the beginning of marriage festivities. The graceful sway of the wrappers, suspended horizontally from a flattened circle, draws the eye into the work, the diagonal strips of the wrapper--repeated in the background--create a rhythmic repetition that recalls the dance's steps.

Ovation (2006)

The elongated female forms reach upward over mystical symbols. Ndon states that ovation is given to whom ovation is due. The work honors the Creator.

Drummers Enterprise (2006)

Resonating drums are the inspiration, but are referred to only abstractly. A continental map lays on its side, the heart of the heartbeat that drives exultation and communication.

Contact Rev. Bassey at revbasseyndon@yahoo.com

HUMBLE STALLION @ 70

March 9th, 2009 marks the 70th birthday of one of Nigeria's renowned theatre icon and scholar, Professor Dapo Adelugba. Baba Adelugba, as he is fondly referred to by his uncountable number of students, was born on March 9th, 1939. He had his formal education at the University College, Ibadan where he studied English. While in school he was the President of the University's dramatic society and he took part in various productions. He also adapted Moliere's "Les Fourberies de Scapin " to the Scoundrel Suberu.

Baba Adelugba did his Masters degree at the University of California, Los Angeles and later joined the University of Ibadan where he retired in 2004. Professor Adelugba's soft spoken nature has made him a model of a father to all his aquintances. He will speak almost inaudibly but firmly with a smile before the end of his sentence, he has a way of asserting his personality in a way that does not intimidate you.

Baba Adelugba also has a memory that is second to none. He remembers everyone who owes him an assignment, this is where i think I might get in trouble--I am not so sure I am in the clear. Students often marvel at how he can remember that a certain paper was not turned in long after they have left school. He will stylishly inquire, and let you know that he is still waiting on the paper. Baba's contributions to the study of theatre arts in Nigerian is enormous and cannot be quantified, one can only sense the excitement and enthusiasm amongst all his students across the globe as demonstrated at dapoadelugba70@googlegroups.approachable, understands your trials as a student, gives compassion and makes you work for your grade. It does not get any bigger than Baba Adelugba, yet his humility surpasses his achievements.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PA ADELUGBA,
MAY THE ONE THAT SITS ON THE THRONE OF LIFE
GRANT YOUR HEART DESIRES. Amen

Coordinators for the events can be reached at the email address mentioned above or via telephone Greg 0707-629-0507, Pamela 0803-307-8250 and Jahman 0802-201-6495 Please include international code plus country code if you are calling outside Nigeria.

Tunde Phillips

Why the Hawk kills the Chicken

Once upon a time, a long time ago, there was a very beautiful, young and attractive hen who lived with her parents.
One day Hawk was flying around and noticed the beautiful hen picking up corn close to her father's house. Hawk flew down immediately and greeted the hen and offered to marry her.
She was flattered and agreed, so Hawk spoke to her parents and the amount of the dowry was set--which consisted of mostly corn. Hawk paid the dowry and took his new bride home.
Shortly after, a young Cock who lived near Hen's father's house and had fallen in love with her became angry and jealous that Hawk had married Hen. He went after her to Hawk's house and while Hawk was away he crowed in his best voice to Hen. When she heard his sweet voice she could not resist his invitation, so she went out to him and they both ran away from Hawk's house.
When Hawk came back and did not find his wife Hen, he hovered around looking for her for days. Then one day he saw her in the Cock's house. He went to the king and reported the mattar. The king sent for Hen's parents and told them to repay Hawk the amount of the dowry he paid if their daughter does not return to Hawk.
Hen's parents responded that they did not have the money to pay Hawk because they were poor, so the king decided that Hawk could kill and eat any of Cock's children whenever and wherever he found them as payment of his dowry, and if the Cock made any arguments the king would not listen to him.
The End.