14/06/2025
HOW A ‘WAKA PASS’ ROLE BECAME A DIRECTOR’S SEAT
Yesterday, I received a call from Dr. Yusuf Adaize in Lagos. He said he was looking for a director for his upcoming stage play, and the first name that came to his mind was mine.
I was surprised. I began to wonder where we had met and how he knew I could be trusted with something so important. Then he reminded me of how he first encountered me at D**e Chukwumerije Made in Nigeria show, performing my breakthrough poem, “GBAGAUN.” He said he remembered how energetic I was on stage, how I brought the poem to life. But he added something interesting, he said, “That’s you as a poet, not an actor.”
You all will agree with me that being a good performance poet doesn’t automatically make one a good actor, let alone a capable director, especially for a production in Abuja that the writer and producer won’t be present to monitor.
But then he said something that struck me deeply. He told me he had actually seen me act too. He first watched me on stage at Summit Bible Church Summit Abuja Summit Abuja, around 2014 or 2015. I had played the role of a grave digger, a waka pass role with no lines.
He remembered every detail: how I brought that tiny character to life, how I offered roasted corn to the audience mid-performance, how the foreign delegates in the audience kept asking, “Who is that guy?” He remembered it all, vividly.
That same role, with just one direction: “Dig.” No lines. No spotlight. Yet, he said, I made it unforgettable. So unforgettable that 10 years later, when he needed a director for his play, I was the first name that came to mind.
Two days after that original performance, I even got a call from the director, Hilder Harrison, saying the Senior Pastor of the church wanted to meet “the grave digger.”
So how did a ‘waka pass’ role turn into a directorial contract a decade later?
The Lessons:
1. NEVER DESPISE THE DAYS OF SMALL BEGINNINGS.
That role was so minor, many actors might have seen it as an insult. But I took it seriously. I rehearsed in front of my mirror and told myself, “They may not remember anyone else, but they’ll remember the grave digger.”
I remember trekking from Area 2, where I lived with my uncle, to Silverbird Galleria just to attend the Abuja Literary Society meetings. I remember walking from Area 1 to Transcorp Hilton just to perform at an event, for free.
I was sowing seeds. Now, those seeds are bearing fruit.
2. GIVE YOUR BEST, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT BEING PAID.
Whether it’s poetry, acting, chanting, singing, MC work, or printing, I give it my all.
When I volunteered for Made in Nigeria in 2021, I thought I was just helping Egbon D**e. I didn’t know I was stepping onto a platform that would open doors. I took my first flight ever while serving as a volunteer at that show.
Disclaimer: This is not an invitation for unpaid gigs o! I have family to feed and children’s school fees to pay. Those Area 1 to Maitama trekking days are behind me abeg.
3. BE SO GOOD THEY CAN’T FORGET YOU.
Dr. Yusuf saw me perform one poem, and act one small role. Yet, I left such an imprint that ten years later, he searched for me, not just to reminisce, but to offer me a major directorial opportunity. Be that unforgettable.
4. HAVE AN ONLINE PRESENCE.
He didn’t have my contact, so he called the director of the 2014 play. When that didn’t work, he Googled “Omoawe”, and that’s how he found me.
I’ll come back later to tell you more about the play ANIKE ELEKO.
In the meantime, let’s know how we can be of service to you.
OUR SERVICES
📍 MC & Hosting: http://www.instagram.com/mcomoawe
📍 Professional Printing: http://www.instagram.com/iprintabuja
📍 Performance Poetry: http://www.instagram.com/omoawepoeticallymad
📍 Theatre Production:
FOR BOOKINGS
📱 WhatsApp: 08139299978
📞 Call: 09011541437
