Friday, July 21, 2023

Renowned Dance Specialist, Christopher Emmanuel to Headline Third Edition of Late Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture

 

RENOWNED DANCE SPECIALIST, CHRISTOPHER EMMANUEL TO HEADLINE THIRD EDITION OF LATE BUSARI AGBOLADE MEMORIAL LECTURE


 

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) and the Ulli Beier Society are thrilled to announce that Christopher Emmanuel, founder, and artistic director of Alajotas Dance & Music Troupe Int'l, has been invited to headline the eagerly anticipated third edition of the Late Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at the prestigious Main Hall of the Oyo State Library Board, with the program set to commence at 12:00 PM.

The Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture is a highly esteemed occasion that commemorates the life and invaluable contributions of the late Busari Agbolade, a distinguished individual who played a pivotal role in shaping the literary and artistic landscape of Ibadan and beyond. Through this annual event, the IBC and the Ulli Beier Society aim to preserve the legacy of Busari Agbolade and foster a deeper appreciation of arts and culture within the community.

Under the theme "Dance As An Expression Of Culture," the third edition of the memorial lecture promises to be a captivating and enlightening experience. Christopher Emmanuel's profound expertise and extensive background in the performing arts industry, coupled with his remarkable achievements in non-profit organizations, event planning, strategic planning, theatre, and event management, make him a fitting choice for this prestigious speaking engagement.

Established in 1999 at the New Culture studio in Oremeji, Mokola Ibadan, the Alajotas Dance and Music Troupe Int'l, founded by Christopher Emmanuel, has been a driving force in promoting the preservation and celebration of traditional dance forms. The name "Alajota," derived from the traditional epithet of the ancient Yoruba itinerant performer known for their mastery of dance, reflects Christopher Emmanuel's unwavering dedication to the art form.

The Ibadan Book Club and the Ulli Beier Society extend a warm invitation to the general public, scholars, artists, writers, and enthusiasts to join them on this momentous occasion. The Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture is set to honor the memory of a great patron while celebrating the beauty of culture and artistic expression.

 

IBC, Ulli Beier Society set to hold Third Edition of Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture on Saturday, July 29

 

IBC, ULLI BEIER SOCIETY SET TO HOLD THIRD EDITION OF BUSARI AGBOLADE MEMORIAL LECTURE ON SATURDAY, JULY 29


 

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) in partnership with the Ulli Beier Society (formerly known as the AZA Artists and Writers Movement) is proud to announce the upcoming third edition of the Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture. This annual event serves as a tribute to the memory of one of its esteemed past Patrons and former Chairman of the Movement, the late Busari Olaniyi Agbolade, who passed away on the 9th of June, 2020, at the age of 72 years.

The Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture is a significant occasion that celebrates the life and contributions of a distinguished individual who played a pivotal role in shaping the literary and artistic landscape of Ibadan and beyond. Through this annual event, the IBC and the Ulli Beier Society aim to uphold the legacy of Busari Agbolade and promote a deeper appreciation of the arts and culture within the community.

The much-anticipated lecture is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 29th, 2023. The event will be held at the prestigious Main Hall of the Oyo State Library Board, and the program is set to commence at 12:00 PM.

In an official statement jointly issued by Wole Adedoyin, the esteemed founder of the Ibadan Book Club, he expressed his profound gratitude to all attendees and participants for their continuous support and commitment to preserving the memory of Busari Agbolade. Adedoyin also emphasized the significance of the lecture series as a platform for fostering cultural exchange and intellectual growth.

The highlight of the Memorial Lecture will be the keynote address, "Dance As An Expression Of Culture," to be delivered by the distinguished Mr. Christopher Emmanuel. Mr. Emmanuel is a renowned scholar in the field of dance and cultural studies. He has dedicated his life to exploring the profound impact of dance in reflecting and preserving the essence of various cultures.

The Ibadan Book Club and the Ulli Beier Society extend a warm invitation to the general public, scholars, artists, writers, and enthusiasts to join them on this momentous occasion. The Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture promises to be an insightful and inspiring event, honoring the memory of a great patron and celebrating the beauty of culture and artistic expression.

Christopher Emmanuel, formerly known as Abdul Yisa Onibasa, the visionary founder and artistic Director of Alajotas Dance & Music Troupe Int'l. With a rich background in the performing arts industry, he also boasts expertise in Non-Profit organizations, event planning, strategic planning, theatre, and event management.

In 1999, the Alajotas Dance and Music Troupe Int'l was established at the New Culture studio in Oremeji, Mokola Ibadan.

The name "Alajota" carries a meaningful significance, translating to "Terpsichorean merchant," derived from the traditional epithet of the ancient Yoruba itinerant performer known for their mastery of dance. This name aptly reflects Christopher Emmanuel's (Abdul Yisa Onibasa) unwavering dedication to dance.

PROFILE OF THE LATE BUSARI OLANIYI AGBOLADE

Busari Olaniyi Agbolade, born on 13th July 1948, was a skilled professional in painting and steel fabrication. He began his education at A.U.D Primary School in Ila Orangun, attending from 1955 to 1960, and later pursued secondary education at L.A Secondary School in Ila Orangun from 1961 to 1963. Subsequently, he embarked on an apprenticeship at Adegoke Metal Construction Company from 1965 to 1967.

From 1969 to 1975, Busari Olaniyi Agbolade worked with notable organizations such as the Niger West Construction Company, Niger Dam Authority, and Uren Construction Engineering Company. In 1976, he honed his skills in Aluminium and Copper Artistic Panel Beating under the guidance of Yekini Agboola, who was an apprentice to Chief Ashiru Olatunde of Osogbo School.

In 1980, he furthered his education by joining the Abayomi Barber School of Thought at the University of Lagos to study painting. After completing his studies, he began working with the University of Lagos in 1980 but eventually resigned from his position in 1993 to fully devote himself to his artistic endeavors.

Throughout his career, Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade actively participated in numerous exhibitions. These include the Barber School Exhibition sponsored by N.C.A.C in 1984, the Benue State Art Exhibition in 1985, the Lagos State Art Council exhibition in 1986, and the "Man in Focus" exhibition by the Federal Department of Culture in 1986. Additionally, he showcased his art internationally, participating in an Exhibition of Paintings and Batiks by three Nigerian Artists in Dakar, Senegal in 1987, and an exhibition with 843 Studio Gallery in East New York, U.S.A from October to December 1988. He was a regular participant in the Lagos State Chapter of S.N.A. Annual exhibition from 1991 to 2009.

Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade was sought after for commissioned works, creating portraits of HRH Aholu Menu Toyi, Akran of Badagry, Orangun of Ila, Oba William Adetona Ayeni, and other prominent Nigerians both at home and abroad. Notably, his painting "Mother and Child" was commissioned by 843 Studio Gallery in New York, U.S.A.

His works continue to be appreciated, and a collection of his paintings can be viewed at https://artsfocus.wordpress.com/2014/08/14/electronic-exhibition-of-mr-busari-olaniyi-agbolades-painting-works/.

Before his passing, Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade served as the Chairman of the AZA Artists and Writers Movement, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of art.