PHOTOS: Frills, Thrills as local artistes audition for placement in Oyo’s  culture troupe

Arts, culture, exotic dances and audio-visual renderings were on display, Friday, at the Culture Center, Ibadan, as young artistes auditioned for placement in Oyo, south West Nigeria state’s Performing Troupe.

Oyo, a historical city is also seat of Yoruba culture and arts.

The state is home to the country’s premier varsity, University of Ibadan. it is also home of rich Yoruba art forms.

‘Eegun’, masquerade, is a key feature in Yoruba art form

Oyo State through its Council for Arts and Culture seeks to leverage on these heritage to rebrand the state.

Mokala area of Ibadan was on Friday a center of excitement as many came to see art forms like ‘Ijala’, an ancient hunters chant; ‘bata’ drumbeats, favoured, according to legends, by Sango, Yoruba god of Thunder and Justice, also worshiped in Brazil.

There were many more displays like acrobatics and dancing.

 ‘Ijala, the hunters chant, can be mesmerizing

Speaking at the auditioning, Commissioner for the Ministry, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun said that the rebranded performing troupe will promote Oyo State’s cultural heritage, norms and values thus projecting the State positively.

Olatubosun charged the auditioning artistes to make sacrifices and show resilience.

Panelists drawn from the Creative Industry conducted the auditions and chose the best candidates.

The panelists were Oriyomi Duro Ladipo, Biodun Adekanmbi, Christopher Abdul Onibasa and some directors of the Ministry.

Audience were treated to the exotic ‘bata’ drum performance

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