Segun Adefila: A Theatre Maestro Par Excellence

Nigeria’s theatre arts industry has grown over the years. From dance, to drama and music, arts have grown into a notable industry in the country. Some individuals work judiciously to make the industry a force to reckon with. One of such persons is Segun Adefila.

Segun Adefila is a theatre maestro par excellence. He has spent about three decades of practice in the industry. He is the co-founder of Crown Troupe of Africa – a theatre house that displays art in its finest form. For his doggedness and resilience to thrive in the arts industry, he is NRTC’s Personality of the Month.

Who is Segun Adefila?

Adefila is a Nigerian artist from Omu Aran in Kwara State. He is an actor, writer, singer, dancer, poet and director. His love for arts began as a child. He danced with masquerades during traditional festivals. This helped him to develop his art and groomed him for greater works. Now, he uses his performances to tell stories on social justice and to enlighten the public on socio-cultural and political issues.

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Adefila had his informal training in theatre with Black Image Theatre Company. Thereafter, he co-founded Crown Troupe of Africa with some friends in June 1996. He is also the artistic director of the company. In 1997, he obtained a certificate in Drama from the defunct Centre for Cultural Studies, University of Lagos.

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Also, in 2002, he bagged his B.A degree in Creative Arts from the University of Lagos. Crown Troupe of Africa is the platform that honed his skill and brought him acclaim. The company has performed on various stages in Nigeria and beyond.

The first international exposure for the company was when some of its members joined the National Troupe of Nigeria to perform at the maiden edition of Contacting The World. This is an international youth theatre festival and was hosted by Manchester-based Contact Theatre in 2002.

In 2009, Adefila was nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Award in the Most Promising Actor category for his role in Arugba. He describes himself as a relentless explorer. Besides, he has paid his dues in the industry.

This year, Crown Troupe of Africa celebated its 25th anniversary. It was an event laced with exciting performances. Adefila has come a long way in proving that the arts industry is here to stay. He is not just a performer; he is a theatre maestro par excellence.