From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Nigerian drummer-turned-actor, Kayode Bamgbose popularly known as Kaybams, has captivated audiences in the United Kingdom with a powerful stage performance that blends drama, music, and cultural storytelling in Oodaye (The Cradle).
Staged at the CAST Theatre in Doncaster, the production delivered an immersive theatrical experience, drawing strong reactions from the audience and reinforcing the global appeal of African-rooted narratives.
Bamgbose, who transitioned from percussion to take on the demanding dual role of lead actor (Opitan) and drummer, described the performance as one that required total embodiment rather than routine acting.
“I don’t just perform, I become the story,” he told newsmen, noting that Opitan represents “truth that refuses to be silenced.”
He explained that switching between character and rhythm demanded intense focus and discipline, with moments where both roles merged seamlessly on stage.
The production, led by Ajide Adeyemi, featured a strong creative team, including Dr Lekan Balogun as dramaturg and creative consultant, whose input helped shape the depth and direction of the play.
According to Bamgbose, music played a central role in storytelling.
“In our culture, the drum speaks. It can warn, celebrate, question, and even protest. In Oodaye, music wasn’t just part of the story, it was the story,” he said.
He recalled the audience’s silence during key moments as one of the most powerful indicators of the production’s impact.
“There’s a kind of silence that tells you people are fully present. That silence meant everything,” he added.
Reflecting on the Doncaster performance, Bamgbose credited the director’s vision and the collaborative energy of the team for creating a production that resonated deeply with audiences.
Looking ahead, the actor said he’s set to perform at the Brighton Fringe in May this year as the lead drummer in DURO!, a production that explores African spirituality through the story of an Abiku — a spirit-child navigating love, destiny, and belonging.
He is also part of a developing theatre project, KalakutHer: Queens of Fela’s Republic, which explores the stories of women within the Kalakuta Republic of Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti.
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