Excitement is in the air among theatre enthusiasts as Dear Kaffy, the acclaimed stage play directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, continues its highly anticipated tour across South Africa.
Featuring a stellar Nigerian cast, the play debuted to critical acclaim in Pretoria on February 27, marking the beginning of a two-week theatrical journey across several venues.
The tour, organized in collaboration with the South African State Theatre, aims to strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and South Africa.
“We see this partnership as a bridge between cultures,” said Austen-Peters, who serves as both the director and producer of the production. Describing the audience’s response as “electrifying,” she promised “two weeks of exceptional theatre.”
The opening night was a sold-out event, attended by notable dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, the CEO of the South African State Theatre, Sibongiseni Mkhize, and its Artistic Director, Aubrey Sekhat.
This marks the second time BAP Productions has toured South Africa, following the successful staging of Saro The Musical in 2022.
With approximately a dozen performances scheduled, the play has been staged daily since March 1. The tour is set to reach its peak from March 6 through the weekend, culminating in a grand finale on Sunday, March 9.
A Story of Love, Identity, and Societal Expectations
Dear Kaffy – Kike’s Story follows the life of Kikelomo Olota, a 35-year-old single woman in Lagos grappling with love, societal pressure, and self-discovery. Though academically brilliant from a young age, Kike’s struggle to find lasting love leads her into a series of turbulent relationships.
From Femi, a charming yet deceitful lover, to Emeka, a seemingly ideal man who turns out to be married, her journey is filled with heartbreak and hard-earned lessons.
As her family—especially her father—urges her to settle down, she meets Debo, a suitor who offers an unexpected connection. However, just as she begins to embrace a new chapter, her past resurfaces in the form of Tamuno, an ex-boyfriend whose reappearance threatens her happiness.
Filled with humor, music, and a sharp critique of societal norms, Dear Kaffy is a compelling exploration of love, self-worth, and the quest for authenticity.
A Stellar Nigerian Cast
The play’s South African tour features a talented Nigerian ensemble, including Uzo Osimkpa as Kike, Yewande Osamein (Tolani), Abiola Lepe (Bidemi), Sharon Onyegbula (Shalewa), and Ralph Okoro (Tamuno). Other cast members include Hector Amiwero and Obiora Maduegbuna as Debo, Floyd Igbo (Femi), Bimbo Manuel (Father), and Bukola Ogunnote (Mother).
Originally premiering at the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) in November 2024, Dear Kaffy returned to the Terra Kulture stage during the festive season.
Now, with its South African tour, it joins Bolanle Austen-Peters’ growing list of internationally recognized productions, following the success of Saro The Musical, Wakaa The Musical, and Fela & The Kalakuta Queens, which have been staged in London, Cairo, and Johannesburg.
