Queen Idia the Musical is a powerful Nigerian–British production in development. Inspired by the legendary Queen Idia of the Benin Kingdom (warrior, strategist, mother, icon), this musical brings her voice to life through stirring Afrobeats, poetic storytelling, and the vibrant spirit of Nigerian culture.
Her iconic bronze mask, looted during the 1897 British invasion and now housed in the British Museum, is known around the world, etched into every Nigerian passport, immortalised as the emblem of FESTAC ’77. But the woman behind the bronze has remained in the shadows.
Until now.
This musical reclaims her legacy in an undeniably beautiful tale of power, sacrifice, magic, and a mother's unstoppable love. Written in English, Pidgin English, and the Benin language, the work weaves spoken word poetry with a modern take on Highlife and Afrobeats.
Queen Idia the Musical is being developed through a collaborative R&D process with UK and Nigerian creatives.
Queen Idia the Musical is being developed through a collaborative R&D process with UK and Nigerian creatives.
The work is being shaped in partnership with Landmark Theatres' Key Theatre in Peterborough, the National Theatre of Nigeria, and the University of Cambridge Public Engagement.
A research workshop funded by the Arts Council, England and supported by Cambridge Public Engagement was undertaken with the University of Cambridge Library, the Centre of African Studies, and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, culminating in a work-in-progress sharing at the MAA on 4 April 2025 as part of Cambridge Festival 2025. A second sharing followed at the Key Theatre in Peterborough on 4 May 2025 as part of the Landmark Welcome Weekender Festival.
An award-winning producer, writer, and arts manager celebrated for her contributions across theatre, film, television, and festival programming. Artistic Director of the Lagos Theatre Festival (West Africa's largest multi-arts festival), and founder of the Cambridge African Festival of Arts and the Taruwa Africa Centre, platforms dedicated to amplifying African and migrant narratives.
An oil and gas lawyer with 22 years of legal advisory, an Artist Migrant, and a poet. Endorsed by Arts Council England for a Global Talent Visa for her work in performance poetry. Has curated, written and produced shows to critical acclaim in Lagos, Abuja, Hong Kong, Scotland and London.
Spoken word poet, filmmaker, advertising copywriter and Derby City Councillor. Endorsed by Arts Council England in 2020. His second spoken word album, Nwa Chukwu, is available on major platforms.
An accomplished singer and songwriter who has been a prominent figure in the global music industry for nearly two decades. One of Nigeria's leading songwriters, with credits spanning major brands, award-winning artists, and top producers, many crossing over into the international scene.
Queen Idia the Musical has been shaped with the support of the following organisations:
