By Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-02-07 11:45:16
Nigeria is rejoicing as the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History opens its doors in the heart of Lagos, marking a major new cultural attraction. The Centre is named after Dr. John Randle, a Sierra Leone-born medical doctor who constructed a swimming pool in the 1920s after colonial authorities refused to create a site for teaching Lagosians how to swim. This venue served as a major recreational and cultural hub for decades before falling into disrepair.
Following almost a decade of redevelopment funded by the Lagos State government, the Centre is now nearing completion. In addition to constructing a museum to tell the story of the Yoruba people, the promoters of the scheme have utilized this oasis of greenery in the center of the bustling metropolis as a place for enjoyment and relaxation. Paying homage to John Randle’s legacy, the outdoor swimming pool has been restored, and an amphitheater has been added as a space for artistic performances.
The Centre is notably the first major new museum to arrive in Lagos since the opening of the Nigerian National Museum in 1957. Lagos’s art and culture scene has been flourishing for many years and has become a crucial part of the city’s economy and social fabric.
A story of continuity and change, the John Randle Centre was designed by local architecture firm SI.SA and is conceived as an extension of the landscape. The museum starts with an animation recounting the creation of the world at the behest of the supreme god, Olodumare, and takes visitors through 13 of the Orishas or òrìxà , divine spirits of Yoruba mythology, and into the customs and practices of pre-colonial Yoruba life.
The representation of a Yoruba village includes a storytelling area that showcases storytelling as an important aspect of Yoruba culture. The museum leverages interactive exhibits, high-tech games, and videos to engage visitors, with an emphasis on children being given opportunities to express their creativity.
The overall message is one of continuity and change, illustrating how the Yoruba have faced challenges over the centuries but have succeeded in maintaining a unique and vibrant culture. The Centre aims to attract around 2,000 visitors per week and will play a crucial role in educating visitors from Nigeria and around the world on the rich heritage of the Yoruba.
The John Randle Centre is one of several recent exciting additions to Lagos’s cultural landscape. The Tiwani Contemporary gallery on Victoria Island opened in February 2022, showcasing modern art from across Africa and the Global South. Additionally, Lagos boasts multiple other galleries, including the Nike Centre for Art and Culture, the largest venue of its kind in the region.
The arts scene in Lagos is not without its challenges, as the economic difficulties facing Nigeria have impacted artists and musicians. However, there is optimism for the future, with a recognition of the golden age of African art and the younger generation’s increased engagement culturally. The government’s Ministry for Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy has a role to play in laying the groundwork for continued growth of the sector.
The last few years have brought numerous exciting developments in the Nigerian cultural scene, with the John Randle Centre being a standout addition. The future is hopeful, as despite economic challenges, the cultural space has seen substantial growth based on the sheer talent and determination of the people. The younger generation’s engagement in visual arts, music, comedies, and movies is a testament to the exciting prospects for Nigeria’s cultural scene.
