By Maya Quinn, managing editor

On Thursday, June 2, the Renaissance Theater will hold an exhibition and performance for one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists and cultural ambassadors, Prince Tunde Odunlade. His artistic career spans over five decades, and his works reflect the spirit and resilience of Yoruba culture. His exhibition will showcase his prints and batik artistry. He will also have a musical performance for attendees, free of charge.

Prince Tunde Odunlade was raised in Yorubaland, where music, masquerades, textiles, and oral traditions were part of everyday life. Thus, it is no wonder that he refused to limit himself to a single form of artistic expression. His interest in various forms of expression led him to study under Yinka Adeyemi, known for music and multicolored batiks, and participate in the Oguntimehim Art Workshop in Oshogbo. These experiences helped him blend music, drama, poetry, and visual art into methods of cultural exchange. He believed that African artistic expression best presents itself when interconnected. 

Odunlade is also known as an advocate for African arts and cultural exchange. His work inspired viewers to have global conversations about identity, spirituality, and social transformation. This legacy of cultural advocacy partially began with his participation in Festac ’77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. The event brought intellectuals and artists from African nations and the African diaspora. Their performances and exhibitions showcased Africa’s postcolonial identity to the world. In 2010, Odunlade continued to attract Western investment in African arts by leading a campaign tagged “Art as a tool to build a virile nation.” 

Please join Mrs. Sandra Walker and the Renaissance Theater for this culturally significant event. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the performance begins at 7:00 pm. Donations will be accepted.

Featured Image: A portrait of Tunde Odunlade during Building Open Glam Photo Walk (Energyme/CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)