About This Show
Voices of Tomorrow is a monologue competition that celebrates the talent, vision, and courage of emerging actors as they step into the spotlight to perform powerful works from African and African Diasporic playwrights. Curated by Ubuntu Stage, this evening is more than a showcase — it is a cultural offering, a celebration of heritage, and a call to invest in the next generation of storytellers.

Each of the ten performers has selected and prepared a monologue that resonates with their identity, spirit, and artistry. From moments of joy to scenes of resistance, these performances illuminate the range and richness of Black and African experiences through theatre.

This inaugural competition also serves the platform of Oyemen Ehikhamhen, Miss Diaspora Nigeria USA 2024/2025 and founder of Ubuntu Stage. As an actress and advocate, Oyemen created Voices of Tomorrow to create access, inspire bold expression, and connect emerging talent with opportunities and mentorship.

Held during the month of Juneteenth, this event is both a celebration and a statement — that African and Diasporic stories matter, and that the future of theatre is bright, bold, and beautifully diverse. Thank you for joining us to witness and uplift the voices of tomorrow.

Support the Vision

Voices of Tomorrow is more than a monologue competition — it is a fundraiser supporting Ubuntu Stage and the continued work of Oyemen Ehikhamhen, Miss Diaspora Nigeria USA 2024/2025. Tonight’s event is part of a larger mission: to empower the next generation of African and Diasporic storytellers through education, opportunity, and access.

This summer, Oyemen will launch Ubuntu Stage’s Summer Arts Program in Nigeria, a one-week intensive designed to equip underserved Nigerian youth with training in acting, storytelling, and creative expression. Through workshops, mentorship, and a culminating performance, students will build confidence, discover their voices, and unlock their potential through the performing arts.

Your generosity helps us provide scholarships, meals, materials, and transportation to make this program accessible and impactful. It also fuels future Ubuntu Stage initiatives designed to uplift emerging talent globally.

To give:
Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/empowering-nigerias-next-generation-through-arts or scan the QR code below.
Every gift, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to a more inclusive, inspired world of storytelling.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Playwrights

Ngozi Anyanwu is a Nigerian-American playwright, actress, and producer whose work centers the intersection of identity, legacy, and the Black experience. Her plays include The Homecoming Queen (Atlantic Theater Company), Good Grief (Center Theatre Group & Audible), and The Last of the Love Letters (Atlantic Theater Company). She is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including the inaugural Humanitas/CTG Playwriting Prize and the Van Lier New Voices Fellowship at The Lark. As an actor, she has appeared on stage and screen, including in The Dropout (Hulu), The Affair (Showtime), and Law & Order: SVU. Ngozi holds an MFA in Acting from UC San Diego and is the founder of The 1st Generation Nigerian Project. Her storytelling champions diasporic voices with heart, humor, and unflinching truth.

Jocelyn Bioh is a Ghanaian-American playwright, actress, and screenwriter known for her sharp wit, cultural insight, and heartfelt storytelling. A graduate of Ohio State University and Columbia University’s MFA Playwriting program, she gained national acclaim with School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play, which earned multiple awards and critical praise for its exploration of colorism and identity. Her Broadway debut, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, premiered in 2023 and was nominated for a Tony Award. Bioh’s other works include Nollywood Dreams and the musical Goddess. She also writes for television, with credits on Russian Doll, Tiny Beautiful Things, and The Acolyte. Through her writing, Bioh brings the complexity of African and diasporic experiences to the center of American theatre.

Danai Gurira is a Zimbabwean-American actress, playwright, and activist known for her powerful storytelling and commitment to representation. A graduate of Macalester College and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she is the author of acclaimed plays including Eclipsed—the first Broadway production written, directed by, and starring Black women—The Convert, Familiar, and In the Continuum. Gurira is also widely recognized for her roles as Michonne on The Walking Dead and Okoye in Marvel’s Black Panther. Through her work on stage and screen, as well as her advocacy with Almasi Collaborative Arts and Love Our Girls, Gurira champions African and female-centered narratives, using the arts as a vehicle for social change.

Chijioke Elizabeth Obi is a dynamic Nigerian-American playwright, director, and actress whose work illuminates immigrant experiences and intergenerational connections. A graduate of California State University Long Beach and a former social work student at Fordham University, Obi gained recognition with her play Betrothed and later premiered Emeka: 1985, a deeply personal drama inspired by her father’s journey to America. The play explores cultural identity, family dynamics, and the immigrant pursuit of belonging, earning powerful responses from standing-room-only audiences. Through her storytelling, Obi brings to life urgent and resonant narratives rooted in both personal history and collective experience.

Abigail C. Onwunali is a Nigerian-American actor and writer whose work blends poetic storytelling with powerful stage presence. A graduate of the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale and a recipient of the Princess Grace Award, she made her Broadway debut in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding and has performed Off-Broadway in The Half-God of Rainfall, Bloodwork, and For the Honey You Gotta Say When. Her award-winning short play Jewel and acclaimed slam poetry highlight her ability to explore identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience with emotional depth. With 13 national speech and debate championships to her name, Onwunali brings precision, passion, and cultural richness to every performance.

Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist, and the first African laureate to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature (1986). Renowned for his powerful works exploring culture, politics, and human rights, his plays include Death and the King’s Horseman, A Dance of the Forests, The Lion and the Jewel, and The Road. His writing, rooted in Yoruba mythology and Western dramatic forms, has shaped modern African theatre. In addition to his prolific literary career, Soyinka is a lifelong activist and professor, whose work continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.

Mfoniso Udofia is a first-generation Nigerian-American playwright, actor, and educator whose work centers on the Nigerian immigrant experience. A graduate of Wellesley College and the American Conservatory Theater, she is best known for her Ufot Family Cycle, a series of plays including Sojourners, Her Portmanteau, and The Grove, which have been produced at major theaters across the U.S. Her work has earned honors such as the Helen Merrill and Steinberg Playwright Awards. Also a television writer and producer, Udofia brings intergenerational, cultural, and emotional depth to both stage and screen.

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Nick Alcorn

YOU NO.2 (The Last of The Love Letters by Ngozi Anyanwu)

Nick is currently a second-year Theater major with an emphasis on Musical Theater at UCLA. Some favorite credits include: Daddy Cane in Bright Star, Rod in Avenue Q, Barry Champlain in Talk Radio, Dr. Scott/Ensemble in The Rocky Horror Show, and Harold Hill in The Music Man, alongside short films and new plays at UCLA and beyond. He is eternally grateful to all who continue to support and inspire him.

Amelia-Ogechi Anijielo

FAYOLA (Nollywood Dreams by Jocelyn Bioh)

Born and raised in Southern California to the rhythms of Afrobeats, Jazz, and Neo-Soul. Amelia-Ogechi Oh-gay-Chee Anijielo Ani-gel-Lo is a Nigerian-American Christian actress who received her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Anijielo received her B.A degree in Theater with an Acting emphasis and a B.A in African-American Studies. Amelia-Ogechi Anijielo hopes she can create a path with her work, demonstrating how dreams and aspirations are never too small to achieve and imagine.

Kumari Ananda Devidasi Billings

ABASIAMA (RunBoyRun by Mfoniso Udofia)

Kumari Ananda Devidasi Billings is a poet, actress, and creative from Los Angeles, California. She is a rising senior at Loyola Marymount University and is double majoring in Political Science and Theater Arts. She has goals of attending law school post-grad and pursuing a career as a playwright. Her first full-length play, Please, Stay for Dinner, premiered in the fall of 2024 at LMU’s Del Rey Players Theater. Her goal is to create performance art that highlights social justice, equity, and equality.

iesha m. daniels

PAULINA (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play)

iesha is a graduate of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, where she earned her BFA in Acting. She is a proud first-generation Liberian-American. She recently booked the series regular role of Mars in the upcoming Holes series on Disney+ and was selected as a mentee in Lena Waither’s 2025 Hillman Grad Mentorship Program. Recent theatre credits include: Marlow Wyatt’s Robbin from the Hood (Road Theatre Company), Zora Howard’s STEW (Ebony Repertory Theatre), Francisca Da Silveira’s can i touch it? (Rogue Machine Theatre), devised works Inside Voices and Waiting Room (Arena Stage), and Katori Hall’s Children of Killers (Howard University). As an actress, director, and social impact producer, iesha aims to educate and dismantle colorism in the arts and media. She is also a proud alum of the 2021 Academy Gold Rising Program. @ieshamdaniels

Emily Newland

JEKESAI (The Convert by Danai Gurira)

Emily Newland is a Colombian-Jamaican actress, producer, and director currently studying Theater at UCLA. With a deep passion for storytelling that fosters empathy and representation, she has performed on both stage and screen, bringing to life characters rooted in emotional truth and complexity. As a military child who grew up moving between countries, Emily draws from her diverse heritage and global upbringing to create work that bridges cultures and celebrates identity. Her performance style is grounded in method and movement-based techniques, often exploring themes of memory, belonging, and resilience. She is honored to contribute her voice to this celebration of African storytelling and creative excellence. Emily was a series regular in Youth Group, a television show produced by the five-time Emmy Award-winning Oak Film Co. Her film credits include lead roles in: Growth, Properly Exposed, Love Is A Dream, Exes With Benefits, Shadowplay, Figments, In Between, Cloud 9, etc. Theater: What It Iz (Geffen Playhouse/UCLA) A List of Happenings (UCLA), I Swear To God (UCLA), Good Tidings (LATI), Chicago (SOTA), The Jane Play (UCLA), etc.

Prayer Noyogiere

OBI (Death and the Broken Hearted by Abigail Onwunali)

Prayer Noyogiere is a first-generation African-American UCLA student born to Nigerian immigrant parents in California’s state capital, Sacramento. For most of her life though, she grew up in the small, suburban city of Elk Grove, CA where she attended Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School, T.R Smedberg Middle School, and Cosumnes Oaks High School. As third year Psychology student, she is set to graduate this summer 2025 also with a minor in Theater. With immense community service and professional work experience, her current goals are to gain various skills and connections within her greater community in prospects of growing and preparing for a successful career as a Marriage & Family Therapist/Clinical Psychologist and blossoming in the performing arts industry. As a performing artist, her passions are reflected in acting and playwright, showcasing her own personal stories and retelling the profound ones of the marginalized communities before her.

Rafi S. Pérez

TOYOIMA (The Grove by Mfoniso Udofia)

Rafi S. Pérez is a Catalan and Black American actress, singer, and polyglot from Atlanta, GA. As a recent graduate of USC, she has had experience on USC stages, Off-Broadway, and at the Hollywood, Atlanta, and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. She is very passionate about amplifying minority communities, and she is very proud to be presenting Black art from African playwrights. Enjoy the show!

Temi Salaam

YOU (The Last of The Love Letters by Ngozi Anyanwu)

A proud Southern California native, Temi was born in Inglewood to Nigerian immigrant parents and is the youngest of four children. Her passion for film, television, and live performance began early and was nurtured throughout her high school years, where she discovered her love for acting through theatrical productions. Currently Temi is a Public Relations major with a double minor in Screenwriting and Theatre at the University of Southern California. To find out about her and her creative/professional endeavors you can visit thisistemi.com!

Jaquan Solomon

ELESIN (Death and The King’s Horseman by Wole Soyinka)

Jaquan Solomon, also known as “The Renaissance Man,” is a Los Angeles based actor, singer, writer, and poet whose work challenges the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Originally from Camden, New Jersey, Jaquan moved to Los Angeles at 21 to pursue his passion for the arts. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in Creative Writing at California State University, Fullerton, and has trained with the Los Angeles Theatre Academy. Jaquan’s acting career spans both film and theater. He starred in Jamaal (2024), which earned multiple awards, including Best Director and Best Actor at the AI International Film Festival, and appeared in Justified (2023), which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. His stage credits include Tiny Joe Dixon in Dreamgirls at Grand Theatre: Home of The Road Company Theater Group, Tom Collins in Rent at Theatre Source LA, Khent in T-Room the Musical at Endstation Theatre Company, along with numerous other musicals spanning various genres at both community, collegiate, and regional theater levels. Jaquan’s first original film project, The Miseducation of Jimmy & Cheri, is a deeply personal story inspired by his parents’ resilience and love, exploring the complexities of family, youth, and overcoming adversity. As the writer, star, and hopeful producer, Jaquan aims to portray his father and bring his story to life, while also honoring his mother’s strength, sacrifice, and the pivotal role she played in shaping the man he’s become. Beyond acting, Jaquan is an emerging writer and producer, developing several projects in drama, animation, children’s literature, and poetry. He is also working on A Mosaic of Resilience: He Made Me Whole Again, a poetry memoir that reflects on identity, healing, and faith. Jaquan is represented by Hayes Talent Agency in both Georgia and California. Follow Jaquan's creative journey on Instagram at @jaquanlegend, or explore his work at actorcv.me/jaquanleesolomon.com.

Kristine Wallace

THE GIRL (Eclipsed by Danai Gurira)

Kristine Wallace is an actress based in Los Angeles, CA, and originally from Port Saint Lucie, Florida. After graduating from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in the Spring of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Performance, Kristine has continued to grace the stages and screens in theatre and film. Most recently, Kristine made her film debut as Shauna on The Mic in The Compulsive Kickback, directed by Kamaya Walker, which was featured at the Micheaux Film Festival and graced the theatre stage in Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage as Mrs. Dickerson, presented by the Torrance Theatre Company. When not on stage, Kristine volunteers with various non-profit organizations, leads hikes with The Saturday Hike Crew, and participates in speaking engagements.

Oye Ehikhamhen

Director | Ubuntu Stage, Founder

Oye Ehikhamhen is a Nigerian-American actress, arts leader, and advocate for African and Diasporic storytelling. She is the founder of Ubuntu Stage, a platform dedicated to nurturing and celebrating African and African Diasporic voices in the performing arts. In 2024, she was crowned Miss Diaspora Nigeria USA, a role through which she continues to empower communities and amplify underrepresented narratives. Oye’s screen credits include Rogue: The Western (2021), Queen Milly (2022), and Terra Incognita (2023). She earned her MFA in Acting from UCLA and has performed on stages across the country, using her voice and craft to explore identity, healing, and justice through story. Through her artistic and community-driven work, Oye is committed to fostering inclusive storytelling that reflects the beauty, complexity, and resilience of the African Diaspora.

Rama Orleans-Lindsay

Stage Manager

Rama Orleans-Lindsay a Ghanaian American artist from the East Coast….that would never let you forget it. Rama is focused on nuanced stories of joy and sorrow in our everyday lives. She loves to tell stories of her people, Immigrant peoples. And when not creating, she believes in doing everything at least once and is always looking for something fun and new to do.

Francis C. Edemobi

Assistant Director

Francis C. Edemobi is a Nigerian-American actor with training from the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and the Identity School of Acting. He has since worked in Theatre, landing leading roles in productions like Sense & Sensibility, Rotterdam, Our Lady of 121st Street and The Pilot Who Crashed the Party (directed by Tony Award winner Paul Sand). Breaking into film, He has starred in shorts including: Portrait (DGA Award, Septimius Award, Brooklyn Film Festival 2024). Sunday in August (Sundance ignite Finalist, New Orleans Film Festival, UrbanWorld 2024). Francis has also found work in commercials, His notable commercial work includes collaborations with directors David Meyers and Tim Hopper. He is currently a Hillman Grad Season 4 (Lena Waithe) Mentee.

Bayo Akinfemi

Judge

Bayo Akinfemi was born and raised in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. He attended primary and secondary schools in his hometown before obtaining a B.A Honours Degree in Performing Arts from University of Ilorin. He completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Program at NTA Calabar and began his career as an actor/stage director in Lagos before traveling to Canada in pursuit of his dream to become a filmmaker. In Canada, Bayo attended the Toronto Film School and worked as a Production Assistant thereafter. He soon joined the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) and worked as an Assistant Director on numerous Hollywood blockbusters including Undercover Brother (Eddie Griffin, James Brown) and The Tuxedo (Jackie Chan). Soon after, he wrote and directed his first film; a short titled Eye and I, and has since directed numerous short films including Rump - a story about sexual harassment on a University campus in Nigeria, A Novel Ending, Behind Closed Doors, My Little Package and Days Away. Bayo wrote and directed his debut feature length movie, Scoundrels of Faith in 2008. His second feature, Paparazzi-Eye In The Dark starring Van Vicker, won Best Director honour at the 2011 NAFCA Awards. It was also an official selection for the 2012 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. His other feature, Busted Life, starring Ramsey Nouah, also won Best Drama in the Diaspora at the 2014 NAFCA Awards. Bayo is a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and has directed episodes of Bob ❤ Abishola, a Warner Bros / CBS Network sitcom in its fifth season. A consummate actor: Bayo is a member of the Screen Actors Guild of America (SAG). His film and television credits include NCIS LA, Agents of Shield, Criminal Minds, Survivor’s Remorse, Bulletproof Monk, Soul Food, Crash and Burn, Heartland and Blue Murder. He was nominated for his first GEMINI Award – the Canadian Emmy; and ACTRA Best Actor Awards for playing the lead role in the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - CBC’s multi-million dollars, epic mini-series, Human Cargo. His second nomination was for his haunting portrayal of a Sudanese warlord in an episode of The Border. Bayo was a series regular for four seasons on BOB HEARTS ABISHOLA. He currently has numerous projects for film and television in various stages of development. A quintessential multi-hyphenate; Bayo taught Acting for Film and Television for four years at the Toronto Film School before moving to Los Angeles. He has a Master’s degree in Cinema and Media Studies from the University of Southern California (USC) where he currently works as an Assistant Professor of Film Directing and Acting. He’s also the Director of Undergraduate Studies for B.A. Acting Emphasis students in the School of Dramatic Arts at USC. Bayo is the founder and Artistic Director of African Theatre Artistes Society (ATARS), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to propagating African theatre to audiences in Los Angeles. He has directed Wedlock of the Gods by Zulu Sofola for the company’s inaugural production and is currently in pre-production for Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not To Blame.

Sophina Brown

Judge

Sophina Brown is an accomplished American actress, producer, and arts advocate whose career spans television, theater, and community leadership. Born on September 18, 1976, in Saginaw, Michigan, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from the University of Michigan. Brown's early career featured notable stage performances, including roles as Nala in Broadway's The Lion King and Carmen in the national tour of Fame – The Musical. She also appeared in regional productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, As You Like It, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Transitioning to television, she gained recognition for her roles as prosecutor Raina Troy in CBS's Shark (2006–2008) and FBI agent Nikki Betancourt in Numb3rs (2008–2010). Her television credits also include appearances in Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Castle, The Good Wife, NCIS, and Ravenswood. Beyond acting, Brown is a dedicated advocate for Black artists and audiences. In 2016, she began producing award-winning theater productions in Los Angeles, starting with August Wilson's American Century Cycle, aiming to create more opportunities for local Black artists and serve Black audiences. She is the founder and executive director of Support Black Theatre, a service organization dedicated to the development, enrichment, and promotion of Black art, Black artists, Black theatres, and Black audiences in Los Angeles. Additionally, she serves as the board chair of Collaborative Artists Bloc and as an advisory board member of Creative Acts. Brown continues to work in television, with roles in series such as Twenties by Lena Waithe and FX's Kindred, adapted from Octavia E. Butler's novel. She is married to actor Henry Simmons, her co-star from Shark, since May 2010.

Saidah Arrika Ekulona

Judge

Saidah Arrika Ekulona is an award-winning theatre, television and film actress. She's originated roles on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in regional theatres and international theatres, and originated the role of Mama Nadi in the Pulitzer Prize winning play RUINED, for which she won an Obie Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Jeff Award, Audelco Award and the Black Theatre Alliance Award. Saidah played Ebunoluwa on BOB HEARTS ABISHOLA, can also be seen as Toni Chapman in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, and has been a recurring featured Guest Star on SNOWFALL, BETTER CALL SAUL, BULL, KEVIN CAN WAIT, IMPASTOR, and has also Guest Starred in THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, SCANDAL, WHY WOMEN KILL, ALIVE, ROOM 104, THE 100, and SHAMELESS, among others. Saidah's film work includes LIFE OF CHUCK, AMBER ALERT, DARK WAS THE NIGHT, HONEYGLUE, CHRISTIAN MINGLE, THE DEN, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, RIGHTEOUS KILL, and others. Theatre credits include BROADWAY: Well OFF-BROADWAY: An American Daughter (Williamstown Theatre Festival); Othello; Unconditional; Well; The Square; Romeo and Juliet (Public Theatre/NYSF); The Thugs (Soho Rep); Fabulation (Playwrights Horizons); A Streetcar Named Desire (NYTW), The Thugs (Soho Rep) and more. Saidah received her BA and Honorary Doctorate from Albright College, and her MFA in Acting from the University of Minnesota.

Ben Guillory

Judge

Co-Founder, CEO & Producing Artistic Director, Actor, Director Ben Guillory is a theatre veteran who believes in the power and purpose of theatre. Guillory studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco and, for more than forty years, has worked extensively in theatre, film, and television as an actor, director, and producer. While at the American Conservatory Theatre, Mr. Guillory appeared in Julius Caesar, The Taming of the Shrew, Peer Gynt, Desire under the Elms, Misanthrope, The Cherry Orchard, Othello, Athol Fugard's Sizwe Banzi is Dead for the Arizona Theater Company, The Los Angeles Theatre Center's production of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Sacramento Theatre's production of Fences, the Mark Taper Forum's production of Miss Evers' Boys, the Robey/Greenway's co-production of Permanent Collection at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Additionally, he is co-founder, along with Danny Glover, of The Robey Theatre Company, one of Los Angeles's longest-operating and most award-winning African-American-led theatre companies. He serves as the CEO and Producing Artistic Director, coordinating Robey's Playwrights Program, and is an instructor for its Advanced Scene Study Workshop, overseeing the organization's day-to-day operations.

Tony Tambi

Judge

Tony Tambi is a Nigerian-born, Cameroon-raised, U.S based actor, audiobook narrator and filmmaker. After spending the first seven years of his life in Nigeria and the next fourteen in Cameroon, he moved to Minnesota in 1999 to further his education. Four years later, (and armed with an Accounting Degree he doesn’t use) he arrived in Los Angeles with the goal of pursuing a career in entertainment. Within a couple of years in LA, he received an NAACP Theater Award Nomination for playing the character ‘Monday’ in The God Botherers. Other plays followed, including the critically acclaimed world premiere Butterflies of Uganda, A Providential Occurrence, The Fair Maid of the West, Saturday Night at The Palace and Somewhere in the Middle.   Tony has had various starring and supporting roles in numerous films and TV shows. He’s most known for the recurring role of ‘Chukwuemeka’ on the CBS hit show BOB HEARTS ABISHOLA; as well as the web series CON$EQUENCS, that he created, starred in, and produced. In CON$EQUENCES, reformed internet scammers get a team together to reinvent their old business, this time only targeting immoral people. Seasons 1 & 2 are available on YouTube and Amazon Prime.   As a writer, Tony’s first instinct is to tell smart, diverse, and thought provoking stories that offer a different view from the typical ‘mainstream media’ African immigrant experience. His goal as a filmmaker is to bring more stories of the African-born American to the big screen; in addition to exploring themes from a rarely talked about perspective - the African perspective. ***Fun Fact: Butterflies of Uganda premiered at the Greenway Court Theater.

Ben Official

Host

Ben Official (born Benedict Uchechukwu Ojei) is a Nigerian-American R&B singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles, originally from Chicago. Known for his soulful tone and heartfelt storytelling, Ben blends classic influences like Carl Thomas, John Legend, and Fela Kuti with modern vulnerability. Born in Nigeria as a premature baby given little chance to survive, his mother named him Uchechukwu—“God’s Will.” After a tragic loss of his father just weeks after immigrating to the U.S., Ben was raised in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, overcoming early cultural and social barriers. He began his music journey in 2013 with Circa 87, a tribute to his late father. After earning degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Illinois, he worked as a mentor for underserved youth before committing fully to music. Since moving to L.A. in 2016 and signing with Nu Wave Music in 2017, Ben has opened for R&B icons like Tank, Kelly Price, and Dru Hill, and gained mentorship from Shirley King, daughter of blues legend B.B. King. In 2021, Ben survived a near-fatal battle with COVID-19, which reshaped his health, purpose, and sound. His resilience shows up in recent wins: starring in a national T-Mobile commercial, being featured in a Nordstrom Rack campaign, and going viral on TikTok with his powerful cover of Sade’s Ordinary Love, which amassed over 800K views in just two months. Ben Official’s music reflects struggle and soul, pain and purpose. His recent short film Drive Slow, Ogene Man and TV appearance on Jury Duty further show his range as an artist. With each move, Ben proves he’s not just next—he’s now.

Bradley Nnadi

Emcee

Bradley Nnadi is an American actor known for his emotionally grounded performances and captivating screen presence. With roots in both dramatic and comedic storytelling, Nnadi brings a natural charisma and depth to every role he inhabits. He has appeared in a range of projects that span television, film, and stage, earning recognition for his versatility and commitment to craft. Nnadi continues to carve a path in the entertainment industry as a rising talent with a unique voice and strong creative vision.

THA PRFSSR

DJ

Ikechi — a first gen Igbo-American raised in the Chicago suburbs — embodies over 16 years of musical arts expertise across disciplines, from classical voice & theatre to popular music composition & songwriting. He uses this foundation, alongside his core passion for storytelling & building community, to curate sonic experiences under the guise of THA PRFSSR. A multi-genre selector, THA PRFSSR is known for curating a blend of Afro diasporic sounds embodied by the term ỤLAKWE (“School of Music”) for his STUDNT following, housed by Foreign But Familiar. He’s worked with international acts & brands - including TAO Group Hospitality, Amplify Africa, Lifestyle Entertainment Group, and Native Records/Def Jam (ODUMODUBLVCK).

Echezona

Performing Artist

Echezona is a renowned Nigerian-American Afrofusion & Hip-Hop artist from Boston, MA, who has been performing for almost 15 years across the map. His track record includes having one of his song featured in the NBA 2K21 Soundtrack, recognition from ESPN, and opening for SZA at the TD Garden for iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball event. Fluent in the native tongue of Igbo, Echezona’s global artistry serves as a contributor to America’s melting pot of cultural diversity. His new album, ÉNYÌ, is a testament to said artistry, filled with music championing the everywoman and promoting themes of community, love, and yielding impact in other’s lives.

Iroko World Percussionist

Drummer

Samson Olawale is an acclaimed percussionist of international reput. He has toured extensively and performed with some of the very best acts in the world, including the legendary jazz guitarist JOHN SCOFIELD and KARL DENSON. His ingenuity has taken him on tour with renowned acts all over the USA, Canada, Brazil, Caribbean Island, South Africa, Japan and U.K. to mention a few. He began performing at the tender age of six and has explored the world of rhythm with his mastery of most percussion instrument including the conga sets and Djembe drum his specialties. Having performed and contributed his unique sound and experience to the success of some of Nigeria renowned acts such as Lagbaja, Femi Kuti, D'banj, and Wizkid to name a few.

Multimedia

Sponsors

Special Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who made this event not only possible but profoundly meaningful.

To our brilliant playwrights—thank you for your courage, creativity, and commitment to storytelling. You are the heartbeat of this movement.

To Center Theatre Group, thank you for your generous donation of rehearsal space and CTG subscriptions—your continued support uplifts emerging voices in powerful ways.

To Greenway Court Theatre, thank you for providing the stage where our stories came to life. Your generosity gave us a home.

To Neyipac Entertainment LLC, we are so grateful for capturing our moments with such artistry through your donated photography services.

To Seed Floral, thank you for your incredible generosity in providing the stunning floral arrangements. Your artistry added beauty, warmth, and intention to our space.

To Support Black Theatre, thank you for sponsoring audience tickets and sharing this vision with your community. Your marketing efforts helped amplify the voices that needed to be heard.

To The Last Acting Studio, your donation of acting classes gave our young performers tools to shine with confidence.

To The Robey Theatre Company, thank you for donating your time and legacy—your presence is a gift.

To our esteemed judges—Bayo Akinfemi, Sophina Brown, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Ben Guillory, and Tony Tambi—thank you for lending your time, your insight, and your belief in emerging talent.

To Gregg T. Daniel, thank you for coming in as a guest lecturer and so generously sharing your time, wisdom, and craft with our young actors. Your guidance left a lasting impact.

To Caylyn Dabney, Raul Vega Martinez, and the BIPOC Affinity Group—thank you for being sounding boards and champions as I brought this program to life. Your support, encouragement, and help connecting me with volunteers and resources made all the difference.

To Chijioke Elizabeth Obi, thank you for continuing to be a steadfast supporter of your community and for nurturing this vision from its earliest days. You told me it was possible—and that belief helped bring it to life.

To our phenomenal team:
Rama Orleans-Lindsay, our steady and sharp Stage Manager,
Francis Edemobi, co-workshop lead and Assistant Director—your dedication shaped this journey,
Ben Official, our gracious and dynamic Host,
Bradley Nnadi, our vibrant Emcee,
DJ THA PRFSSR, who kept the energy alive,
Iroko World Percussionist, for grounding us in rhythm and spirit with your drumming,
Echezona, for lighting up the stage with your electrifying Afrobeats performance,
Ashphord Jacoway, our organized and welcoming House Manager,
and David Kobrin, whose quiet support resonated deeply—thank you.

Finally, to everyone who believes in the power of telling our own stories, and in the spirit of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—your belief fuels our collective voice.

Thank you for standing with us.

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	Video: Darren Criss 'Passes the Charger' to Andrew Barth Feldman
	Videos You Missed This Week: TWELFTH NIGHT, OPERATION MINCEMEAT, and More
	Listen: Nicholas Christopher Sings 'Where I Want to Be' From CHESS
	Cast Set for STEREOPHONIC National Tour
	James Corden to Visit LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS Next Week
	Photos: Luke Newton and More in HOUSE OF MCQUEEN Off-Broadway
	So Cast Me Already! with Christopher Sieber

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