In a country celebrated for its music, theatre, festivals, and rich cultural traditions, few individuals have done more to elevate indigenous performance arts than Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare. His journey from the ancient town of Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected cultural scholars is a story of determination, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the value of African cultural heritage.
For decades, Bakare has stood at the intersection of scholarship and performance, proving that dance is more than entertainment. Through his work as a choreographer, theatre practitioner, academic, cultural administrator, and public servant, he has helped redefine how African performance traditions are studied, preserved, and celebrated.
Today, he stands as Nigeria’s first Professor of Choreography and Performance Aesthetics, a distinction that reflects decades of groundbreaking contributions to the performing arts.
Growing Up in a Culture Rich Community
Born on November 8, 1964, in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Rasaki Ojo Bakare grew up in an environment where culture was woven into daily life. Traditional festivals, music, storytelling, drumming, and communal performances formed an important part of the social fabric of his community.
Like many children raised in Yoruba society, he was exposed to cultural expressions that carried history, values, and communal identity from one generation to another. These experiences would later become a major source of inspiration for his academic and artistic pursuits.
His fascination with performance arts began at an early age and continued to grow despite societal attitudes that often viewed theatre and dance as less prestigious than professions such as law, medicine, or engineering.
EXPLORE NOW: Biographies & Cultural Icons of Nigeria
Choosing Passion Over Convention
One of the defining moments in his life came when he chose to pursue theatre arts despite opposition from his family.
His father preferred that he study law and had even secured admission forms for that purpose. Bakare, however, was determined to follow a different path. His passion for theatre and performance ultimately guided his educational choices and shaped the trajectory of his life.
What seemed like a risky decision at the time would eventually lead to a distinguished career that transformed the study of performance arts in Nigeria.
Building a Foundation in Theatre and Performance
Bakare’s academic journey began with teacher training before he proceeded to study Theatre Arts at the University of Calabar, where he obtained both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of performance traditions, he later earned a doctorate in Choreography and Dance Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
His education combined theoretical scholarship with practical experience. This combination allowed him to approach dance and theatre not only as a performer but also as a researcher interested in understanding how movement, ritual, storytelling, and aesthetics function within African societies.
Learning from Legends of Nigerian Theatre
Long before he became a professor, Bakare learned from some of the most influential figures in Nigerian theatre.
He trained under Hubert Ogunde and Jimoh Aliu, two towering figures in Nigerian stage performance. These experiences provided him with firsthand exposure to professional stagecraft, performance techniques, and indigenous theatrical traditions.
He also participated in Ogunde’s production of Aropin N’Teniyan, gaining valuable practical experience that would influence his later work as a director and choreographer.
The mentorship he received from these theatre icons helped bridge traditional performance practices and modern theatrical scholarship.
Transforming Dance into Academic Scholarship
One of his greatest contributions has been his role in establishing choreography and performance aesthetics as serious academic disciplines.
For many years, dance was often treated as a practical art form with limited scholarly attention. He challenged this perception by demonstrating that African dance traditions contain complex systems of knowledge, symbolism, communication, and cultural memory.
His research explored the relationship between movement, music, ritual, identity, and aesthetics within African performance traditions. Through teaching, directing, and mentoring, he helped create a stronger academic foundation for the study of choreography and performance in Nigeria.
He became Nigeria’s first Professor of Choreography and Performance Aesthetics.
Taking Nigerian Culture to the World
His influence extends far beyond university campuses.
Throughout his career, he has participated in cultural exchanges, performances, workshops, and academic engagements across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. His work has introduced international audiences to the richness and sophistication of African performance traditions.
As a choreographer and cultural ambassador, he has consistently emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous artistic expressions while adapting them to contemporary realities.
His contributions have helped strengthen global appreciation for Nigerian and African performing arts.
Leadership in National Cultural Development
Beyond scholarship and performance, he has played significant roles in cultural administration.
He served as Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja National Carnival, helping coordinate one of Nigeria’s most prominent cultural celebrations.
Through this role, he worked to showcase the diversity of Nigeria’s cultures while promoting national unity through artistic expression.
His leadership abilities later led to appointments in public service, including his role as Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in Ekiti State.
In this capacity, he continues to advocate for cultural preservation, creative industry development, tourism promotion, and the protection of Nigeria’s heritage resources.
A Legacy of Cultural Preservation
Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare’s legacy extends beyond titles and appointments.
His work has inspired a new generation of scholars, performers, choreographers, and cultural practitioners. Through decades of teaching and mentorship, he has encouraged young Nigerians to see culture not merely as entertainment but as a valuable resource for education, identity, and development.
His career demonstrates that indigenous knowledge systems can thrive within modern academic institutions while retaining their authenticity and relevance.
By documenting, studying, and promoting African performance traditions, he has helped ensure that important cultural practices continue to be appreciated by future generations.
Why His Story Matters
The story of Rasaki Ojo Bakare is ultimately a story about vision and persistence.
At a time when many traditional art forms faced the pressures of modernization and globalization, he dedicated his life to proving their enduring value. Through scholarship, performance, leadership, and advocacy, he has shown that dance and theatre are powerful vehicles for preserving history, expressing identity, and building cultural understanding.
His achievements stand as a reminder that culture is not merely a reflection of society. It is one of the forces that shapes it.
For Nigeria and Africa, his contributions represent an important chapter in the ongoing effort to preserve heritage while embracing the future.
EXPLORE NOW: Military Era & Coups in Nigeria
Author’s Note
The life of Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare illustrates how passion, scholarship, and cultural commitment can transform an entire field of study. From his beginnings in Aramoko-Ekiti to becoming Nigeria’s first Professor of Choreography and Performance Aesthetics, he has demonstrated that African cultural traditions deserve both preservation and serious academic attention. His legacy is found in his performances, teachings, public service, and the generations of practitioners inspired by his work.
References
Ekiti State Government Official Profile of Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare
Federal University Oye-Ekiti Publications and Academic Profiles
National Carnival Commission Records
Biographical Records of Rasaki Ojo Bakare
Academic Publications on Choreography and Performance Aesthetics
Studies on Nigerian Theatre and Cultural Heritage
Historical Records on Hubert Ogunde and Jimoh Aliu
Nigerian Arts and Culture Administration Records
Forum of Commissioners for Culture, Tourism, Arts, Heritage and Creative Economy Publications
Documented Interviews and Public Lectures by Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare
