SPANFEST- MY BEAT, MY CITY
Sarah Boulos no doubt has successful carved a niche for herself and created a “voice” for performing artists to express themselves via this platform that has not only sustained itself for the past 12 years in NIGERIA but has also gained international recognition. The organization will be having its 3rd edition of the bi-annual event to commence in a couple of days time from the 18th-23rd of November, and Sarah is more than excited to take over Lagos with their yet biggest event. This year’s event is also geared towards celebrating LAGOS with its theme “MY BEAT, MY CITY” (ILUU MI, ILU ME). ENJOY the interview with EM’S DAMILOLA SHOTE as she expresses her delight of having no regret and her expectations towards the forthcoming activity-packed week.
PLEASE CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO EM?
I am Sarah Boulos founder and chairperson society for the performing arts in Nigeria
WHAT INSPIRED SPANFEST?
The DARC festival in France and Nnamdi Nweke to set up a similar project
HOW HAS THE EXPERIENCE BEEN SO FAR SINCE INCEPTION FROM THE PAST 3 YEARS
Exciting, thrilling, nerve breaking and challenging mixed feelings to make sure SPANFEST leaves an indelible mark in the audience expectations… An emotional and transformational journey through performing arts!
WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM THIS YEAR’S EVENT?
The stories of our city, the youth spectacular rendition of what we are all about in our present time yet preserving our cultural heritage
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ANY VITAL ROLE “LAGOS” HAS PLAYED IN THE CAUSE OF THIS JOURNEY ESPECIALLY WITH THE HONOR OF COMMEMORATING “LAGOS @50” YEARS CELEBRATION?
LAGOS is a vibrant and real human city filled with so many nationalities and ethnicities that it feels every artist(s) with constant creativity; LAGOS is a creative hub we need to speak and tell its story… It has shaped and define all of us leaving whether expatriate or citizen we call it home; we call it our city… every sound, every beat in Lagos matters whether the past the present and the future it breathes the moment to excel , overcome and thrive to conquer
WHAT OTHERS STATES/LOCATION DO YOU CONSIDER TO HOST THE SUBSEQUENT SPANFEST EVENTs?
Delta state and Akwa Ibom, even Abuja could be filled with the same humanity
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE TIME FOR YOU IN THE CAUSE OF ESTABLISHING THE NGO?
Seeing all the young stars graduate and becoming successful in their city becoming leaders using their God given gifts.
ANY CHALLENGES OR REGRETS SO FAR?
No regrets what’s so ever! Every step has become a learning curve, a transformation and a molding of characters that make sure SPAN as a nonprofit organization continues to help people find their beat to serve their city.
KINDLY STATE BRIEFLY WHAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED FROM THIS YEAR’S EVENT?
Six days of life changing performing arts experiences in dance, music, theater fashion and rewards in which artists will show their beat and will transport us into a a journey of wonders through their real stories ..
AS A NGO, WHAT ASPECT OF THE ORGANIZATION WOULD YOU REQUIRE SUPPORT FROM, FROM THE RIGHT GOVERNMENT PARASTATALS, CORPORATE BODIES OR INDIVIDUALS.
The government, parastatals and corporate bodies could support us with opening our doors to performing art access education in our Lagos Island schools and help us further our vision to build our dream, a state of the art performing arts center with its academy.
