LONDON, UK. April 9th, 2025 – Helen Epega’s groundbreaking Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera returns to Wilton’s Music Hall in London to mark its 10th anniversary, presented by EMCA.
The show takes place on 24-26 April, including a matinee show on Saturday 26th.
Following a sold-out Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room performance, this landmark production continues to push artistic boundaries and champion cultural inclusion. Blending Western classical music, African percussion and futuristic soundscapes, the opera weaves together Nigerian Pidgin English, Patois, Creole, Cockney, Hip-Hop Vernacular and Multicultural London Slang, redefining opera for a modern audience.
The 90-minute performance features a stellar cast, including Helen Epega (Composer- Librettist, Lead Vocalist), Richard Ọlátúndé Baker (African Percussion), Abdul William (Steel Pans), Francis Angol (Choreographer), Esme Benjamin (Movement Artist), Louisa Martin (Soprano), Francesca Bartolo (Mezzo), Jacob Cole (Tenor), Ted Day (Baritone), Karolina Przasnyska (violinist), Daniel Yiu (cellist), Manuel Gageiro (Piano), Antoinette Jackman (Director) and Baba Epega (Executive Producer).
Helen Epega, Composer-Librettist and Lead, said: “It’s incredible to see how this opera has evolved over ten years. This anniversary run is a celebration of everything we’ve built – music, culture and community.
“The show is a celebration of African and multicultural voices with a story that reflects cultural diversity. It pushes the boundaries of traditional opera with a visually and sonically immersive performance. We are also proud to be British Sign Language-accessible, making opera more inclusive for wider audiences.”
Since its 2015 debut at The Place Theatre in London, Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera has captivated audiences worldwide, with performances in Lagos, Turin, Bodrum and Cape Town. This visually and sonically immersive production follows Kenate, a heroine on a quest for identity, redemption and her true voice in an Afrofuturistic world.
Tickets are priced from £12.50 for adults and £10 for concessions and are available to purchase at songqueenapidginopera.com.
ENDS