The success and importance of the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), established in 2005, is largely down to one woman, the Lebanese-French founder and chairperson, Sarah Boulos.  

We are delighted to see reports that Boulos might be returning to the region after relocating to the U.S. in recent years.

While Boulos was the trailblazer in Nigeria’s performing arts seen, today she is even better known as the wife of Massad Boulos, the close advisor to American President Donald Trump, who might be returning to Africa in the role as a special envoy.

If Sarah Boulos returns with her husband, then Africa’s cultural scene might reap unintended benefits, the likes of which we are still reaping in Nigeria thanks to SPAN.

From its humble beginnings, SPAN’s mission was to set a global standard for performing arts education and expression in Nigeria.

In a previous interview, Boulos explained that SPAN wasn’t just about arts or culture.

When she first arrived in Lagos almost 30 years ago, she was driven by a strong sense of charity, inspired by her mentor, Thomas Sankara, who was from Burkina Faso, where Boulos was born.

However, when she grew older, especially after a spiritual awakening she felt a deeper calling. She asked God what He wanted me to do to make Him smile, and He said, ‘dance for me.’

With this divine revelation, she understood that her mission was connected to the performing arts. The journey began in a garage in Ikoyi, turning it into a dance studio.

Today, SPAN’s work is a vital contribution to Nigerian culture. Every program is aimed at expanding the minds of attendees, empowering them to go out and create positive change in their communities.

SPAN is a hub of creativity, a place where artists can network and be inspired to push boundaries. Over the years, they have trained thousands of individuals, helping them blossom into leaders and influencers in their communities.

SPAN’s initiatives are crucial for nurturing and promoting Nigerian arts and culture, encouraging artistic expression while fostering community development. By providing both training and a platform for exposure, SPAN is helping shape the next generation of Nigerian artists, ensuring the culture continues to thrive for generations to come.

SPAN offers various programs aimed at nurturing talent and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts. These initiatives play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Nigerian culture, ensuring that traditional and contemporary performing arts continue to thrive.

SPAN remains a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural scene, dedicated to enriching the nation’s artistic expression and fostering a vibrant community of performers and enthusiasts.

Boulos and her team enriched the Nigerian cultural landscape and contributed to the global recognition of Nigeria’s performing arts. It is hoped by all those who care about African culture that Boulos will leave the diplomacy to her husband and once again assume the reins of a cultural innovator and dance entrepreneur.