Bolanle Austen-Peters, born on February 4, 1965, is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, acclaimed film and theatre director, producer, and cultural entrepreneur. She is the founder and artistic director of BAP Productions and Terra Kulture, one of Lagos’s foremost arts and cultural centers. Recognized by CNN as a trailblazer in Nigerian theatre, she has also been listed among Africa’s most influential women by Forbes Afrique.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Bolanle Austen-Peters (née Babalola) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 4 February 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Ekiti State |
| Spouse | Adegboyega Austen-Peters |
| Children | 2 (Daughter: Tamilayo Austen-Peters, Son: Tifeoluwa Austen-Peters) |
| Occupations | Lawyer, Film Director, Theatre Producer, Cultural Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, to Emmanuel Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and Mrs. Bisi Babalola, Bolanle attended Command Secondary School and the International School in Ibadan.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos and a Master’s degree in International Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Career
Bolanle began her professional journey as a lawyer, working at her father’s law firm and later with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme in Switzerland.
In 2003, she founded Terra Kulture, an educational and cultural institution dedicated to promoting Nigerian languages, arts, and culture, which also houses the country’s first privately owned theatre.
In 2013, she launched Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP Productions), producing highly acclaimed stage plays such as Saro The Musical, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, and Motherland the Musical.
Her theatrical works have toured internationally, including performances in London’s West End.
As a filmmaker, she directed notable films like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (the highest-grossing biopic in West Africa), The Bling Lagosians, Man of God, and Collision Course, and produced the film 93 Days.
She also established the Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, which has trained over 26,000 students in creative arts throughout Nigeria.
Personal Life
She is married to Nigerian executive and board member Adegboyega Austen-Peters, with whom she has a son and a daughter. They live together in Lagos.
Bolanle Austen-Peters Net Worth
As of 2025, Bolanle Austen-Peters’ net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This reflects her successful career as a lawyer, film and theatre director, producer, and cultural entrepreneur, as well as her significant contributions to the Nigerian arts and entertainment industry.
Filmography
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Director, 2024)
- The Bling Lagosians (Director, 2019)
- Man of God (Director)
- Collision Course (Director, 2021)
- 93 Days (Producer)
Theatre Productions
- Saro The Musical
- Fela and the Kalakuta Queens
- Motherland the Musical
- Death and The King’s Horseman (by Wole Soyinka)
- Wakaa The Musical
- Moremi The Musical
Awards and Recognitions
- Recipient of numerous awards for her excellence in film and theatre direction and production
- Featured among Africa’s most influential women by Forbes Afrique
- Celebrated by CNN as a pioneer in Nigerian theatre
- Her productions have garnered international acclaim and toured worldwide.
Bolanle Austen-Peters remains a powerful force in advancing Nigerian arts on the global stage through her visionary leadership and creative achievements.
