The Drum Festival Holds in Canada

Mary Nnah

All is set for the maiden edition of the prestigious and epoch-making cultural fiesta, The Drum Festival (Ayan-Agalu Festival) with the theme, Rejigging Yoruba Cultural Heritage as Catalyst for National and International Unity, Progress and Development – The Ayangalu Example, in Canada on Friday, July 28, at Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. 

Convener of the festival, Prince Segun Akanni, said there will be a lot of side attractions during the festival where tourists and visitors will be entertained and exposed to the rich African cultural heritage. 

In his words: “I wish to use this medium to announce to the world that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to receive both local and international guests and to celebrate the cultural fiesta amidst pomp and fanfare. 

“Arrangements have been put in place to welcome cultural aficionados and tourists from all over the world who will attend the inaugural edition of the Drum Festival in Canada.” 
Akanni said the richness of African culture in drums, music, dance and other displays will be showcased during the festival.  

The convener disclosed eminent personalities expected to grace the occasion include crème Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Justin Trudeau, Premier of Ontario, Hon Doug Ford, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye (Ojaja III), Ooni of Ife, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi of Ikate land, Hon. Gerry Weiner, former Canadian Immigration Minister and Secretary of State for Canada, Federal and Provincial Ministers, Mayor of Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown, the Mayor Of Mississauga, Mayor Bonnie Crombie, the Mayor of Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow, as well as key government functionaries from Canada, Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and other African countries.

“ Activities lined up for the event include a festival procession in Ontario, lecture presentations, display in drum performances, art exhibition, fashion show and award presentation among other culturally captivating sideshows. However, the grand finale will be preceded by some exciting pre-festival activities and some awesome places of attraction will be visited as part of post-festival activities.

Akanni also said an important highlight of the event is the presentation of the African Festival Award to individuals and monarchs who have over the years, distinguished themselves in their respective fields of human endeavours such as Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Oyo State Speaker, Hon. Gerry Weiner, former Canadian Immigration Minister and Secretary of State for Canada, Chief Raymond Dokpesi (to be honoured with a posthumous award), Aare Dele Momodu of Ovation magazine, Alhaji Nura Sani, Kangiwa, Director General of NIHOTOURS, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, Chairman, Lagos State Parks and Garages, Dr Oludare Akande, founder of American Polytechnic of Nigeria (APN), Chief Lawal Quadri Obawole, and a host of other awardees.