Cultural Display as The Drum Festival Berths in Canada

Yinka Olatunbosun

The city of Mississauga in Ontario Canada was agog recently with the display of Nigeria and Africa’s rich cultural heritage at the maiden edition of The Drum Festival, (Ayan-Agalu) with the theme “Rejigging Yoruba Cultural Heritage: As Catalyst for National and International Unity, Progress and Development.”

Organised by The Drum Online Media Incorporation, the cultural fiesta was besieged by top government functionaries, royal fathers, political and religious leaders, cultural enthusiasts, socialites from The North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, especially from Nigeria.

The inaugural festival was celebrated uniquely with the massive turnout of residents, tourists, fun seekers as well as journalists to witness the thrilling performances by various dance groups from Brazil, Iran, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria communities in Canada.

In his welcome address, Publisher of the Drum Online Media Incorporation and convener of the Drum Festival (Ayan-Agalu) Festival, Prince Segun Akanni said the event could not have come up as a better time and moment given the avalanche of social, economic, political and religious challenges plaguing Africa as a continent.

“Celebrating culture through the drums reinforces our collective desire and zeal to rejuvenate our moribund cultural heritages. My involvement in the preservation, restoration, promotion of Africa’s and Yoruba’s Cultural Heritage and values dates back to over twenty years, an exploit which has taken me to over thirty countries of the world,” Akanni said.

The occasion was also used to honour prominent Nigerians and Canadians who have shown support for Nigeria’s culture and heritage. Some of the awardees include Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Executive Governor, Osun State; Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom as well as a post-humous award for late Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, Founder, DAAR Communications Plc.

Others are Gerry Weiner, former Canadian Immigration Minister and Secretary of State of Canada; Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly; Dele Momodu, Publisher, Ovation International Magazine; Musiliu Akinsanya Oluomo (MC), Chairman, Lagos State Parks and Garages; Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism; Dr. Oludare Akande, Chairman, Bellagio Air and founder, American Polytechnic of Nigeria, Lawal Quadri Obawole. Baada of Otta, Awori Kingdom, Ogun State and Senior United States of America’s military officers.

Prime Minister of Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commended Prince Segun Akanni for his hard work and effort at organising the festival and commitment for cultural exchange. He added that Canada is truly a multicultural nation, made stronger and more resilient by diversity.

“The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the richness, beauty and diversity of African and Nigerian culture, and highlighted many contributions that Canadians of African descent have made, and continue to make, to our country in all fields of endeavour.”

Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario also remarked: “Ontario is proud to be home to a vibrant African and Nigerian population. This festival is an opportunity for Ontarians to celebrate the many contributions these communities have made to the cultural and economic fabric of our province. I thank The Drum Online for organising this event, and for everything you do to keep African communities connected and informed”.

The Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada, Adeyinka Asekun expressed his delight at the festival and commended the organisers for the rare show of resilience and creativity.

“Cultural diplomacy is a cardinal aspect of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a very key area of focus of the Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa. To this end, we are therefore glad to confirm our support for this event.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State also said: “I am indeed proud of the organiser and his team for this noble and legendary initiative aimed at revamping our indigenous tradition and culture from a state of near oblivion to a realm of global pedestal of fame, relevance, and glory”.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi who is a leading cultural icon and ambassador traced the origin of the drum festival to Ile-Ife.

The Drum Festival has its root in the kingdom of Ife, Southwestern Nigeria and is a symbolic presentation of our culture, particularly in relation to our social live, religion, monarchy and other core aspects of our existence. I hereby congratulate my son, who is the convener of this initiative, Prince Segun Akanni and his team for their efforts in celebrating the prestigious Yoruba and indeed African culture”.

In the same vein, the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown commended the efforts of the convener for his legendary initiative. For him, the Yoruba race is, undoubtedly, one of the most endowed races replete with rich and prestigious tradition and culture in the world today.

Prof Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye, Eburu of Iba, Osun State and guest speaker in his paper presentation on the festival theme observed: “Reinventing the art of drumming may mean the revival of the profession in Yoruba society, the enhancement of the dignity of the practitioners, and the documentation of the drumming tradition in films for future scholarly studies.”

The Olota of Otta, Prof Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege commended the organiser for showcasing Africa’s cultural products. I really admired how you have organised yourself, your resilience, and your untiring efforts to deliver this noble project.

Former Canadian Minister of Immigration and Secretary of State of Canada, Gerry Weiner said this cultural convergence would further reinforce and solidify the cultural relationship between Nigeria and Canada while also ensuring that both countries maintain and sustain the solidarity that the festival has the potential of establishing.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman Ovation Media Group, Dele Momodu said, “I congratulate and felicitate with you for celebrating African, especially Yoruba culture and tradition, by organising the maiden edition of The Drum Festival (Ayan-Agulu Festival) in Ontario, Canada.

Ayo Owodunmi, Kitchener City Councillor, Ward 5, said, “As a passionate Nigerian Canadian and a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage. I commend the organiser, The Drum Online Media, for their unwavering commitment to the recognition and promotion of Africa and Nigeria’s cultural heritage on both national and global platforms.

The Yoruba race is blessed with rich and prestigious tradition. We must celebrate and showcase these cultural festivals to the world to appreciate the diversity of our unique heritage. It is an honour to celebrate this festival and pay homage to the drumming prowess and legacy of Ayangulu.

One of the convener’s daughters, Olajire Grace Akanni told the gathering that drums should be played to children because it helps them reduce stress and makes them smarter. Drumming is physically intense for children but it helps burn calories in 30 minutes of play and dancing to its rhythm.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include the representative of the Nigeria High Commissioner/Ambassador, His Excellency Adeyinka Asekun, Mr. David Toyin Apinran, The Olota of Otta Awori, Ogun State, Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlegen, Oloba of Oba Ile, Osun State and The Deputy State Chairman of Osun State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Adekunle Asamu Oyeyemi.

Others are Alagbara of Agbara, Ogun State, Oba (Bar) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, Alakola of Akola Ijesa kingdom, Osun state, Oba (Dr) Festus Adekunle Adeyemi, The Olojodu of Ojoduland, Lagos State, Oba (Dr) Samuel Olusegun Shobowale Benson, His Royal Majesty Oba Alagbe Adio Moroof Elegushi of Egushi Otta Awori Kingdom. Oba Olanrewaju Ige, Alaaye of Ijesa land, Osun State, Ayo Owodunni, among others.