By Seun Gold
The cradle of the Yoruba race was agog on Thursday, 30th June, 2022, as the Drummer of Peace and CEO of Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drum), Prince Adewale Laoye, honours the invitation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife to grace the Ayan Agalu Festival 2022 as a distinguished guest.
Ayan Agalu Drum Festival 2022 held from 29th - 30th June, 2022 and had its closing ceremony yesterday at the Ojaja Arena inside Ife Grand Resorts and Leisure, Ibadan road, Ile-Ife. The drum festival is a celebration of the Ayan Agalu deity that is associated with drums, sounds and celebrations. The African talking drum and other traditional drums of the Odùduwà race is believed to have influenced the world when it comes to drums and rhythms. At the festival, almost 50 drumming groups from all over the Yoruba nation gathered to compete and celebrate Ayan Agalu.
The highlight of the festival on Thursday was when Prince Laoye performed with his African talking drum, IYA ILU and coordinated all the drummers to 'Drum for Peace' He said, "As we all know, the Osun Gubernatorial Election is near and the General Election is also in some months time. This message is important for the citizens of Osun State and Nigeria at large. So, I'm charging you all to drum and sing this with me."
"Dibo ma ṣe ja, ogun kò nibo. Dibo rẹ ni rowo rose, torí ogun kò nibo" (Vote, not fight. Vote in peace, election is not war), he chorused, beating the drum.
After his performance, Ooni of Ife took up the IYA ILU and dazzled the audience with his drumming skills too. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Speaking to newsmen, Tobi Olanipekun, the Communications Manager to Prince Laoye explained that being a Drummer of Peace, it was natural for him to use his moment of performance at the Ayan Agalu Drum Festival 2022 and propagate peace by beating the African talking drum, especially with the advent of the July 16th Governorship Election in Osun State and the General Elections in Nigeria next year.
"Prince Adewale Laoye is delighted and pleased to honour the invitation of the Olofin Adimula, Arole-Odùduwà, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to the drum festival. He couldn't have been more blessed to see the Oonirisa beat the drum to propagate peace too. Peace cannot be under-emphasized in our country.", he added.
Prince Laoye appreciate the Ooni of Ife for counting him worthy and believing in him, and Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin for his fatherly love and recommendation.
He further appreciated the dexterity and efforts of the Ayangalu Ambassador, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi and her team.
No comments:
Post a Comment