Nigeria’s first Drum Festival was held in Ogun State where drums believed to be the tallest in the world were unveiled. They stood 16 and 17 feet tall.

It was an exciting festival, with different drum sounds serenading the arena.

Drums are used not only as a means of providing musical sounds but equally as a means of communication.

It has become an important and integral part of human existence especially in the African culture.

The celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage resonates in Ogun State, also known as the Gate Way State.

During the maiden edition of the Nigeria Drum Festival, first of its kind in Nigeria and indeed the continent of Africa, drummers officially opened the show with the drumming of the national anthem. The talking drum did the wonder.

With the theme “Reviving Our Culture In Drums”, the Ogun State government conceived the idea in an attempt to revive and rejuvenate the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian culture through the drums and at the same time boost the tourism potentials of the state as a means of job creation.

The Commissioner of Tourism in the state, Mr Muyiwa Oladapo, said the festival was a way of reviving the nation’s culture, which he stressed was dying.

“We needed to revive it and we knew and appreciated the fact that drum is that part of art and culture that cuts across the entire length and breadth of the community, Nigeria and the world,” Mr Oladapo stated.

The four-day event was held at the June 12 cultural Centre, in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

Ara, the talking drum, was one of the drums featured at the Drum Festival

It was attended by 19 states of the federation and witnessed by members of the diplomatic corps traditional rulers and other prominent guests joining the host Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his wife Olufunsho.

The event showcased drums from various culture across Nigeria, as participants entertained the audience with beautiful performances from individuals and groups like Ogun State Dance Troupe, Hubert Ogunde Theatre Group, Ani Dance Group from the east, the Unique Fingers from the Niger delta and Ara, the renowned talking drummer, among others.

Some of the dignitaries at the event were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and his Olori Wuraola, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Oshile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, the Director General of the National Council of Art and Culture, Mrs Dayo Keshi and her husband Ambassador Joe Keshi, and Senator Olorunimbe Mamora.


http://www.channelstv.com/2016/04/23/world-tallest-drums-unveiled-in-drum-festival-in-ogun/

Nice one