Africa Drum Festival opens in Ogun

All roads lead to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Thursday as it shall be playing host to not less than 10 countries including United States of America, Cuba and Haiti, during the first African Drums Festival to be hosted by Ogun State.

The event, which is an expanded version of the Nigerian Drums Festival held last year, is aimed at promoting the country’s cultural heritage and unity on the African continent.

Ahead of this year’s edition holding from Thursday to Saturday, Governor Ibikunle Amosun had o Tuesday unveiled the logo of the festival at a press conference held at the banquet hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Amosun, who was represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, said the state was proud to showcase the display of drums, dances and performances from different parts of Africa as an integral part of rich cultural heritage that must be preserved.

He explained that following last year’s festival, the state received numerous requests for participation from other African countries, hence the expansion.

The governor noted that one unique aspect of the festival was the unveiling of the world tallest drum, adding that more interesting features have been packaged for the latest fiesta.

Addressing reporters, the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, disclosed that no fewer than 20 drumming troupes from 10 African countries, including Burkina Faso, Congo Brazaville, Ghana, Republic of Benin and Togo are expected to participate.

Adeoluwa, who is the chairman of the local organising committee, also stated that 12 states of the federation had confirmed their readiness to attend while nine more states also showed interest in attending.

He noted that the state government has already taken legal steps to patent the “world tallest drum” unveiled last year with the Guinness Book of Records.