Celebrating Yoruba Heritage: Drum Festival Lights Up Mississauga [Photos]

• damiadeniyi
• August 23, 2023
• Culture, Entertainment
• 0 Comments

The inaugural edition of The Drum Festival (Ayan-Agalu) breathed life into the city of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, with a vibrant exhibition of Nigeria and Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Taking place on July 28, 2023, this debut festival illuminated Mississauga, celebrating the cultural legacy of Nigeria and Africa. The event was a testament to Yoruba culture and tradition, fostering unity, progress, and development on both national and international scales. With captivating performances from diverse dance groups and acknowledgments for individuals across various fields, the festival marked a significant stride towards the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

The festival’s overarching theme, “Rejigging Yoruba Cultural Heritage as Catalyst for National and International Unity, Progress, and Development,” set the stage for a remarkable celebration of Yoruba culture and tradition.

Brought to fruition by The Drum Online Media Inc., the festival drew a diverse array of dignitaries from all walks of life. The guest list encompassed government officials, royal figures, political and religious leaders, cultural enthusiasts, and socialites hailing from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and particularly, Nigeria.

The festival’s maiden edition boasted a unique and impressive turnout, with dance groups representing Brazil, Iran, Uganda, Kenya, and the Nigerian communities in Canada captivating culture enthusiasts with their performances. It was not just a spectacle of cultural exchange but a profound display of genuine appreciation for heritage.

Prince Segun Akanni, the publisher of The Drum Online Media and the visionary behind the festival, underscored its relevance in addressing prevailing challenges in Africa. He emphasized that the festival’s theme perfectly aligned with the urgent need to preserve Yoruba cultural heritage amidst the erosion of values witnessed in many African countries.

With a steadfast commitment spanning two decades to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, Akanni underscored the festival’s pivotal role in rejuvenating traditions and values that had fallen dormant.

Beyond celebration, the festival provided a platform to honor individuals who have made indelible contributions to Nigeria’s culture and heritage. Recognizable figures such as Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, and the late High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, were among the distinguished awardees. The recognition extended to individuals from both Nigeria and Canada who exhibited exceptional support for cultural exchange and preservation.

In recognition of his endeavors, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lauded Akanni’s efforts, emphasizing the festival’s pivotal role in celebrating African and Nigerian culture, and also acknowledging the contributions of Canadians of African descent.

The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, further highlighted the festival’s significance in honoring the cultural and economic contributions of African and Nigerian communities within the province.

Adeyinka Asekun, the Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada, lauded the festival’s initiative in propagating Yoruba culture and expressed the High Commission’s unwavering support for the event.

Governor Adeleke took pride in the initiative, acknowledging its far-reaching impact in resuscitating indigenous traditions.

The Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, traced the festival’s origins back to the Kingdom of Ife and lauded the convener for championing Yoruba and African culture.

Praising the initiative, Patrick Brown, the Mayor of Brampton, underscored the resplendent and prestigious traditions of the Yoruba people.

During his address, guest speaker Prof. Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye underscored the imperative of reviving drumming as an art form, underscoring its pivotal role in conserving cultural traditions.

The festival earned accolades from an array of dignitaries, commending its role in showcasing Africa’s cultural offerings and fostering invaluable cultural exchanges.

Speaking from a unique perspective, Olajire Grace Akanni, the convener’s daughter, illuminated the advantages of drumming, particularly for children, highlighting its potential to alleviate stress and enrich cognitive development.

The event was graced by distinguished guests including the Nigeria High Commissioner, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, and various royal figures, their presence adding weight to the festival’s significance in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage.

Photo credit: Prince Segun Akanni