Darey Conga Receives Diaspora Cultural Drummer Award

Salami Adeyinka

Nigerian percussionist and cultural instrumentalist, Qudus Oluwadamilare Rasaq, popularly known as Darey Conga, has received the Diaspora Cultural Drummer of the Year award at the 2025 Eko Heritage Awards.

The award was presented at the fifth edition of the Eko Heritage Awards held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Organised by Ivory Forte Entertainment Concept, the event recognised individuals and organisations for their contributions to the promotion of cultural heritage.

Darey Conga, who is based in the United Kingdom, has continued to perform traditional African percussion at multicultural festivals, worship gatherings and cultural events. His repertoire includes the bata, conga, djembe, bongo and talking drum.

According to the organisers, the award recognises his contributions to promoting Nigerian cultural music beyond the country’s borders.

Among his recent international performances was an appearance at the Chinese New Year Festival in Sheffield, where he performed using the bata drum.

The event also honoured other personalities in the entertainment and creative industries, including reality television personality Phyna, comedian Shank Comics, content creator Jarvis and social media personality Purple Speedy.

Since beginning his professional career in 2017, Darey Conga has worked with a number of gospel and contemporary artistes, including Sonnie Badu, Kaestrings, Chevelle Franklyn, Adedoyin Oseni and Warehouse Worship.

The recognition adds to a growing list of honours received by the percussionist, whose work has focused on promoting traditional African musical instruments and cultural performances to international audiences.