Satisfied with the outcome of the debut of the recent Nigerian Drum Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun has directed that plans for the 2017 edition of the festival should commence immediately.
Amosun, who applauded the festival and commended all the artistes and troupes as well as the guests and the audience, publicly acclaimed the performances of Anu, the lady Ekwe, who is Nigeria’s only female Ekwe percussionist and Olo Omidan Bata, who is also Nigeria’s only female bata drummer; both of Atunda Entertainment.
He described their performance at the festival as not only entertaining but exceptionally creative and enchanting, adding that being ladies made it the more captivating and that their devotion to the art and the authentic talents displayed by the duo should be embraced and emulated by all especially the youths and young girls. He later honoured them at the executive dinner hosted by him at the government house.
The festival was full of pomp and pageantry with theatrical and enchanting performances on display by the various artistes and troupes, which attended the festival that recorded an amazing turn out and galaxy of personalities, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II who was accompanied by over 10 African envoys.
Besides the titillating and awesome performances put on by the various performers, a reflection of the rich and diverse performance culture and extensive repertoire of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria, masterfully embellished and crafted in the best tradition of the performing art, the occasion also attracted rich presentations by some notable culture, entertainment and tourism promoters, including the Founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who suggested that the drum festival, which was making its first entrant to the cultural and entertainment landscape of the country, should be renamed African Drum Festival.
