African Drum Festival begins in Ogun

The fourth edition of African Drum Festival began last night in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, amid glitz and glamour.

The 10,000 capacity Amphitheatre at Oke – Ilewo, Abeokuta, was filled to capacity as troupes from within and outside the country displayed colourful cultural performances.

Troupes from China, Germany, France and 27 African countries are billed to participate in the edition.

Also featuring at festival themed “Drumming the Future” are 26 states and 71 independent troupes.

Those present at the formal opening ceremony were Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the festival consultant and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Areamu Gbadebo and the Olu of Ilaro Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, among others.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was represented by Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, was also represented by a director in the ministry, Babajide Ajibola.

In her welcome address, the festival’s chairman and Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga said the festival had been nurtured to become “a world-class event.”