Aralola Olamuyiwa

When returning from a trip to Nigeria, I excitedly proposed one of my editors with an article on a find: Ara, the Nigerian master of the talking drum.
Deaf ears on the part of some European editors leave me to name Ara as my VIP performer for this year. Why? Because with cultural communication between Africa, Europe and the world, we will never develop, or reach cultural harmony between the cultures of the world. We need to support and understand one another!
Ara’s hair flows very long, is carefully braded, and an integral part of her meticulously crafted image.

As she speaks each word is enunciated carefully with her answers toned to perfection. And just as I began and interview in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, three bare chested drummers were placed directly behind her for the benefit of our camera – standing tall in the background like statues. The tone was set to remind you that you are in the privileged presence of Ara.
Living a somewhat of a secluded life, Ara – who sometimes talks of herself in the third person – is being carefully honed and raised for stardom by her calculating manager Wanle Akinboboye of her management, Atuna Entertainment, a label that favors putting ...