Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Africa’s foremost female drummer and one of Nigeria’s greatest entertainment exports, Aralola Olamuyiwa popularly known as Ara as a pride to the African youth.
In his congratulatory message to Ara at her recently held birthday celebration, formerNigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said: “while I wish you a very happy birthday, I also want to commend you for all you have been able to achieve at such a young age. You have done very well for yourself; you have succeeded in placing our culture on the map of the world. The talking drum used to be associated with dirty old men but with your smartness, talent and doggedness, you have added glamour and value to the act of playing the talking drum. I urge our youths to take a cue from you and promote our culture because that is all we have and who we are”.
Held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lagos, last Friday, and tagged ‘an evening with Ara’ the multi – dimensional event featured an evening of movie premiere, album preview, a special birthday dinner and intellectual discuss.
Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka also commended the ace drummer for her contributions to the arts industry. “A happy birthday to our very talented and gifted artist. I remember you started very young, quite young then when I heard of you. You are a model to be emulated by the young people, absolutely no height to which you cannot reach if you are committed; congratulations”, Soyinka said.
The event was an evening of multi – dimensional activities. According to Ara; “actually, I have had a whole lot of accumulated activities that have been pending due to my national and international engagements but I have decided to use today being my birthday to fraternize, hobnob and cross pollinate ideas with stakeholders of the Ara Brand amidst all the various activities you have witnessed”.
Dr Joe Odei Odumakin, Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi and other eminent Nigerians were part of the discussants and guest speakers on the topic: ‘The Nigerian Youth; Problem and Solution’ at the discuss section of the event.
Besides a special birthday dinner hekd in Ara’s honour, the evening was also spiced with an exclusive screening of her much touted movie; ‘Osunfunke’. “The movie, ‘Osunfunke’ is an extension of my theatrical talent; another medium I have chosen to express myself as an entertainer with a passionate commitment to the promotion of our socio-cultural heritage”, she said.
While guests were afforded the privilege of listening to some tracks from her much anticipated debut album due for release soonest, Ara explained that the initiative is quite essential as opinions of the respected panel of discussants will go a long way in adding greater value to the album.
Ara, whom we gathered at the event just signed a new management deal with one of Nigeria’s top artist management outfit, Akinwale Oluwaleimu’s Event and Entertainment Consult, further disclosed that Ara is currently signed on to Aremo Segun Oniru’s ‘D Prince Is Here Entertainment’ record label.