Nigeria’s leading female talking drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, widely known as Ara, has expressed concern over the poor support artistes promoting indigenous culture receive from local brands.
Speaking at the second edition of her cultural showcase, ARA Monthly, held at the KAP Hub in Lagos, Ara lamented that many corporate organisations had declined her requests for sponsorship. She noted that the absence of backing was driving talented artistes abroad in search of better opportunities.
“It is disheartening that for the first edition, only two tickets were sold, and for this second one, just a single person paid,” she revealed.
Ara stressed the need for brands to invest in cultural initiatives, warning that without such support, Nigeria risks losing its rich heritage. “Many colleagues have already left the country due to lack of encouragement,” she added.
During the event, she thrilled the audience with a mix of drumming, singing, and dancing. Her performance featured the song Ase, which she said was inspired by a dream and reflects her admiration for God’s creation and the spiritual power bestowed on humanity. She also performed Ife and several folklore pieces, noting that unlike many songs focused on heartbreak, hers celebrates love and positivity.
Between performances, Ara urged Nigerians to uphold values of honesty and integrity, while also expressing gratitude to filmmaker Kunle Afolayan for offering his venue free of charge—a gesture she described as a major source of encouragement.
In his remarks, renowned Ifa priest, poet, and dramatist, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, called for the revival of indigenous religion and traditions, lamenting that Nigerians have been conditioned to downplay their heritage.
He described culture as an invaluable resource, highlighting the Yoruba concept of Olorisha as spiritually empowered individuals who inspire followers. Elebuibon argued that missionaries undermined such traditions by imposing foreign religions, fearing their potential influence.
“It is not madness to uphold the practices of our ancestors,” he stated, while also praising Yoruba names for their uniqueness and meaning.
On religious harmony, Elebuibon urged tolerance among traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians, stressing that peaceful coexistence is only possible when adherents respect one another’s beliefs.