Artist, cultural advocate, and storyteller Yeye Funmilayo Emily Ajamufua is one of Nigeria’s cultural exports to the world. In this interview, the programs director of Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre, based in Ohio, the US, shares her journey into the creative arts, touching on her growth, challenges, and aspirations.
THE Bankers’ Committee is about completing the renovation of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. However, the pre-restoration edifice was one of Yeye Funmilayo Emily Ajamufua’s early reasons for entering the creative arts.
Ajamufua is a US-based singer, actor, dancer, director, and costume designer. She is also the Programs Director of Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre, an African cultural institute headquartered in Ohio, the United States that contributes to preserving and promoting African heritage through the arts.
A visit to the recently renamed Wole Soyinka Centre of Creative Arts decades ago set the culture ambassador on her current path after she initially planned to be a broadcaster.
“The memorable experiences that spurred my interest in the creative arts are numerous, but a few stand out. One was being taken to the National Theatre by my brother at the age of eight. The grandeur of the building and the energy of the performances left a lasting impression on me,” she offered.
“Another experience was watching my mother and grandmother prepare for traditional ceremonies. I was fascinated by the intricate details of their attire and the significance of each adornment, and these moments sparked my interest in cultural heritage and the arts. Participating in dance competitions at parties and consistently placing in the top three boosted my confidence and stage presence. Being part of the secondary school’s literary and debating society further honed my public speaking and performance skills.
“Lastly, representing Lagos State and Nigeria at local and international festivals as a member of the standing troupe was a pivotal experience. It taught me discipline, hard work, and the value of cultural exchange. These experiences collectively ignited my passion for the creative arts. They set me on the path to becoming the artist I am today.”
So, though she didn’t plan to become an artist, the Theatre Arts Graduate of Lagos State University, who also holds a Certificate in Drama and Music from Obafemi Awolowo University and another in English/Social Studies from the National Teachers Institute, is grateful that life led her down the path of the arts.
Happily, that long path has been beneficial. “As a member of the Lagos State standing troupe, I had represented the state and country at local and international festivals. These experiences taught me the value of discipline, hard work, and dedication. Notably, I often learned on the job, adapting to new situations and challenges. This unconventional approach to my craft taught me to be resilient, creative, and open to growth. These experiences have shaped me into the artist I am today, and I continue to draw upon them for inspiration and guidance,”
Reflecting on her earliest creative challenges and how they have changed, the artist admitted she was initially racked with self-doubt.
“I questioned my abilities and wondered if my voice could be heard. Limited resources and cultural expectations added to the struggle as I navigated the fine line between tradition and innovation. But I persevered, driven by a passion to create and share my story. With time, my confidence grew, and I found my unique voice.
“However, new challenges emerged. I had to push myself to innovate and stay relevant continually. I sought out collaborations and partnerships to expand my reach and impact. Time management became crucial as I balanced multiple projects and responsibilities.
“Through it all, I’ve remained committed to my artistic vision, resisting external pressures and staying true to my values. My creative journey has been winding and filled with twists and turns. Still, it’s also been a transformative and fulfilling experience. Today, I’m proud of the artist I’ve become. I continue to evolve and grow, embracing new challenges and opportunities with an open heart and mind.”
She continued, “The journey has been a whirlwind of creativity, growth, and perseverance. On the one hand, I’ve been blessed to express myself through movement and storytelling, connecting profoundly with audiences and communities. I’ve had the privilege of bringing characters to life, evoking emotions, and sparking meaningful conversations.
“On the other hand, the path has not been without its challenges. Juggling multiple roles and responsibilities can be overwhelming at times. The physical demands of dancing and performing take a toll on my body. In contrast, the emotional needs of portraying characters and managing stress can be exhausting.
“Staying creative and innovative in a competitive industry requires constant learning and adaptation. Managing teams and collaborations can be a delicate balancing act, and marketing and promoting productions is a never-ending task.”
Despite these hurdles, she finds “solace in the joy and purpose that my work brings me. I’ve learned to prioritize, adapt, and seek support when needed. The rewards of touching hearts and minds through performance make every obstacle worthwhile. With each step, I grow more resilient, creative, and determined to share my art with the world.”
On her approach to art as an artist, Ajamufua explained that she is driven by a passion to celebrate African cultural heritage and empower underrepresented voices. Her art, she said, “reflects my soul, deeply rooted in the traditions and stories of my community. I believe in the transformative power of creativity and strive to inspire, educate, and uplift through my work. With every beat, movement, and word, I pour my heart and soul into my art. I embrace collaboration and community engagement, knowing we can create something remarkable together. My artistic journey is a continuous growth, learning, and innovation path. I push boundaries, blend styles, and explore new ways to express myself, always staying true to my unique voice and vision.
“Through my art, I aim to leave a legacy that celebrates our diversity, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and inspires future generations to embrace their creativity and individuality. I am an artist, a cultural advocate, and a storyteller, dedicated to positively impacting the world, one creative expression at a time.”
The ex-member of the Lagos State Cultural Troupe believes that passion makes an artist great. “It is the driving force that sets the artistic process in motion. It’s the spark that ignites the flame of creativity, pushing the artiste to produce and improve continually,” she said.
But other qualities are also necessary. “Dedication is the backbone of artistic growth, requiring consistent effort and hard work to hone one’s skills. Creativity is the engine that propels innovation, allowing artists to think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to their work.
“Resilience is the armour that protects against rejection, criticism, and failure, enabling artists to keep pushing forward despite obstacles. Discipline is the framework that provides structure, ensuring the timely delivery of quality work.
“Continuous learning is the compass that guides artists through the ever-changing landscape of their craft, seeking feedback and staying updated on industry trends. Authenticity is the anchor that keeps artists grounded in their unique voice, style, and vision.
“Performance skills are the tools that connect artists with their audiences, conveying emotions and delivering compelling performances. Cultural awareness is the context that gives depth and meaning to artistic expression. Humility is the foundation that recognizes the privilege of being an artist, using their platform to uplift and inspire others,” she said.
Despite her abundant talent and exploits on stage, Ajamufua is not regularly featured in Nollywood movies. She explained that this enables her to focus on stage productions and cultural advocacy.
“The stage is where I find the most creative fulfilment and connection with my audience. I chose to focus on stage productions and cultural advocacy for several reasons. The stage allows for a more immersive and interactive experience, enabling me to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Stage productions offer more creative control, allowing me to bring my unique vision and perspective to life. Third, cultural advocacy is a passion of mine, and the stage provides an ideal platform to promote and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.
“Lastly, the stage constantly challenges me to grow and improve, pushing me to develop new skills and artistic expressions. My focus on stage productions and cultural advocacy is driven by a desire for creative fulfilment, connection with audiences, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through my art.”
Some of Ajamufua’s ongoing projects include ‘OkotoKekere’, a pre-professional performance group mentorship program, collaborations with international artists on a cultural exchange program, and community outreach programs to underserved communities and schools.
Beating the talking drum is one of the skills Ajamufua has acquired over the years. However, some regard it as solely male territory.
Happily, she has faced no discrimination over this. “I’ve been fortunate to have received nothing but encouragement and support for my passion for drumming, particularly from our founder, Baba Adebola. His guidance and motivation have been instrumental in my journey, and I’m grateful to have had a positive experience. It’s heartening that some men recognize and celebrate women’s contributions to the arts.
“As a cultural advocate, I also profoundly respect traditions and boundaries. I’m aware of specific sacred drums that are reserved for men. I would never approach or play those drums, as I believe in honouring the cultural protocols and traditions that surround them.
“On the other hand, I’m also aware of drums specifically played by women, such as those in the King’s palace in Lagos, where women drummers belong to the traditional sect of drummers. They are specially trained and designated to play these drums. I appreciate and celebrate these unique traditions and women’s important roles.”
Ajamufua said intentionality, creativity, and dedication are required when blending African arts with white culture and philosophy.
“I sought out like-minded individuals and organizations, learned about local culture and artistic traditions, and fused African arts through collaborations, workshops, and performances. By emphasizing universal themes and emotions, I bridged cultural gaps. I fostered an appreciation for African arts, addressing misconceptions and stereotypes through education and cultural immersion.
“Bi-Okoto provided a valuable platform to share my passion for African arts and culture. I’ve discovered a genuine interest in this knowledge. I am committed to sharing it, viewing each interaction as a teachable moment. My determination helps me maintain patience and passion, even when facing challenges. By staying focused on my goals and true to my vision, I effectively share the beauty and significance of African culture, inspiring a deeper understanding and appreciation and creating a more inclusive cultural landscape.”
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