Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Chief (Mrs) Ngozi Adeleke, wife of Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; other prominent and important personalities will be featuring alongside Afro-Canadians, Canadians, culture enthusiasts and tourists at the second edition of the annual Pan-Afrika Drum Festival as preparations and planning towards the event, holding in Canada commence.
Convener of the event, Prince Segun Akanni, made this known in a statement, copy of which was made available to newsmen, saying that every arrangement had been made to have another remarkable and astounding cultural fiesta, which would be declared open by representatives of Government of Canada and Ontario, including Mayors Olivia Chow and Patrick Brown; diplomats, royal fathers, among others.
According to Akanni, who is also the publisher of the Drum Online Media Incorporation, the Keynote Speaker is Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, while Chief (Mrs) Adeleke is the Mother of the Day, with many personalities who have contributed to the development of the society slated to be honored with Awards of Excellence, saying that every arrangement had been made to have another remarkable and astounding cultural fiesta in Canada.
He said the festival, which had been re-christened as the Pan-Afrika Drum Festival, borne out of the desire to integrate other African Drum Festivals into a unified festival, regarded as the prestigious and foremost cultural fiesta in North America, and scheduled to hold on Friday, June 28th, would be held in collaboration with the Global Forum for Human Rights and Sustainable Development (GFHRSD), a United Nations (UN) recognized non-governmental organisation.
This was just as he quickly recalled that the first edition, Ayangalu Drum Festival was hugely successful and “remained unforgettable in our hearts,” with goodwill messages from prominent figures, including the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau; Ontario Premier, Hon. Doug Ford; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada, Adeyinka Asekun; Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown and Former Canadian Secretary of State and Minister of Immigration, Gerry Weiner.
Others who were at the first edition, according to him, were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Babatunde Adeyeye; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Olota of Otta Awori Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, and Councillor Ayo Owodunni, among others.
“The second edition of the Pan-Afrika Drum Festival will be celebrated in commemoration of the Canadian Multicultural Day and it is themed ‘Exploring the Dynamism of African Drums and Canadian Multiculturalism for Global Unity, Inclusivity and Development.’
“The re-christening was borne out of the desire to integrate other African Drum Festivals into a unified festival, which will serve as a platform that affords all the opportunity to showcase their rich and diverse cultural values and aesthetics on a global stage,” Akanni said.
“We anticipate that this prestigious event will attract distinguished gathering, including celebrities, political leaders, cultural icons, traditional custodians, drum aficionados, tourism enthusiasts, industry leaders, renowned percussionists, and media personalities from Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, Africa, and North America as well as Latin America.
“The grand finale promises to be captivating and exhilarating, featuring historic activities and programs such as drum-beating competitions, art exhibitions, fashion shows, and beauty pageants.
“Many prominent dignitaries have signified their interests to be part of the cultural fiesta. The event is going to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, drumming, dancing, drinking, food, entertainment and insightful conversation,” he added.
He, therefore, enjoined the Afro-Canadians to join the festival to identify with their root and embrace the essence of African culture, heritage, and values.
