The second Pan-Afrika Drum Festival celebrated Africa’s rich cultures through drumming, dance, and art in Toronto, Canada.
THE festival’s theme, ‘Exploring the Dynamism of African Drums and Canadian Multiculturalism for Global Unity, Inclusivity, and Development’, was a call to celebrate the unique blend of African and Canadian cultures and how this fusion can contribute to global unity, inclusivity, and development.
The festival, a beacon of multicultural understanding, successfully celebrated African heritage and underscored the importance of preserving traditions and promoting cultural exchange in a globalized world.
The two-day event on June 27 and 28 featured exciting performances. It attracted attendees, including government officials, Afro-Canadians, and other cultural enthusiasts.
The festival’s chief convener, Prince Segun Akanni, warmly welcomed guests and participants to the opening.
Akanni reiterated the festival’s theme and the need to preserve African cultural heritage. He described African culture as dynamic and accommodating, potentially driving growth and stimulating human interactions. He highlighted the drum as a symbol of community growth and sustainable development, stating, “One of Africa’s major heritages is the drum. The beautiful African drum, which comes in different shapes and sizes, is symbolic and catalyzes community and societal growth, progress, and sustainable development.”
Considering this, he announced plans to establish a cultural centre in Toronto, Brampton, or Mississauga. The centre, which is envisioned as a cultural exchange and learning hub, would feature various items, including paintings, artworks, Canadian and African traditional drums, artefacts, and other cultural and historical items.
Akanni solicited the support of the Canadian, Ontario, Toronto, and Brampton governments to make the initiative a reality, emphasizing the centre’s potential to foster learning and cultural exchange.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a goodwill message celebrating Africa’s rich culture and diversity. He noted the significant contributions of Canadians of African descent across various fields. He expressed his appreciation for the festival’s role in highlighting these achievements. Trudeau’s message reflected the Canadian government’s commitment to multiculturalism and recognition of the festival as an important cultural event.
Ambassador Anselm Sowah, Ghanaian High Commissioner to Canada, applauded Prince Akanni for his passion and dedication to promoting African cultural heritage. Sowah, who attended out of curiosity, was impressed by the festival’s organization and presentation, calling Akanni a “cultural superhero.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford commended the organizers for their dedication to promoting cultural heritage. He described the festival as an opportunity to explore the dynamism of African drums alongside Ontario’s multicultural tapestry. Ford hoped the festival’s harmony, diversity, and unity spirit would resonate widely.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, highlighted the drum’s pivotal role in African cultural identity and its ability to convey messages of peace and solidarity. He commended Prince Akanni for organizing the festival and encouraged participants to be inspired by the rhythms of African drums.
Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton also extended his support. He expressed pride in the festival’s team. He noted the event’s endorsement by the Ooni of Ife as a testament to its cultural significance.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also sent a goodwill message, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in building bridges between communities and nations.
She highlighted how events like the Pan-Afrika Drum Festival can help preserve African traditions while fostering greater understanding and cooperation globally.
Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto expressed her support for the festival, highlighting its role in promoting Pan-African art and heritage. She noted that the event provided a unique opportunity to learn about drumming, which plays a significant role in African culture’s ceremonial events and community rituals.
At the festival, the Osun State Government was represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Moshood Olagunju and Mrs. Olu Jenyo, who stood in for Mrs Ngozi Adeleke, the Governor’s wife, as the mother of the day. Their presence underscored the support of Nigerian state governments in promoting cultural initiatives abroad, reflecting a shared vision of cultural preservation and global unity.
The festival featured captivating performances by diverse drumming and dance groups, including the Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival Drummers, Kamingo Cultural Troupe from East Africa, Brazilian Reggae Drummers, Asian Hips Don’t Lie Dancers, Brazilian Samba Dancers, Efik Cultural Troupe, and Ekiti Cultural Troupe.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing Canadians, Africans, and Afro-Canadians who have distinguished themselves in cultural promotion and other fields.
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