A drum festival getting better, but...
It was about 12.55pm, a group - consisting of males and females numbering about 20, had just had breakfast. They were walking in very low spirits, back to the Olumo Rock venue of the Conference, Workshop and Exhibition on the second day of the Festival Of African Drums.
The quest for an interview prompted the reporter to approach them. But they were foreigners, from neighbouring West African country, Togo. Poor communication almost marred the approach between the French-speaking group and the reporter, but quickly one pointed backwards at their boss.
Franklin Senou is the Artistic Director of Compagnie Artistic “Toffoodji”, and with his little understanding of English, he was able to tell Daily Trust that all was not well, as far as his entourage was concerned, with the third edition of the Festival Of African Drums, which ends onight in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
In trying to explain the kind of shabby treatment they got from the organizers of the event, Senou said in faltering English, “Look, we got poor reception. Last year was good, but catering is not good.”
On what actually went wrong, the lanky artist replied, “Organization. In our place, we take care of visitors more than our people but here they take care of their people to the detriment of the visitors. We are all one; Africans. We love the festival that is why we came again this year. But, we want them to change in their reception for us,” Senou said.
Apart from this not-toopleasing scenario, the last two days of this innovative festival has again showed the great zeal of the Ogun State government to draw from far and near, drummers and performing artists to display their potentials, which in the long run attempts to celebrate and project African culture.
As early as 2.00pm on Thursday, guests, visitors and participating troupes from different parts of the country started converging on what has become the traditional venue of the festival, located behind the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto.
By 5.00pm, it was underway, with the troupe from Kwara State performing first. It was followed by Kastina, Eni Afe troupe from Ogun and the Footprints of David from Bariga, Lagos State.
The state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo, formally welcomed guests and visitors to the ceremony, which he declared had come to stay. He appreciated the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for driving the initiative three years ago. “Basically, it is meant to revive our culture and to God be the glory, all we have to say is thank you, God. In 2016, it was good, in 2017 it was better and in the 2018, we are giving the best,” he stated.
The razzmatazz continued with more participating troupes from Plateau, Akwa Ibom, and Oyo states thrilling audiences to modern drum beats.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in a goodwill message appreciated the infrastructural development across the state. He added that the festival would further promote commercial activities in the state, urging the people to protect and prevent the indigenous culture