Female talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa also known as “Ara”, shared her admiration for Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, she commended President Bola Tinubu for renaming the National Arts Theatre as Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.
“In 2007, my first encounter with Prof. Soyinka, I attended an event organised in his honour, so, I was invited as one of the artists to perform, after the event, he invited me to his house where he asked me “Why the talking drum”?
“Also, during my 40th birthday years ago, he sent goodwill messages to me, which meant a lot to me.
“I learnt humility from Prof. Soyinka, he does not allow anyone to carry his bag, I was only opportune to carry his bag once, that was after dragging it from him. This speaks volumes to me,” she said.
Ara described Soyinka as a great respecter and lover of African culture, urging the younger generation to emulate such from him.
Ara emphasized the importance of honouring thespians while they were alive and recounted her encounters with Prof.
Soyinka expressed admiration for his humility and genuine nature. She encouraged the younger generation to emulate his respect for African culture and his authenticity.
Story by Obaapa Janee
