In a celebration of culture and tradition, His Royal Majesty, the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR Ojaja II, The Ooni Of Ife, alongside Olori Aderonke, is set to host the highly anticipated Àyàn Agalu Drums Festival on Friday in Ile-Ife. This momentous cultural event will showcase the rich heritage of the Oduduwa race, attracting monarchs, government functionaries, dignitaries, and cultural stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria. Coordinated by Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, the Ayan Agalu Ambassador and CEO of Adire Oodua Hub, the festival promises to be an enchanting experience for attendees.
The Ayan Agalu Festival 2023 will take place in Ile-Ife, the ancient city and the traditional headquarters of the Oduduwa race. Building on the success of its maiden edition held last year, this year’s festival is eagerly awaited. The main venue for the grand celebration will be the Ojaja Arena at Ife Grand Resort, where the vibrant sounds of drums will resonate and create an electrifying atmosphere.
Ayan Agalu revered as one of the deities sent by Olodumare to the earth for the progress, development, and happiness of mankind, holds a significant place in the cultural identity of the Oduduwa race. Seeking divine guidance, Ayanagalu consulted the Oracle through Orunmila, the deity of divination, to receive blessings for honor, wealth, and celebration among people and other deities. The Ifa divination unveiled the sacred drumming tools and materials, such as sticks, skin, and drum belts, used for AyanAgalu’s revered sacrifices—a tradition that remains central to drumming ceremonies to this day.
The Oduduwa race, renowned as pioneers of drumming and songs (Music), shares an extraordinary connection with AyanAgalu. As deities call upon AyanAgalu to grace their ceremonies, the rhythmic beats and soul-stirring melodies bring joy and illumination to these auspicious occasions, in harmony with the ancient prophecies divined by Ifa.
In an effort to foster cultural exchange and global appreciation for traditional rhythms, the Ooni has extended an invitation to drummers and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond to join in the Annual AyanAgalu Festival on the 28th of July, 2023, at Ife Grand Resort in Ile-Ife. Furthermore, a high-powered delegation led by the Ooni himself will represent the kingdom at the prestigious World Drum Festival taking place in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, on the same day.
Looking ahead to future celebrations, the AyanAgalu Festival is set to make its debut in Brazil in 2024, establishing a remarkable partnership with the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua, Kabiyesi Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as part of a concerted effort to spread the rhythm and spirit of the Drum festival internationally.
The world awaits an enchanting display of culture and heritage as the Àyàn Agalu Drums Festival draws near, promising an unforgettable experience that will resonate with the hearts of attendees and pay homage to the rich tapestry of traditions woven through time.
