The Talking Drum’s Deity (spirit), Ayanagalu, Picked Me -Ara, First Female Talking Drummer(Photos)

Aralola Olamuyiwa, also known as Ara, is a talking drummer, female vocalist, performer, and cultural ambassador for the Ooni of Ife. She is the best drummer for women in Africa. The amiable drummer discussed her career in entertainment thus far, her life as Ara, and a variety of other topics in this interview with Sunday SUN.

Ara is the first talking drummer who is a woman. Ara is a place of learning. For women, Ara is a source of inspiration and optimism. My path to becoming a drummer was predetermined. Me, the drum, picked. Today, things are changing; there are more female drummers, some of them as young as six years old, and they were all inspired by Ara. My maternal family is made up of three kings, one of whom is Alaafin of Oyo, Alaafin Abiodun Atiba. The talking drum’s deity (spirit), Ayanagalu, is said to have picked me.

I am a businesswoman and philanthropist in addition to being a musician. Charity is not a business. Under the Ara Youth Empowerment Initiative, we work to empower homeless street children, some of whom you refer to as neighborhood boys and girls, as well as girls and women. As long as they allow us to be a part of their lives, we mentor, rehab, empower, and watch over them. Our father, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been a fantastic support system, as has the Executive Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Chief (Mrs.) Dere Awosika, the chairman of Access Bank, has been a tremendous support to us.

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