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By Sunday Ani
Afro-Canadians, Canadians, culture enthusiasts and tourists are all set for the second edition of the annual Pan-Afrika Drum Festival slated for Friday, June 28, in Toronto, Canada.
A statement by the convener and publisher, Drum Online Media Incorporation, Prince Segun Akanni, said every arrangement had been made to have another remarkable and astounding cultural fiesta in Canada.
Akanni said the festival would be held in collaboration with a United Nations recognised non-governmental organisation, the Global Forum for Human Rights and Sustainable Development (GFHRSD).
He said: “The first edition, Ayangalu Drum Festival, was hugely successful with goodwill messages from prominent figures, such as Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau; Ontario Premier, Hon. Doug Ford; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada, Adeyinka Asekun; Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown; Former Canadian Secretary of State and Minister of Immigration, Gerry Weiner; Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Adeyeye; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Olota of Otta Awori Kingdom, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege; and Councillor Ayo Owodunni, among others. The maiden event remains unforgettable in our hearts.”
He said the festival has been re-christened, ‘Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival.’ The re-christening, according to Prince Akanni, was borne out of the desire to integrate other African Drum Festivals into a unified festival, which will serve as a platform that affords all the opportunity to showcase their rich and diverse cultural values and aesthetics on a global stage.
“Therefore, the second edition will be celebrated in commemoration of the Canadian Multicultural Day. It is themed, ‘Exploring the dynamism of African drums and Canadian multiculturalism for global unity, inclusivity and development.”
He noted that the grand finale of the festival would take place at Wesley Hall, 69 Milvan Dr, North York, ON M9L 1Y8, on Friday June 28, 2024 by 8pm.
Akanni further said: “We anticipate that this prestigious event will attract distinguished gathering, including celebrities, political leaders, cultural icons, traditional custodians, drum aficionados, tourism enthusiasts, industry leaders, renowned percussionists, and media personalities from Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, Africa, and North America, as well as Latin America.
“The grand finale promises to be captivating and exhilarating, featuring historic activities and programmes such as drum-beating competition, art exhibitions, fashion show, and beauty pageant.”
He also emphasised that many prominent dignitaries have signified interests to be part of the cultural fiesta. “The event is going to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, drumming, dancing, drinks, food, entertainment and insightful conversation.”
Akanni enjoined the Afro- Canadians to join the festival to be able to identify with their roots and embrace the essence of African culture, heritage and values.
Those that will declare the festival open are the representatives of the Government of Canada and Ontario, comprising Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto; Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton; diplomats; and royal fathers, among others.
The keynote speaker is Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
“We will also have in attendance Mrs. Ngozi Adeleke, wife of the Governor of Osun State as mother of the day. Many personalities, who have contributed to the development of the society will be honoured with awards of excellence,” he stated.
