Otapo Bata Drummers, a music group based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has emerged winners at the traditional drummers contest held penultimate Saturday at the kick-off event of the Goldberg Excellency Tour in the rock city.
The group outperformed four other groups at the grand finale to cart home the coveted prize of N250,000. Ayanwale Drummers clinched the second position and won N150,000 while Omo Aribido Drummers claimed the third spot, settling for N100,000. The other two finalists, Ayandare Drummers and Paramount Band got N50,000 each.
At the commencement of the event the previous day, 12 groups auditioned with five emerging from the pool to reach the grand finale.
The traditional drummers contest, which was organised as part of the Goldberg Excellency Tour, kicked off with a procession through the major streets of Abeokuta and attracted a huge turnout of residents who were delighted by performances from drummers, praise singers and dancers. The procession helped to pull a large turnout of residents who trooped to the venue of the contest to support their groups during the different performances.
Speaking at the finale, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Funso Ayeni, stated that Goldberg Excellency Tour is scheduled for five other cities including Ilorin, Ado Ekiti, Ikare Akoko, Ile Ife, and Benin City.
“The Excellency Tour will resonate the brand’s essence and strengthen its identification with the cultural values of the people of South West Nigeria,” Ayeni affirmed. He added that in line with the brand’s ethos, the successful event in Abeokuta also helped to promote local talent, as the competition brought out the best skills from the performers who see the contest as an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills.
While commenting on their victory, leader of Otapo Bata Drummers, Mr. Afolabi Mufutau said it is a thing of joy to see his group clinch the first prize after putting in many hours of hard work in preparation for the competition.