By Damiete Braide
The city of Toronto recently played host to the second edition of the Pan-Afrika Drum Festival, a spectacular event that celebrated the richness of African cultural values.
Held on June 27th and 28th, the festival attracted a diverse array of attendees, including government officials, dignitaries, Afro-Canadians, and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe.
Spearheaded by Prince Segun Akanni, the festival sought to foster global unity and multicultural appreciation through the vibrant mediums of drumming, dance, and art.
Prince Segun Akanni, the Chief Convener, delivered a heartfelt speech welcoming all guests and participants. He articulated the festival’s theme, “Exploring the Dynamism of African Drums and Canadian Multiculturalism for Global Unity, Inclusivity, and Development,” and emphasised the need to preserve African cultural heritage.
Akanni described African culture as dynamic, rich, and accommodating, with the potential to drive growth and stimulate human interactions. He highlighted the drum as a symbol of community growth and sustainable development, stating, “One of Africa’s major heritages is the drum. The beautiful African drum, which comes in different shapes and sizes, is symbolic and serves as a catalyst for community and societal growth, progress, and sustainable development.”
In light of this, he announced plans to establish a cultural center in Toronto, Brampton, or Mississauga. This center would feature unique paintings, artworks, Canadian and African traditional drums, artifacts, and other cultural and historical items.
Akanni called for support from the Canadian, Ontario, Toronto, and Brampton governments to make this initiative a reality, emphasising the center’s potential to foster learning and cultural exchange.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presenter a goodwill message celebrating Africa’s rich culture and diversity. He noted the significant contributions Canadians of African descent handmade across various fields and expressed his appreciation for the festival’s role in highlighting these achievements. Trudeau’s message reflected the Canadian government’s commitment to multiculturalism and its recognition of the festival as an important cultural event.
Ambassador Anselm Sowah, Ghanaian High Commissioner to Canada, applauded Prince Akanni for his passion and dedication to promoting African cultural heritage. Attending the event out of curiosity, Sowah was impressed by the festival’s organisation and presentation, calling Akanni a “cultural superhero.” His message reflected the pride and support of the Ghanaian community for the festival’s success.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford commended the festival’s organisers for their dedication to promoting cultural heritage. In his message, he described the festival as an opportunity to explore the dynamism of African drums alongside Ontario’s multicultural tapestry. Ford expressed hope that the festival’s spirit of harmony, diversity, and unity would resonate widely, underscoring the event’s significance in celebrating cultural diversity.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, sent a message highlighting the drum’s pivotal role in African cultural identity and its ability to convey messages of peace and solidarity. He commended Prince Akanni for organizing the festival and encouraged participants to be inspired by the rhythms of African drums.
Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton also extended his support, thanking Prince Akanni for his efforts in organising the festival. He expressed pride in the festival’s team and noted the event’s endorsement by the Ooni of Ife as a testament to its cultural significance.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, also sent a goodwill message, emphasising the importance of cultural heritage in building bridges between communities and nations.
She highlighted how events like the Pan-Afrika Drum Festival could help preserve African traditions while fostering greater understanding and cooperation globally.
Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto expressed her support for the festival, highlighting its role in promoting Pan-African art and heritage. She noted that the event provided a unique opportunity to learn about drumming, which plays a significant role in ceremonial events and community rituals in Pan-African culture.
The Osun State Government was well-represented at the festival by Moshood Olagunju, the Commissioner for Youth, and Mrs. Olu Jenyo, who represented Chief (Mrs.) Ngozi Adeleke, the wife of the state governor, as the Mother of the Day.
Their presence underscored the support of Nigerian state governments in promoting cultural initiatives abroad, reflecting a shared vision of cultural preservation and global unity.
The festival featured captivating performances by diverse drumming and dance groups, including the Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival Drummers, Kamingo Cultural Troupe from East Africa, Brazilian Reggae Drummers, Asian Hips Don’t Lie Dancers, Brazilian Samba Dancers, Efik Cultural Troupe, and Ekiti Cultural Troupe. These performances showcased the rich tapestry of global cultural traditions, captivating the audience with their vibrancy and diversity.
The festival’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse performances left a lasting impression on attendees, inspiring them to continue exploring and celebrating the richness of African traditions.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognising Canadians, Africans, and Afro-Canadians who have distinguished themselves in cultural promotion and other fields.
The Pan-Afrika Drum Festival’s second edition successfully celebrated African cultural heritage while fostering multicultural understanding and collaboration in Canada.
The festival underscored the importance of preserving cultural traditions and promoting cultural exchange in a globalised world. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of African culture, the festival left a lasting impression on attendees and set the stage for future celebrations of cultural heritage and unity.