Aralola Olamuyiwa, widely known by her stage name “Ara,” is a multifaceted artist, singer, entertainer, and cultural ambassador with a remarkable talent for the talking drum. Born on January 23, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria, Ara has carved a niche for herself as Africa’s foremost female drummer, captivating audiences both locally and internationally. Her unique journey, deeply rooted in her upbringing and passion for music, has spanned over four decades, and her contributions to the cultural heritage of Nigeria have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Ara’s musical odyssey can be traced back to her early years. Born to parents originally from Ondo State, her father, a banker, played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent. It was in primary four that she was first introduced to the art of drumming, a momentous encounter that would shape her destiny. Her mother, hailing from a royal family, possessed a talking drum, and it was the elderly Pa Olopade who played it that captured young Ara’s attention and sparked her interest. With Pa Olopade’s encouragement, Ara began her journey into the world of drumming, mastering instruments like the Iya ilu, gangan, and omele.
Ara’s passion for music continued to flourish, and by the age of ten, she had already composed her first song. Her family, deeply appreciative of music and excellence, played a crucial role in her musical upbringing.
Although Ara’s path was destined for the world of music, she also pursued her education diligently. She spent a significant portion of her childhood in Warri, Delta State, attending schools such as Nana Primary School, Our Ladies High School, and Folashaye Girls Grammar School. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Ilorin initially, where she started as a law student before eventually transferring to Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma in Benin, Edo State, where she studied English Language.
A defining moment in Ara’s career came when she released her first video titled “Which one you dey.” Recorded by Ebenezer Studio between 1998 and 1999, this marked the emergence of Ara as a distinct voice in the music industry. Her unique blend of Afrobeat rhythms and the traditional sounds of the talking drum resonated with audiences, earning her recognition and a dedicated fan base.
In the year 2000, Ara took a bold step into the spotlight as the first female talking drummer. Her debut performance was a resounding success, even though she had concerns about how she would be received. Just before taking the stage, she had a vision, a divine confirmation that she was on the right path. It was a moment that solidified her resolve and purpose.
Ara’s fame continued to soar, and she went on to perform not only in Nigeria but also on international stages. Her performances garnered critical acclaim, and she had the privilege of sharing the stage with legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder. Her ability to fuse traditional African rhythms with contemporary music. Her journey continued to ascend, taking her to perform on international stages. In 2001, she performed in New York, a symbolic milestone in her life. Ara’s incredible talent and dedication led her to share the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder, solidifying her status as a global cultural ambassador.
Ara’s contributions to the world of music and culture have not gone unnoticed. She has performed for dignitaries including the Queen of England, Bill Clinton, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Evander Holyfield, among others. Notably, her collaboration with 2face Idibia in the remake of Ebenezer Obey’s classic “Olomi” further highlighted her commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements and commitment to her roots, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appointed Ara as a cultural ambassador to the kingdom of Ife. This appointment is a testament to her dedication to projecting Nigerian culture and music to the world.
Moreover, Ara’s influence extends beyond her performances. She recently received the distinction of becoming the first female governor of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in Lagos. This appointment reflects her leadership qualities and the respect she commands within the music industry.
In conclusion, Aralola Olamuyiwa, known as Ara, has not only broken gender barriers in the world of music but has also become a symbol of cultural preservation and promotion. Her journey from a young girl introduced to the talking drum to an international icon and cultural ambassador is an inspiring testament to the power of talent, determination, and a deep love for one’s roots. Ara’s legacy as Africa’s first female talking drummer will undoubtedly continue to resonate for generations to come, hence, she deserves the accolade of being called an Akinkanju for promoting Yoruba drumming culture throughout the globe.
Reference
https://sunnewsonline.com/i-first-played-the-talking-drum-in-primary-four-aralola-olamuyiwa-a-k-a-ara/
https://thenationonlineng.net/ara-becomes-first-female-governor-of-pman-in-lagos-state/
https://punchng.com/before-stardom-with-ara-the-drummer/