Guild Of Theatre Arts Drummers To Stage “Echoes Of The Drums”—-The Guild of Threatre Arts Drummers (GOTHAD) is set to stage the “Echoes of the Drums”, a play written by Ola Awakan, in commemoration of the World Drummers’ Day, on April 4, in Abuja.
The play is centred around the need to embrace love, unity and explore the nation’s cultural diversities.
Awakan disclosed this on Saturday in Lagos during the presentation of a preview for the stage production of the play.
He said that Nigerians must realise the importance of drumming to nation-building.
According to him, drumming allows for tourism development, cultural renewal, drum education, development of unity, harmony and peace as well as encouraging communal living.
He said that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu would be the special guest of honour at the World Drummers Day commemoration.
According to him, the ceremony will also feature the launch of the book which has been finally published.
“The play will be exhibited at the National Universities Commission and the book will be reviewed by Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
“The book is an attempt to make people realise that drums are beyond what people feel they are, drums have inherent spirit in them.
“The book was written in 2005, it won a prize in 2015 and in 2021 an excerpt of it was performed by GOTHAD, which was the first time the play went on stage. In 2022, the National Troupe of Nigeria produced the play in commemoration of the 62nd independence of Nigeria.
“After the play is staged, I will embark on what I call “global drumication”, which I coined to educate Nigerians on how drums can be veritable means of communication. So, we will be taking the play to Nigerian universities.
“I intend to use the book for drum education because I observed that the power, potency and significance of drums have not been explored.
“I will also have the book in movies and later in animation form,” he said.
L-R: Seun Awobajo, Creative Director, Foot Print of David, Tairu Ajibola, one of the casts; Isioma Williams, Director of the play and Ola Awakan, Playwright and Producer of the play
Isioma Williams, Director of the play, who is also the National Coordinator of GOTHAD, assured Nigerians of an exciting presentation as the crew would be delivering above people’s expectation.
“The history of World Drummer’s Day can be traced back to more than a decade ago, in 2013, when it was founded by Christian Schages.
“Schages is a personal friend, a professional drum teacher with his own drumming school located in Germany.
“We will have over 20 drummers moved from Lagos to Abuja to stage the play,” he said.
One of the cast in the play, Seun Awobajo, Creative Director of Footprints of David, said that the crew had been on the play for over three years.
He said it was fascinating for him to see a single play touch on all aspects of nation building.
He noted that in line with the theme for the World Drummers Day for the year, “Let Music And Rhythm Rule The World”, GOTHAD considers it neccesary to stage the play to expose Nigerians to the rhythm of drums and its essence.
• As they play host to Berklee College of Music, Godwin Louis and Jhony Keys
In a bid to further promote Jazz Music culture, Saxophone Hub & Vital Edge played host to two prominent professors from Berklee College of Music, Godwin Louis and Jhony Keys at the grandeur Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Hosted by Ambassador Afolabi Oke (Ambassador of African Union 6th Region to Nigeria, ECOWAS), the august event underscores the commitment to raising champions, nurturing talents and transforming the African music landscape.
He disclosed that the event is a defining moment for the future of African music as the world is beginning to recognize the greatness in our rhythm, sound and stories as partnership like this creates opportunity for exposure & global connections.
For Grammy award nominated saxophonist, educator and composer, Godwin louis who is of the view that jazz music will take its spot through strategic push as we blacks have got good and unique talent when it comes to music.
He said ‘ I am amazed to see the growth of kids at the saxophone hub and their levels of understanding when it comes to music, the global market awaits this budding gems.
Reiterating further, Managing Director/CEO of Saxophone Hub, Jerry Omole disclosed that the Saxophone hub is created to help raise generations of musicians who will not only master their craft but also carry the African sound and spirit to global height. There is no retirement when it comes to music as it helps enhances whatever dream you have’.
It is pertinent to note that saxophone hub has a long-standing collaboration with Backcountry Jazz initiates led by Bennie Wallace where scholarship opportunities are open to young saxophonists and also the Berklee College of music is equally awarding scholarship to some of the most outstanding musicians.
The court’s decision comes after months of speculation and legal proceedings surrounding the controversial case.
Reading the legal advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Lagos, Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje on Tuesday ruled that Naira Marley had no case to answer.
The court also freed Owodunni Ibrahim (Primeboy), and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde.
The DPP, however, stated that it will prosecute the auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and Mohbad’s friend, Ayobami Sadiq, for reckless and negligent acts contrary to Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law, Ch C.17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.