…Says ‘male drummers that were contracted to teach me were not willing’
By Christy Anyanwu
Aralola Olamuyiwa, popularly known by her stage name, Ara, is a female singer, entertainer, talking drummer and the cultural Ambassador of the Ooni of Ife.
She is the foremost female drummer in Africa.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, the soft-spoken drummer talked about her journey so far in the entertainment world, her life as Ara and lots more.
Tell us more about Ara?
Ara is the first female talking drummer on world stage. Ara is an institution. Ara is a symbol of hope and inspiration to the female gender.
What motivated you to become a drummer?
My journey as a drummer was predestined. The drum chose me. This present day, it is different now, we have more female drummers even as young as six years old and Ara inspired them all. I come from a family of three kings, one of whom is Alaafin of Oyo, Alaafin Abiodun Atiba from my maternal side. It is believed that Ayanagalu, the deity (spirit) of the talking drum, chose me.
What was the reaction of your family, friends when you toed the path of your career?
My parents at the time already knew I was going to toe that path, they just wanted to make sure I was properly guided. When my mum was pregnant with me, she had revelations and was told ahead of time the type of child she was carrying. Also, as a kid before the age of seven, I had revelations that I told them and I had several visitations. In 1988, I was seriously sick and all hope was lost, they had consultations and certain things were revealed to them… the same thing happened when I started playing the talking drum. So, they knew who I was even before I did.
What were the initial challenges?
The number one initial challenge was the fear of acceptance, and the fact that the male drummers that were contracted to teach me were not willing. The myths surrounding the drum was another challenge, I was told many things, but that didn’t deter me from getting my drums, I was focused and determined, moreover, my guardian angels were with me, they saw me through. We all have our various belief. I believe in angels, the supernatural, I believe in my ancestors whom some refer to as angels.
What makes you prominent in the entertainment industry?
Being the first female talking drummer and being good at what I do, improving on my act/brand, reinventing myself, making ways for others, etc.
What advice do you have for youths who want to be like Ara?
Be focused, determined, dedicated and disciplined. Don’t be in a rush, take it step by step, don’t put yourself under unnecessary pressure either from social media or anywhere else. My journey into music started in 1987/88 when I first appeared on television as a singer. The Ara you are seeing in 2023 has been on that journey since then. There is nothing like overnight success. It’s takes time.
What is your relationship with old friends, do you still mingle with them as a celebrity?
Whenever the opportunity arises, we keep in touch. Everyone is busy with family, career and life in general.
If you weren’t a drummer, what would you have been?
If I wasn’t a drummer/entertainer, I would have been a full-time spiritual mother to those I am sent to. I have special gifts from God that has helped me and whomever I am sent to…this part of me is not commercial so I really would not want to emphasize as I am not advertising.
Aside music, what else do you do?
Apart from music, I am a businesswoman and a philanthropist. Giving back is not a business. Ara Youth Empowerment Initiative under which we have empowerment for the girl child; empowerment for homeless street kids, some of which you refer to as area boys and girls. We mentor them, rehabilitate, empower them and monitor them for as long as they permit us to be part of their lives. The Executive Governor of Lagos State , H. E. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been of tremendous help and our father, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been a wonderful support system. Our mother, the Chairman of Access Bank, Chief (Mrs) Dere Awosika, has been of huge support.
The post Deity of the talking drum chose me –Ara, first female talking drummer appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.