Talking Drummer Ara Reflects on Learning Humility from Wole Soyinka

Aralola Olumuyiwa, also known as “Ara,” is a female singer, entertainer, and talking drummer who serves as the cultural ambassador of the Ooni of Ife.

In a recent interview in Lagos, she shared that Nigerian Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka taught her about humility.

Ara praised Soyinka as someone who deeply respects and loves African culture, encouraging younger generations to follow his example.

She expressed appreciation for renaming the National Arts Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts by the President, describing it as a positive step. Ara also urged the government to honour artists while they are still alive.

Reflecting on her interactions with Prof. Soyinka, Ara recalled attending an event in his honour in 2007 where she performed, and he later invited her to his home.

She recounted how Soyinka asked her about the significance of the talking drum in her artistry. She also cherished the goodwill messages he sent her on her 40th birthday, emphasizing the lessons in humility she learned from him.

Describing Soyinka as a sincere advocate of African culture, Ara encouraged people to emulate his authenticity and urged everyone to embrace their uniqueness rather than conforming to others’ expectations.