Drumming for Peace unites culture, art and community in Ede

The ancient town of Ede came alive on Sunday, 26 July 2026, as drummers, artists, cultural enthusiasts and members of the public gathered at Ede City Town Hall for Drumming for Peace, a cultural event that used the language of rhythm to promote peace ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

Organised through a collaboration between Red19 Global, Red19 Creatives CIC and Aafin Ilu, the event brought together traditional drummers, visual artists and community members in a celebration of culture as a tool for dialogue, unity and social harmony.

The programme highlighted the enduring role of traditional drumming in Yoruba society, where rhythm has long served not only as entertainment but also as a means of communication, storytelling and community engagement. Against the backdrop of the forthcoming election, the gathering encouraged peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility through artistic expression.

A visual art exhibition, curated by Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni, formed an important part of the event. The exhibition presented diverse artistic interpretations of drumming, rhythm and peace, demonstrating how visual art can preserve cultural heritage while responding to contemporary social issues.

The participating artists included Ibukun Oparinu, whose work Triplet Drum explored the relationship between rhythm and identity; Shegun Oseh, who presented Ayan From Heaven, reflecting on the spiritual heritage of Yoruba drumming traditions; and Oghenovize Solomon Okeh, whose Rhythm in Her Hands celebrated the role of women in sustaining cultural practices.

Other exhibiting artists included Fatai Oluwasesan Tijani with Beats , Adeola Oparinu with One Rhythm , Osemudiamen Favour Ebosele with Scars That Sing , Ajibola O. Odusoji with The Drummer and Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni, whose work The Pregnant Talking Drummer examined themes of continuity, cultural inheritance and the transmission of tradition across generations.

Throughout the afternoon, performances by traditional drummers transformed the venue into a shared cultural space where rhythm became a unifying force.

Audiences responded enthusiastically, engaging with both the live performances and the accompanying exhibition, while conversations centred on the importance of preserving indigenous artistic traditions and promoting peaceful civic participation.

The event demonstrated the continuing relevance of cultural practice in addressing contemporary social concerns. By bringing together music, visual art and community participation, Drumming for Peace illustrated how creative expression can encourage dialogue, strengthen cultural identity and reinforce the message that peace remains a collective responsibility.

Managed by Red19 Global, the visual art exhibition complemented the live performances by offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on the symbolic and cultural significance of drumming beyond performance, reinforcing the event’s broader message of unity, heritage and peace.