Nations Rhythm Festival will expose people to therapeutic benefits of drums —Adedokun

Peter Olalekan Adedokun is a versatile master drummer, drum maker, performer and trainer. He is also the founder of the Nations Rhythm Festival. In this interview with Adewale Oshodi, he speaks on his love for drums and his upcoming drumming festival. Excerpts:

Although you are a master drummer, how did you come about the idea for the Nations Rhythm Festival?

The idea came about 12 years ago. Then, I was the chief drummer for the Alajota Dance Company, where Christopher Emmanuel is the founder and choreographer. I attained the level of master drummer and I have participated at several festivals within the country and abroad and this challenged me to work on having a festival that will bring people of different nations and of different genre of arts and culture together.

What do you hope to achieve with the festival?

The maiden edition of the festival will come up at the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan from July 6 to 8. The first two days will be for workshops and training, while the main event will hold on Saturday. With the festival, I hope to create an atmosphere where everyone will live together in unity, peace and harmony regardless of their age, gender, race and location.

The Nations Rhythm Festival is designed to bring people from all around the world to celebrate the universal language of music. Different local and international artists will be showcased in a celebration of culture and unity through performances, lectures and workshops. More than music, people will learn how drums and rhythm, some of the most ancient tools, are being utilised and applied in non-musical ways to enhance modern life.

Is there any reason you have chosen Ibadan to host the maiden edition?

I reside here in Ibadan and I think Ibadan should be the host of the inaugural edition of the festival. Ibadan is known for being the pacesetter in good things.

Do you also plan to take the event to other cities, or perhaps other countries in subsequent editions?

If there are sponsors, I will definitely like to take Nations Rhythm Festival to other cities or states here in Nigeria and other countries. With the right support, people outside Ibadan and Nigeria can learn about the African drum culture.

Can you share with us some of the individuals or groups that will feature in the maiden edition of the festival?

Those who will feature, both physical and virtual are Christopher Emmanuel (Nigeria), Prince Choi (USA), Alajotas Dance Company (Nigeria), James Tyson (UK), Hatnar (Nigeria), Baba Adesanya Adeyeye (Nigeria), Jonathan Murray (USA), UNIBADAN Drums Ensemble (Nigerai), Diane Roberts (Canada), Samskiddo (Nigeria), myself, the Drumsvoice and many more. The inaugural address / lecture will be given by Professor P.A Ogundeji of the Linguistics and African Languages Department of the University of Ibadan.

How do you think this festival will benefit the people, the participants, host community and even the country?

During the Nations Rhythm Festival drums workshops, people will be exposed to the therapeutic benefits of drums. They will also learn how to play different indigenous musical instruments. During the festival performances, people will be relaxed to enjoy different musical performances, dance and rhythms.

The festival will definitely bring more visitors to the community and to the country. It will attract people of different countries and this will add to the economic growth of the host city and country. Foreign participants will also know more positive things about Nigeria.

As a master drummer, where have you performed?

I have performed and conducted workshops across the country and in countries like the UK, Germany, USA, Croatia, South Africa, among others.

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