Global cultural icons, enthusiasts, percussionists, political leaders, business moguls, among others, are expected to converge in Canada to celebrate the vibrant beat of African-Canadian heritage as the third edition of the prestigious Pan-Afrikan Drum festival, which promises to be more exciting, educative and indelible, holds in the city next year.
The Drum Online, organisers of the event, while basking in the euphoria of previous editions, said the 2025 edition, themed: “Revamping Afro-Canadians’ Rich Cultural Heritages through the Drum System for Engendering Global Peace, Justice, and Stronger Institutions,” scheduled to hold next July promises to be an unforgettable experience as African and Canadian cultures, through the rhythms, colours, and sounds that embody the unity of both critical cultures, would be showcased.
Publisher of Drum Online, Prince Segun Akanni, said enthusiasts of music, dance, and cultural expression can look forward to a rich array of exhilarating performances, workshops, Investment forum, as well as artistic displays that define the unique stories and traditions of the drum.
Akanni said the festival, with each beat, was set to inspire a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of people, history, and creativity across continents, noting that the Pan Afrikan Drum Festival, in its third edition, had grown to be a prestigious event in the global cultural calendar.
“In its third edition, the Pan Afrikan Drum festival has grown to be a prestigious event in the global cultural calendar. This festival is powered by a renowned international media organization established in 2015, The Drum Online Media Incorporation, in collaboration with Global Forum for Human Rights and Sustainable Development.
“It is driven by a mission to preserve and promote cultural heritage through news, branding, and innovative media reportage,” he said.
“The Drum Online Media has dedicated itself to building bridges across continents, ensuring that African stories, art forms, and values resonate far beyond borders. As it stages in Canada, the festival invites audiences and participants to connect, experience, and celebrate the rich and aesthetic heritage that unites and uplifts communities worldwide. The festival aligns with a vision of bridging cultural divides and promoting shared values.
“The Global Forum For Human Rights And Sustainable Development’s commitment to human rights and sustainable development adds a profound layer of significance to the event, as it encourages global audiences to embrace diversity and work toward a more inclusive future. Together, these partners have created a space where music becomes a powerful language of peace, unity, and mutual respect, making the 2025 Pan African Drum Festival a landmark celebration of heritage and humanity.
“In all, we’re irrevocably committed to rejigging and revamping all moribund African cultural values, styles and dignity in the 21st century,” he added.
Speaking further, Akanni affirmed that the resounding success of the first two editions had made the festival become a powerful stage for honouring the rich, diverse cultural values of both Canada and Africa, disclosing that past editions had welcomed esteemed guests, including prominent African royalties, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and well-wishers from around the globe.
According to him, the festival had enjoyed heart-warming and invigorating messages from Canadian leaders such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Of Ontario, Premier Doug Ford, Mayor Of Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow, Mayor Of Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown, the Ooni Of Ife, Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Nigeria Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador Adeyinka Asekun; Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, among others.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then