Culture

Honouring the legacy of the drummer king: A tribute by Aafin Ilu

Published

1 year ago

May 15, 2025

Aafin Ilu announces a week-long exhibition of rare photographs and historical visuals to honor the legacy of Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I, the “Drummer King,” marking 50 years since his passing

As part of the remembrance activities marking 50 years since the transition of the Late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I, Aafin Ilu is proud to announce a special showcase in honour of his enduring legacy.

Also read: Royal Visit of Olori Aderonke Ademuluyi-Ogunwusi to Aafin Ilu Highlights Cultural Heritage

Starting tomorrow, May 15th, Aafin Ilu will open its doors to the public for a week-long exhibition of rare photographs and historical visuals capturing the life, reign, and cultural contributions of Oba Laoye—the revered “Drummer King” of Ede and an iconic ambassador of Yoruba heritage.

This visual tribute complements the special broadcast by Radio Nigeria, which will air Oba Laoye’s original time-check talking drum sequence at 6:00 am on May 15th, on Premier FM 93.5 (Ibadan), Gold FM 95.5 (Ilesa), and Capital FM 92.9 (Abuja).

Let us gather to remember, reflect, and honour the sound that once stirred royal courts and continues to inspire generations.

We invite the public, cultural enthusiasts, historians, and the younger generation to visit Aafin Ilu and reconnect with the powerful legacy of a monarch whose rhythm and influence still echo through time.

Let us gather to remember, reflect, and honour the sound that once stirred royal courts and continues to inspire generations.

With pride and remembrance,
Prince Adewale Laoye
Founder & CEO, Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drum)
Ede, Osun State

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”