Culture

Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi announces new date for 2024 AyanAgalu traditional drum festival

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2024

The Paramount Ruler of Ife, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions, alongside Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, cultural ambassador of the AyanAgalu Traditional Drum Festival, has announced the new dates for the 2024 AyanAgalu Traditional Drum Festival. The event will be held on July 17th and 18th, 2024 at Ife Grand Resort in Ile-Ife.

The festival will take place in Ile-Ife, the ancient city and traditional headquarters of the Oduduwa race. Following the success of its inaugural edition last year, this year’s festival is highly anticipated. The main celebrations will occur at the Ojaja Arena within Ife Grand Resort, where the vibrant sounds of drums will create an electrifying atmosphere.

AyanAgalu, revered as one of the deities sent by Olodumare to the earth for the progress, development, and happiness of mankind, holds a significant place in the cultural identity of the Oduduwa race. Seeking divine guidance, AyanAgalu consulted the Oracle through Orunmila, the deity of divination, to receive blessings for honor, wealth, and celebration among people and other deities. Ifa divination revealed the sacred drumming tools and materials, such as sticks, skin, and drum belts, used for AyanAgalu’s revered sacrifices—a tradition that remains central to drumming ceremonies to this day.

The Oduduwa race, renowned as pioneers of drumming and music, shares an extraordinary connection with AyanAgalu. As deities call upon AyanAgalu to grace their ceremonies, the rhythmic beats and soul-stirring melodies bring joy and illumination to these auspicious occasions, in harmony with the ancient prophecies divined by Ifa.

To foster cultural exchange and global appreciation for traditional rhythms, the Ooni has extended an invitation to drummers and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond to join in the Annual AyanAgalu Festival on July 17th and 18th, 2024, at Ife Grand Resort in Ile-Ife.

The world awaits an enchanting display of culture and heritage as the AyanAgalu Drums Festival draws near, promising an unforgettable experience that will resonate with the hearts of attendees and pay homage to the rich tapestry of traditions woven through time.

In a move to ensure the success of one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events, the House of Oduduwa has appointed Prince Adewale Laoye as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the upcoming Ayan Agalu Festival 2024.

The prestigious two-day festival, slated for July 17th and 18th in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, celebrates the rich drumming heritage of the Yoruba people. As a respected personality and CEO of Aafin Ilu, Prince Laoye’s leadership is expected to elevate the festival’s significance and promote unity.

In a statement, Prince Laoye expressed his deep honor at the appointment, stating, “The Ayan Agalu Festival is a cherished event that promotes peace, harmony, and pride in our cultural identity. I look forward to working with the talented organizing committee to curate an exceptional experience showcasing our drumming traditions to the world. I also thank His Imperial Majesty and Her Royal Majesty for their trust in my capabilities.”

Under his guidance, the 2024 festival will feature performances by master drummers, expert-led workshops, displays of various Yoruba drumming styles, and a grand finale uniting all participants in a powerful show of unity.

The sacred Ayan Agalu drum has historically served as an instrument for communicating the message of peaceful coexistence globally. This year’s event aims to amplify that message through rhythmic celebrations and competitions drawing talent from across Africa.

Her Royal Majesty Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi voiced confidence in Prince Laoye’s abilities, saying, “His wisdom and commitment will make the Ayan Agalu 2024 Festival a resounding success. His leadership will ensure this sacred tradition uplifts our community while radiating our values of unity and harmony worldwide.”

prince Laoye

Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi

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Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha marks 25 Years on throne

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4 days ago

October 23, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.