Culture

Yoruba heritage revived: Prince Adewale Laoye launches “ṢÓ O GBỌ́LÙ” online program

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2025

Discover “ṢÓ O GBỌ́LÙ”, an interactive program by Prince Adewale Laoye that showcases the cultural ties between Yoruba drums and language

Prince Adewale Laoye has unveiled an innovative online programme, **“ṢÓ O GBỌ́LÙ”**, aimed at preserving Yoruba cultural heritage by spotlighting the unique connection between the Yoruba language and traditional drums, particularly the Dundun, or talking drum.

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This initiative highlights how Yoruba drums replicate speech through tonal patterns, a feature intrinsic to the Yoruba language. “Our drums, especially the Dundun, perfectly imitate Yoruba tones.

They are not just instruments but vital communication tools,” explained Prince Laoye, a respected cultural advocate.

The Dundun drum, central to the programme, is celebrated for its ability to convey messages woven into Yoruba proverbs and idioms.

The programme’s goal is to inspire renewed interest in Yoruba heritage by blending music, language, and education.

**Interactive Features of “ṢÓ O GBỌ́LÙ”**

Participants can access episodes on Aafin Ilu’s social media pages and YouTube channel, engaging with content that challenges them to interpret the drum’s tonal messages. Special prizes await those who decode the speech patterns correctly.

Typical questions posed include:

– “Can you hear the speech of Ayan (the drummer)?”
– “Do you understand the drum’s language?”
– “Can you interpret Yoruba proverbs conveyed through drum tones?”

Prince Laoye views this programme as a cultural revival movement. “So o gbo’lu is more than a programme; it’s a call to action. Let’s celebrate and preserve Yoruba culture together,” he said.

**How to Get Involved**

The programme is open to anyone keen on exploring Yoruba traditions. Episodes are regularly released on Aafin Ilu’s platforms.

Followers can directly engage by answering questions and decoding drum messages, fostering a fun and educational experience.

For updates and participation, follow Aafin Ilu on social media or subscribe to their YouTube channel.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”