Famous talking drummer and cultural ambassador of the Ooni of Ife, Aralola Olamuyiwa, also known as Ara, has recounted the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion for playing the talking drum.
Ara, who holds the distinction of being Africa’s first female talking drummer, revealed that she encountered discouragement early on, with warnings that playing the talking drum might affect her ability to have children. Despite these warnings, she defied the odds.
She recently appeared on the latest episode of the ‘Terms And Conditions’ podcast, where she discussed her journey.
“There are some drums females cannot play. I started with the traditional drums. However, over the years, I evolved and learned to play different instruments like the bass guitar, keyboard, and set drums,” she said.
“But I wanted something different, so I started learning how to play the talking drum. People I approached to teach me were hesitant because I am a woman. Therefore, I taught myself.
“Though I was afraid at some point. I asked, ‘What could happen to me?’ They replied, ‘You may not be able to have kids.’
