Africa’s First Female Talking Drummer, Ara Opens Up On Myths And Barriers She Overcame

Aralola Olamuyiwa, famously known as Ara, the celebrated talking drummer and cultural ambassador for the Ooni of Ife, has shared her experiences of the discouragement she has faced playing the talking drum.

As the first female talking drummer in Africa, Ara revealed that people warned her that pursuing a career in drumming might hinder her ability to have children.

Despite these warnings, she defied the odds and disproved the myths surrounding her choice.

Ara discussed her journey and challenges on the latest episode of the ‘Terms And Conditions’ podcast, where she recounted how she overcame societal pressures to succeed in her craft.

She said, “There are some drums females cannot play. I started with the traditional drums. But I evolved over the years. I played different instruments like bass guitar, keyboard, and set drums.

“But I wanted something different, so I started learning how to play the talking drum. People I asked to teach me were skeptical about teaching me because I am a woman. So I am self-taught.

“Although at some point, I was afraid. I was like, ‘what could happen to me?’ They were like, ‘you might not be able to have kids.’ It’s a traditional thing but I broke that jinx.”

Ara has a son with her estranged husband, Prince Nurudeen Olalekan Saliu.

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