Frenzy At National Theatre, As Africa’s Largest Drum Berths

The Guardian Nigeria|Chuks Nwanne

The Ayanjo Dance Troupe performing at the event.The National Art Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, was beehive of activity recently, as Guinness Nigeria Plc unveiled the Orijinal Africa’s largest drum to the delight of enthusiastic guests.
For sure, consumers got a feel of the brand’s hospitality as they were left asking for more. It was a loaded package.
The Ayanjo Dance Troupe set the tone for the evening with a fantastic display of some cultural dance routines, while DJ Caise, who dished out a perfect mix of old and new tunes that got the guests dancing, keep the arena lively.
Orijin Brand Ambassador, Reminisce led the list of artistes that turned out spectacular performances at the event, while Marry Me crooner Kola Soul ensured the crowd got into the right mood with his sublime delivery, before paving way for folklore vocalist Adunni and the NERFETITI to render some cultural tunes.
Hip-hop singer Faze, who has been off stage for some time, brought back memories with some of his hit tracks, while popular dance group Dance Na the Main Thing thrilled the audience with some breath taken displays. Comedian Seyi Law also ensured there were no dull moments with his rib cracking jokes that got guests laughing.
However, the highlight of the evening was an unusual collabo between Reminisce and Adunni. The crowd was stunned as Adunni and the NERFETITI remixed one of Reminisce’s hit tracks into a cultural piece; Reminisce eventually stormed the stage to relief their suspense. It was a unique performance, which received a standing ovation and a thunderous applause from guests that were simply puzzled.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Eyitemi Taire, Portfolio Director, Larger and RTD, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said, “the Largest African drum is another landmark in our journey as a business and eulogizing Orijin as the original drink for Africans. A drum announces the presence of the royals and the revered; it represents everything African. It is the single identifier that cuts across all African cultures. It represents the vibrancy, energy, uniqueness, and interconnectivity of Africans which perfectly reflects the essentials of the brand’s originality,” Taire said.
In his comment, the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Abdulfatai Ojora, represented by Chief Joseph Ogunmola, commended the brand for producing an iconic drink like Orijin. On the drum, he said, “it represents our vibrancy as Africans. It is an important part of our cultural heritage. This largest drum in Africa is a great innovation from Guinness Nigeria and we thank them for showcasing and taking our culture to the next level.”
Located at the National Art Theatre, Iganmu Lagos, the drum distinctly stands at a vantage point. Its dimension determined by a team comprising Alexander Forbes actuaries and Billings Cost &Associates measures 22ftx25ft. A cultural icon, the drum is an extension of the Orijin ideology of celebrating the contemporary African culture.
“We recognise the value of our culture and will do everything possible to keep our heritage. Orijin connects with our people at this level just in the same way a drum connects. Wherever there is a drum, there is celebration. And wherever there is celebration, you can be sure there is Orijin, the drink of tradition,” Taire said.
She added that, “this drum we just unveiled is representative of both traditional and modern cultures that abide in Africa. We have high hopes that this drum will stand as an inspiration to Orijin lovers nationwide.”