By Milton Tella – Internationally renowned talking drum maestro, Ayan De First, popularly known as Mr Culture, has been honoured in Chicago, United States of America, for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of African arts, music and culture on the global stage.
The prestigious honour was conferred on Saturday, 12th September, 2026, at the Yoruba Cultural Festival, a grand celebration of Yoruba heritage and African excellence hosted by FIRSTEYEINC.
The ceremony, tagged ‘Culture Exchange Programme’, was held in the heart of Chicago and brought together culture enthusiasts, community leaders, diplomats, artists, and lovers of African heritage from across the United States and the diaspora. The event was designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and to celebrate individuals who have used culture as a tool for unity, education and global integration.
Ayan De First, who is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most gifted custodians of the talking drum, was the cynosure of all eyes as he received the Award of Excellence for Cultural Promotion. The award recognizes his over two decades of consistent work in projecting African culture, particularly Yoruba traditional drumming, to international audiences.
Clad in his signature colourful Yoruba traditional attire, Mr Culture thrilled the audience with a soul-stirring talking drum performance that drew a standing ovation. With his drum literally talking, he rendered Yoruba proverbs, praise chants and contemporary messages, showcasing the depth and versatility of the ancient instrument.
Speaking to African Voice Newspaper UK after receiving the award, Ayan De First expressed gratitude to the organizers and dedicated the honour to all custodians of African culture worldwide.
“This award is not just for me, but for every African child who believes in the power of our culture. The talking drum is our identity, our history, our encyclopedia. My mission as Mr Culture is to ensure that our drums never go silent, no matter where we find ourselves in the world,” he said.
He added that culture remains the strongest bridge between Africa and its diaspora, and called on young Africans in the diaspora to stay connected to their roots.
According to FIRSTEYEINC, the convener of the Yoruba Cultural Festival, Ayan De First was selected for the honour because of his unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and his role in using traditional music as an instrument of diplomacy.
“Ayan De First is more than a drummer; he is an institution. He has taken the talking drum from the shrines of Yorubaland to the biggest stages in Europe, America and Asia. He represents what this Culture Exchange Programme stands for – pride, authenticity and promotion of African values,” a representative of FIRSTEYEINC said.
The 2026 edition of the festival featured rich displays of Yoruba arts, including Adire and Aso Oke fashion parade, traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, Yoruba language poetry, and culinary showcases.
The event also witnessed the recognition of other distinguished personalities who have contributed to community development and cultural exchange.
Among the awardees alongside Mr Culture was Daniel K. Davies, Congressman and US Representative for Illinois, Chicago State, who was honoured for his support for multicultural initiatives and his advocacy for inclusive cultural policies that empower African and minority communities in Illinois.
Congressman Davies, in his remarks, commended FIRSTEYEINC for creating a platform that strengthens cultural ties between Africa and America. He also praised Ayan De First for being a worthy cultural ambassador.
“Chicago is a city of diversity, and events like this remind us of the beauty that diversity brings. I am delighted to share this honour with a true cultural icon like Ayan De First, whose music transcends language and brings people together,” Davies stated.
Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included traditional rulers from Yorubaland in the diaspora, captains of industry, academics, and members of the Nigerian community in Chicago.
The Culture Exchange Programme ended on a high note with a collaborative performance featuring Ayan De First and a group of American percussionists, symbolizing the fusion of African and Western rhythms.
With this latest honour in Chicago, Ayan De First, a.k.a Mr Culture, has once again cemented his status as one of Africa’s most consistent and respected cultural ambassadors, carrying the soul of Africa in his drums across continents.
