By Milton Tella – Friday, 4 November 2022 recorded a large gathering of British Africans at the Hilton Hotel Croydon, United Kingdom, to celebrate the arts and rich culture of the Black race tagged the African Cultural Gala Night.
The much awaited cultural showcase lived up to its billing, the third edition in the series, was indeed a memorable evening that explored the rich and diverse aspects of African culture, arts, clothing, food, music, story-telling, palm wine, drunk in calabashes and many more.
The range of exciting and exhilarating cultural performances featured colourful ensembles from Ghana, Morocco, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Senegal and Nigeria.
The talking drums, trumpets and cymbals sent reverberating messages to the ancestors that the culture of Africa is still very much alive in the diaspora
In his welcome remark, the organiser/Artistic Director, Ayan De First – Mr Culture the CEO/Founder of Oduduwa Talking Drummers said, it has been a long time dream for him to celebrate Africa’s diverse culture and tradition on a global stage.
The very colourful event compered by the duo of Princess Moradeun Solarin and MC Mark had in attendance large arrays of royal sons and daughters from the Yoruba race. Chiefs, Diplomats, British politicians and notable members of the community were also in attendance.
A number of Special Guests and Ambassadors of the African Cultural Gala Night that gave keynote speeches included Ms Jenny Okafor, Pa Adebayo Oladimeji, Princess Golda & Prince Mike Abiola and Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi.
Other special guests in attendances were Mazi Christain Okeke Minister/Head of Information, Culture & sports at the Nigeria High Commission London, Lady Bose Akinyode, Otunba Bolaji Falase, Dr. Dayo Olomu, Councillor Kate Anolue, Councillor Susan Fajana – Thomas, Councillor Sunny Lambe, Councillor (Dr) Anna Mbachu, Yemisi Jenkins MBE, Dr Boma & Mrs June Douglas, Dr. Abbey Akinoshun, Otunba Akintokunbo Adejumo, Princess Toyin Onagoruwa, Princess Banke Hastrup, Dr. Jacqueline Wabara, Chief Gabriel Ozikwe, Sunny Faseun, Malcom Benson, Euhemia Chukwu, Mayor Olafancy Ajibola, Adesola Adeyeye, Adeleke Adedoja a.k.a Ala Leke, Chief (Mrs) Lola Okutubo, Mr & Mrs Bamgbopa and many others.
Congratulations to Ayan De First – Mr Culture and the planning committee members on another hugely successful African Cultural Gala Night. This 3rd edition, will go down in the annals of African Arts & Culture for having a rebirth of FESTAC ’77 in the United Kingdom. The name Ayanwole Ayantola a.k.a Ayan De First – Mr Culture will go down well in history, written in gold.
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