Ara the Drummer Overcomes Superstitions to Achieve Musical Milestone

Aralola Olamuyiwa, widely known as Ara, has shared how she overcame discouragements to become Africa’s first female talking drummer. Ara, who also serves as the cultural ambassador of the Ooni of Ife, revealed that she was warned that playing the talking drum might prevent her from having children. Despite these warnings, she pursued her passion and ultimately broke the jinx.

In a recent episode of the ‘Terms And Conditions’ podcast, Ara recounted her journey. She explained, “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.” However, her ambition led her to the talking drum, an instrument traditionally dominated by men.

Ara faced significant skepticism from those she approached for lessons, as they doubted her capability simply because she was a woman. “People I asked to teach me were skeptical about teaching me because I am a woman. So I am self-taught,” she noted. Despite her initial fears, she remained determined. “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’s perseverance paid off, and she now has a son with her estranged husband, Prince Nurudeen Olalekan Saliu. Her story stands as an inspiring testament to breaking barriers and defying traditional limitations.