Celebrated drummer, choreographer, and troupe leader, Albert Ayantunji Ayanwale, may have been gone for more than two months, but his clan in the performing arts sector is not ready to forget him in a hurry.
Ayanwale, who retired from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, passed away on February 18, 2023.
To show appreciation for the internationally-renowned drummer, a day of tributes was organized in his honour on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 right in front of the residence of the late artist.
Spearheaded by a renowned artist and founder of Ara Studio who is also a nephew of the deceased, Otunba Mufu Onifade, the arts community rose with enthusiasm to celebrate a talented man.
A total of 11 Troupes, over 100 artists – dancers, drummers, singers, magicians, acrobats, chanters, poets, and more were involved in the special performances, ” all in celebration of my late uncle, who was an international drummer and troupe leader; the show was a boom, and a huge success in all ramifications,” says Onifade.
He listed supporters of the event to include Ayantola Olaore, Fatai Alabi (Fatai Adekanbi), Wosilat Olayinka Mogaji Majekodunmi, Adebola Olowe, Funmi Ajamufua, Ayanbinrin Tosin, Sulayman Deji Etiwe, Mariam Oyinkeprinye, Wuyi Adewuyi, Oluwashola Akinola, Steve Ayorinde, Yomi Oyekanmi, Makinde Adeniran (Last Dame), Greg Odutayo and Prof. Duro Oni.
He also acknowledged the following institutions for their support: National Theatre, National Troupe of Nigeria, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners and Bi-Okoto Company.
