The Nigerian queen of drums and Africa’s iconic folkloric performer Ara still relishes her mentoring blessings she received from one of the world’s most glamorous and super performer, the great Stevie Wonder who shaped her career path to glory. She granted an online interview with Ireho Aito of iBAND Magazine

Aralola Olumuyiwa popularly known as Ara the talking drummer is a unique brand of talent not only in Nigeria but world music as a whole. A bachelor’s degree holder of English Language from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. Ara became famous for her style and unique contribution to Nigerian music playing traditional talking drums that are hitherto peculiar to men. She released her first album ‘Ara De in 2009.

Today, she has a mass appeal as Nigeria’s first female talking drummer of international repute with global music tours to her credits. Her musical exploits have drawn the attention of music icons such as the legendary Stevie Wonder who honored her with musical collaborations.

The traditional folkloric sound enigma, drummer and dancer’s personal encounter with the legendary American super star Stevie Wonder changed the way she perceives music and music business henceforth. She recalls in an interview with iBAND Magazine Super Thursday column, “The most captivating and educating musical experience of my life. As at 2004, he told me he had over 1000 recorded songs unreleased and we worked in the studio till 5am. The music icon later told me they were going pick me by 9am to resume work. I said to myself, then if this legend hardly sleeps, what am I doing with sleep? My interraction with him help ignite my passion and vision and moulded me. He remains my mentor.”

Photographs/Ara library