Ukraine war: Drummer of Peace participates in global musical extravaganza for peace mediation

By Clement Adeyi

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, the Drummer of Peace and Executive Director of Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drum), Prince Adewale Laoye, has participated in a global musical concert aimed at peace mediation in the war.

The Insight learnt that the show was a mark of solidarity and protest targeted at ending the war, after several cease fire efforts have hit the rock.

During the concert, Prince Adewale Laoye, whose Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drum) is hugely located in the ancient city of Ede, Osun State, jumped on the soul-thrilling songs of love and peace and added his voice and drumming skills to the thrillers.

The song titled: “Show Some Love” by Nigerian composer BJ Sam, brought together over 23 exceptionally talented artistes, music legends, orchestras, celebrities, movie stars and award-winning vocalists from different continents of the world to launch global songs.

The spectacular message of the songs was: “No” to the war in Ukraine, calling on the invaders (Russia) to stop shooting and lay down their weapons.

“If the world could sing with one voice, there would be no reason to fight any more wars,”
BJ Sam said

Prince Adewale Laoye’s participation in the event has gone a long way in projecting the image of Nigeria and Africa’s traditional music and culture at the global level.

The “Show Some Love” music fiesta also featured Ukrainian artist, Aya Nova, who fled the war as well as young Sonya, who didn’t. Both of them sang and yearned for the restoration of peace in Ukraine.

If the world could sing with one voice, there would be no reason to fight any more wars

Other music artistes that participated included renowned Brazilian saxophonist, Angelo Torres; famous Swedish bassist, Magnus Rosén; Australian actress and singer Rae Leigh; American actress and singer Hillary Hawkins; Swedish music legend Mikael Erlandsson; British actress and rapper Melanie Gayle; French singers Sylvie Burger.

Adeline Doré; Jamaican singer, Jah Rain; Bulgarian star Joanna Dragneva; Ghanaian music icon Diana Hopeson; multicultural singer Marcia Mar also participated.

The Insight also gathered that music video for the song is a reflection of global solidarity with Ukraine in the difficult time. The song and music video will be officially released on March 28, 2023 on all music platforms including @bjsammusic and @aafinilu YouTube channels.

BJ Sam has an incredible legacy of creating music that unifies people across the world, regardless of their language, race, colour or creed. Several well-versed music experts around the world have heard BJ Sam’s distinctive sound and everyone is mesmerized by his skill. He was recently invited to join the voting members of the Grammy Awards.

Prince Adewale Laoye, the Nigeria representative at the global musical project, is a Nigerian singer, poet, thespian and pioneer of the modern art of African talking drum. He is a renowned music-folks revivalist championing the propagation of peace, art, culture and heritage through songs and drums. He is fondly described in the media circle as the modern master of the African talking drum. He is notably the son who carried on the legacy of his father, the late Drummer King and Timi of Ede land, Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, who popularized the African talking drum and earned invitation of the late Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, to the Buckingham Palace, England.

Prince Laoye has participated in several projects and events targeted at propagating peace, art, culture and heritage. His contributions towards preserving the Yoruba and African culture prompted him to establish an art centre popularly known as Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drum).

One of his songs, “Ogun Ko Ni’Bo” (Election Is Not War) is a musical project dedicated to campaigns against electoral violences in Nigerian elections. Some of his other songs include the recently released single – Se Wa A Jo?, Ede Ni Mi ( Proudly Ede Indigene), Omo Yoruba, Ki Lo Wo etc.

Every year, he organizes “Drumming for Peace Festival” which brings together all drummers home and abroad to showcase the art of drums and drum for peace.
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In recognition of his numerous strides, Prince Laoye has received quite a number of meritorious and honorary awards both home and abroad.

In 2022 , he accepted the invitation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife and Father of the Yoruba Race, to perform at the Ayangalu Drum Festival that was held in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Prince Laoye is a regular guest at various tertiary institutions like Redeemers’ University, Ekiti State University, Federal Polytechnic Ede and many others where he uses his songs, art and African talking drum to instill social change and propagate moral values.

He has also visited countries like Brazil, Sweden, Gambia, Ghana, South Africa etc on cultural exchange programs.

Prince Laoye has featured in many documentaries, local and international media programs/projects.

He is passionate about propagating the gospel of peace through his performances and works.

Prince Laoye is a passionate humanitarian of unique kind and an ambassador of art, culture and heritage.