Judul : Each beat of my drum echoes my heritage and breaks new ground — Larondo
link : Each beat of my drum echoes my heritage and breaks new ground — Larondo
Each beat of my drum echoes my heritage and breaks new ground — Larondo
Eniola Ayanshinawidely recognized as Larondo, a native of Ibadan, Oyo State, is a female talking drummer and a graduate of Performing Arts from Lead City University, Ibadan. In this interview byRukiyat OgunwadeShe discusses her experiences in the entertainment field, her struggles as a female talk drum performer, and other related topics.
What has been your experience as a woman who plays the talking drum?
My experience as a female performer on the talking drum has involved a mix of enthusiasm, obstacles, and significant achievements. At the start, many individuals questioned whether a woman was capable of mastering the talking drum, yet I transformed that skepticism into my strongest drive.
For many years, I have taken the stage at thousands of events throughout nearly every state in Nigeria, and have delighted numerous important figures such as the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan; the late Olubadan of Ibadan; as well as the governors of Oyo, Lagos, and Osun states.
I have also been honored to perform alongside leading Nigerian artists such as Adekunle Gold, Skales, Kizz Daniel, and 9ice, along with numerous Nollywood actors and actresses. My skills have enabled me to go beyond Nigeria's borders, giving me the opportunity to represent and showcase African culture on global platforms.
The path has not been simple, yet each beat of my drum serves as a reminder that I am pushing limits, embracing my heritage with pride, and encouraging the following generation of female drummers. My experience as a female talking drummer has been a wonderful blend of enthusiasm, obstacles, and significant achievements. When I began, many people questioned whether a woman could truly excel at the talking drum, an instrument mainly associated with men. However, rather than allowing their skepticism to hinder me, I used it as fuel to demonstrate what women can accomplish when passion aligns with purpose.
It hasn't always been straightforward, but each beat of my drum serves as a reminder of my original motivation. I'm not merely performing rhythms; I'm pushing limits, safeguarding heritage, and encouraging the upcoming generation of female drummers to emerge with self-assurance and honor for their culture.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a drummer?
Drumming is part of my very essence. I was born into the Ayan family, where playing the talking drum is not merely a talent, but a treasured family heritage. As the only female talking drummer in my family, this path has been especially personal and significant to me.
Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the deep sounds and rhythmic patterns of the talking drum. During any festival I attended, I experienced a sense of spirituality while observing the older men playing it. One day, I became so inspired that I went up to one of them and asked to hold the drum, but he politely declined, saying, “It’s not a game.” That moment only increased my curiosity and strengthened my love for it.
Resolute, I set aside my school break-time savings and purchased my first talking drum for ₦4,000. I practiced diligently at home, not realizing that this hobby would eventually lead me across the globe.
I have a unique sense of appreciation for my brother, who inspired me to take up the talking drum as a career and provided me with the perfect stage to display my abilities. He even purchased my first large talking drum, "the Iya Ilu Dundun," allowing me to begin performing. He has been by my side at every stage of this journey, offering support, encouragement, and faith in me, even when the future was unclear.
What obstacles did you encounter in the field?
Even though people are often surprised when they witness a woman playing the talking drum, my path has not been simple. At the start, there was no payment — I performed free shows just to demonstrate my skills and gain visibility.
It was really challenging during my time at college in Oyo Town. I wasn't making much money from my performances, so I began selling okirika (second-hand clothes) to my classmates just to cover transportation costs for unpaid shows and to help support myself as I developed my drumming skills.
Another difficulty I encountered was gaining acceptance from my fellow male drummers. Some viewed me as a competitor, and only a small number genuinely encouraged me. During events where several performers used the same audio setup, I occasionally faced unjust treatment — the microphone level would be reduced or completely switched off during my set. Due to this, I developed a mindset of respect and composure for every performance — by greeting the male drummers, keeping a friendly attitude, and fostering harmony to guarantee seamless shows.
Although facing numerous difficulties, I am grateful to God for my progress. These experiences have made me more resilient and determined. Currently, I am not only acknowledged and respected as a professional talking drummer, but I also serve as an inspiration for many young and emerging female drummers. I have established a dedicated fan base both online and in person, and I now manage my clothing business in addition to my music career. Each challenge has been a building block leading me to where I am today.
As a skilled musician, why did you choose the talking drum? Why did you select this instrument among the many musical instruments available?
I selected the talking drum due to my deep spiritual bond with it. To be honest, I feel the ancestors selected it for me. Growing up in the Ayan family, where drumming is a passed-down tradition — I am aware that my ancestors are proud of me for continuing the family's profession in my unique manner. Via the talking drum, I am not only safeguarding my family's heritage but also spreading awareness of African culture globally.
From an early age, every time I saw someone holding a Gangan, Adamo, or Iya Ilu Dundun (the drum I play), I experienced a strong spiritual bond — as if something inside me was responding to the beat.
One of the most remarkable features of the talking drum is its longevity. I purchased my first talking drum 12 years ago, and it was already 105 years old then. Now, that same drum is 117 years old — still in excellent condition and perfectly tuned. This is the kind of enduring strength that the talking drum embodies.
Being a culture enthusiast, I view the talking drum as a vibrant voice of my ancestry. It doesn't merely produce rhythm — it communicates. It conveys words and emotions in a manner that no other instrument can achieve. This talent of enabling the drum to speak, to convey emotions and messages through sound, is my unique ability and my enthusiasm.
I have a deep affection for the talking drum, and each time I play it, I experience a bond with my heritage, my forebears, and my true calling.
When did you begin studying it, and how much time did it take to master it?
I began studying the talking drum around the time I was finishing secondary school — approximately 15 years ago. My initial instructor was also a woman in her late 30s who played the drum. I practiced with her for roughly two months before discontinuing due to issues related to distance and transportation.
Following that, I kept on studying by myself at home. It was easy for me since drumming is in my nature, and the talking drum is closely linked to tonal marks — Ami oro (Do, Re, Mi) — which I had a strong grasp of. Indeed, Yoruba was my top subject in school; I consistently got A1 grades, which greatly assisted me in understanding the talking drum's tones and its communication.
I also spent a significant amount of time watching drumming tutorials on YouTube, exploring different styles, and enhancing my skills through regular practice. I didn't wait to become a professional before taking the stage — just three weeks after beginning, I was already performing with what I had learned. I can confidently say that I grew as a drummer through live experiences, while also keeping up with regular personal rehearsals.
Currently, I am a professional percussionist, yet I continue to view myself as a student since, as the English phrase it, education is endless. Each performance offers me new insights, and I feel that development is a lifelong process.
What is Larondo currently doing? What are some of the projects you're developing for your fans?
Currently, I am engaged in creating my songs, albums, and music videos that genuinely express my identity as a performer and cultural representative. In addition to my music, I am also dedicated to growing my fashion brand, developing designs that showcase African elegance and tradition in a contemporary manner.
This new chapter in my journey goes beyond mere entertainment; it's about making a difference. I intend to share and promote my culture globally through my music and creative ventures. I am also very enthusiastic about guiding and attracting young female drummers, inspiring them to recognize their abilities, have confidence in themselves, and keep advocating for our wonderful African heritage.
This marks just the start of a new phase in my journey — a chapter that brings together my music, my aesthetic, and my roots within a single compelling vision.
What career would you have pursued if you hadn't become a drummer?
If I hadn't become a drummer, I would still be strongly connected to the creative sector. I would concentrate on areas like fashion, styling, and performance development, which enable me to convey culture, establish brands, and motivate young women. My enthusiasm has consistently revolved around creativity, quality, and influence, regardless of whether it's through music or another artistic medium.
For emerging artists, my guidance is straightforward: maintain consistency, remain open to learning, and stay authentic to your heritage. The world will welcome you if you continue to enhance your abilities and preserve your individuality. Concentrate on achieving quality, be patient with your progress, and never cease learning; your success will find you when you are ready.
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