Day Guinness Nigeria Plc unveiled Orijinal Africa’s largest drum

Drum

ADA DIKE

Nigeria’s leading beverage company, Guinness Nigeria Plc, usually adds artistic touch to everything it sets out to do.

That is why Iganmu, Lagos and its environ were agog on Saturday, May 23, 2015 when something spectacular happened as both invited and uninvited guests at the premises of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, witnessed the unveiling of the largest drum in Africa by Guinness Nigeria Plc.

At the evening of cultural dance extravanganza mixed with contemporary music, consumers enjoyed Orijin hospitality as they were left asking for more of what will for a long time be remembered as one of the best show ever.

The Ayanjo dance group set the tone with a fantastic display of some cultural dance routine to the admiration of the guests who cheered and gave them resounding ovation. Keying in to the expectant crowd was DJ Caise who dished out a perfect mix of old and new tunes that got the guests dancing.

There were spectacular performances by notable acts, ranging from the Orijin Brand’s ambassador, the Alaga Ibile, Reminisce, hip hop artiste, Faze, thrilled the guests with some tracks including ‘Originality’; Marry Me crooner Kola Soul ensured the crowd got into the right mood with his sublime delivery before folklore vocalist Adunni and the NERFETITI rendered some cultural tunes that got the guests nostalgic.  

Also, popular dance group Dance Na the Main Thing thrilled the audience with some breath taken displays. Top comedian Seyi Law also ensured there were no dull moments with his rib cracking jokes which simply got the guests rolling.

The highlight of the evening was an unusual collabo between hip hop artiste Reminisce and folklore vocalist Adunni. The crowd was stunned as Adunni and the NERFETITI remixed one of Reminisce’s hit tracks into a cultural piece. But little did they know about the trick before Reminisce eventually stormed the stage to relief their suspense. It was a unique performance which received a standing ovation and a thunderous applause from guests that were simply puzzled.

 Speaking at the unveil, Ms. Eyitemi Taire, Portfolio Director, Larger and RTD, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said “the Largest African drum is another landmark in our journey as a business and eulogizing

Orijin as the original drink for Africans”.

 “A drum announces the presence of the royals and the revered; it represents everything African. It is the single identifier that cuts across all African cultures. It represents the vibrancy, energy, uniqueness, and interconnectivity of Africans which perfectly reflects the essentials of the brand’s originality” Taire said.

 In his comment, the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Abdulfatai Ojora, represented by Chief Joseph Ogunmola, commended Guinness for producing an iconic drink like Orijin.

 Speaking about the drum, Chief Ogunmola said, “The drum represents our vibrancy as Africans. It is an important part of our cultural heritage. This largest drum in Africa is a great innovation from Guinness Nigeria and we thank them for showcasing and taking our culture to the next level”.

 The Orijinal drum, a cultural icon, is an extension of the Orijin ideology of celebrating the contemporary African culture. The Orijin brand recently received the endorsement of Royal Fathers across Nigeria as the drink of heritage for Africans.

The Orijinal drum located at the National Art Theatre, Iganmu Lagos, distinctly stands at a vantage point; a pride for all Nigerians. The drum’s dimension determined by a team comprising Alexander Forbes actuaries and Billings Cost &Associates measures 22ftx25ft.

 On Orijin as a drink of culture and heritage, Taire explained that “we recognize the value of our culture and will do everything possible to keep our heritage.

Orijin connects with our people at this level just in the same way a drum connects. Where ever there is a drum there is celebration. And wherever there is celebration, you can be sure there is

Orijin, the drink of tradition.”

 “This drum we just unveiled is representative of both traditional and modern cultures that abide in Africa. We have high hopes that this drum will stand as an inspiration to Orijin lovers nationwide.We are proud of our achievement here today. The drum is clearly the largest and that underscores the ingenuity of Africans,” Taire enthused.

 Orijin is a blend of African fruits and herbs flavours mixed with alcohol to give a refreshing bitter sweet taste. 

Guinness Nigeria Plc is also the brewer of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Harp Lager and Malta Guinness. The company was established in 1950, making it one of the oldest companies in Nigeria.

this as way of contributing to the growth of Arts and Culture in Nigeria. An official unveil ceremony is scheduled for of May and its set to be the next biggest thing to happen at the National Arts Theater in a while.
This is something to really be proud of and the initiative Orijin has shown toward Arts in Nigeria should be commended. Another iconic delivery is set for culture in Nigeria and is powered by Orijin, Nigeria’s’ favorite drink.

Reminisce, performing alongside Adunni and the NERFETITI