Going by the dexterity, energetic performance and the unique skills she exhibits in ‘bata’ drumming, Olo Omidan Bata is one music artiste to watch anytime.
The youthful Nigerian female artiste from the stable of Atunda Entertainment, blazes the trail with her show of exceptional display on the three piece bata drum combining it effectively with her sensational singing and titillating performance that is accompanied by well-choreographed back up dancers.
Without sounding immodest, the artiste whose real name is Ibukun Bisola Ayoola seems to be the Nigerian version of Beyonce due to her very physical and energy-packed performances. “I work out and practice every day and that is the only way I get my energy. God is my strength,” the popular ‘bata’ drummer says.
Olo Omidan Bata broke through a humble background as back up artiste to take on the act of bata drumming, which is one of the complex drums in Nigeria, especially South Western Nigeria where the instrument originates from. The three piece drum is the exclusive preserve of the male folks but she has perfected the act and combined it effectively and professionally with her singing prowess to deliver on eclectic and exciting performance for her teeming audience.
She explains that her music centres on African heritages and is themed with messages, morals and folklores, which reflect the past. While the adults, especially parents enjoy the message she conveys in her music, the younger audience enjoy and dance to the titillating rhythm.
“What I do are the songs that our parents listened to and enjoyed in the past. Even if we try to do what is in vogue now, it has to have a bit of the African tunes”, she says.
As well, she believes that her skill and flair for music have been honed by playing the Bata. But unlike many Yoruba drummers, she is not from a drummers’ family. She started out as one of the singers and back-up artistes for Anu, an artiste with the Lagos-based Atunda Entertainment.
Over the years, she has succeeded in carving a niche for herself and has shown that African music can hold its own on the world stage with her authentic African sound infused with a lot of African musical and cultural elements, which for many discerning audience is a refreshing development.
Her performance at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Drum Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State won her immense followership as she overwhelmed the audience with her electrified performance, which saw the governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, giving her a standing ovation and later hosted her to a dinner.
Once again, Olo Omidan Bata, Nigeria’s only female potter, is exploding further on the world stage as she takes her musical act to some cities across Africa and Europe.
It is obvious that her unique style of performance has earned her accolades and huge following as she has over the years performed at a number of high profile corporate events and stages across the country.
She was a star performer at the Made in Nigeria Exhibition in Abidjan, Cote d’ Voire on September 5, 2016. She enthralled an African audience at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa during the reception for world dignitaries attending the African Fashion show on September 15, 2016.
The Addis Ababa show climaxed with appearance on the Paris stage as she performed for guests last October for a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) fashion show event in partnership with the legendary Gold for African Fashion.
With these high profile invitations and performances, Olo has broken the jinx that three-piece drum is the preserve of the male folks. She is really hot. Watch out for her!
OBINNA EMELIKE
