If you have not been to the National Theatre Iganmu in Lagos before, or have not been there lately due to lack of attraction or activities worth your visit, there is one very good reason to visit now.
Beyond the monumental cap-shaped theatre edifice that seems to occupy the whole of Iganmu, the newly launched Orijinal Africa’s largest drum awaits your visit.
Standing at 25ft high and 22ft in diametre, the drum, recently unveiled by Guinness Nigeria plc, is truly the largest in Africa. Besides, the drum’s dimension was determined by a team comprising Alexander Forbes, a reputable actuary firm, and Billings Cost & Associates. It is not just a mere drum because of the details, but creativity that went into it and what it signifies. Yet, it makes the National Theatre environ more serene and enticing with the variety of sightseeing options it brings to bear.
But, why the drum?
Orijinal Africa’s biggest drum is another landmark in the journey of Guinness Nigeria, the initiator and sponsor of the project to support ‘Orijin,’ a brand in its stable. The drum is also a cultural icon and 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 largest African drum is another landmark in our journey as a business and eulogising Orijin as the original drink for Africans,” Eyitemi Taire, portfolio director, Larger and RTD, Guinness Nigeria, said at the unveiling ceremony over the weekend at the National Theatre.
Explaining the essence of the drum, Taire said: “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.”
But from a cultural perspective, Abdulfatai Ojora, the Ojora of Ijora, who was represented by Joseph 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.”
Speaking further on Orijin as a drink of culture and heritage, Taire said “we recognise 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.”
Orijin is a blend of African fruits and herbs flavours mixed with alcohol to give a refreshing bitter sweet taste.
However, the brewer has through the drum initiative reignited visits to the National Theatre as an attraction worth seeing in Lagos. So, visit at your convenience to see for yourself and get entertained!
OBINNA EMELIKE
