As the struggle in Ukraine intensifies, the Drummer of Peace and Executive Director of Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drum), Prince Adewale Laoye, receives an invitation to participate in a global musical project against the war in Ukraine, in an act of solidarity and protest for the end of the war. He jumped on the song adding his voice and drumming skills.
The song titled “Show Some Love” by Nigerian composer BJ Sam, brought together over 23 exceptionally talented artists, music legends, orchestras, celebrities, movie stars, and award-winning vocalists from every continent of the world to launch a global song saying “No” to the war in Ukraine – calling on the invaders to stop shooting and lay down their weapons. According to BJ Sam, “If the world could sing with one voice, there would be no reason to fight any more wars.”
“Show Some Love” features Ukrainian artist Aya Nova, who fled the war, and young Sonya, who didn’t – both singing and yearning for the restoration of peace in Ukraine. Other music artists include 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 singer Sylvie Burger and Adeline Doré; Jamaican singer, Jah Rain; Bulgarian star Joanna Dragneva; Ghanaian music icon Diana Hopeson; multicultural singer Marcia Mar; Nigerian singer and Drummer of Peace, Prince Adewale Laoye; and many others.
The music video for the song is a reflection of global solidarity with Ukraine in this 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, color, 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.
On the other hand, the Nigerian representative on the global musical project, Prince Adewale Laoye, popularly known as (Drummer of Peace), 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.
The Guardian newspaper described him 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 the 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 led him to establish an art center called Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drum). One of his songs, “Ogun Ko Ni’Bo” (Election Is Not War) is a musical project dedicated to campaigning against electoral violence in Nigeria 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 the “Drumming for Peace Festival” which brings together all drummers home and abroad to showcase the art of drums and drum for peace. In recognition of his numerous strides, Prince Laoye has received quite a number of meritorious and honorary awards both at home and abroad.
In 2022, Prince Adewale Laoye accepted the invitation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife and Father of the Yoruba Race, to perform at the Ayangalu Drum Festival which was held at Ile-Ife, Osun State. Prince Laoye is a regular guest at various tertiary institutions like Redeemers’ University, Ekiti State University, Federal Polytechnic Ede, and so on, where he uses his songs, art, and African talking drum to instill social change and propagate morals of value. He has also visited countries like Brazil, Sweden, Gambia, Ghana, South Africa, etc. on cultural exchange programs.
He has featured in many documentaries, and local and international media programs/projects. He loves to propagate peace through his performances and works. Prince Laoye is a passionate humanitarian of a unique kind and an ambassador of art, culture, and heritage.