Penpushing member, Araola, first African female drummer appointed special envoy
A member of Penpushing platform and first African female drummer, Ambassador Araola Olumuyiwa popularly called “Ara” has been appointed as special envoy on cultural diplomacy and global creative affairs by the Ondo State Government.
Penpushing reports that the Secretary to Ondo State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti made this known in the letter of appointment with reference number PP/25/646/03 dated December 3, 2025
‘I am pleased to inform you that the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved your appointment as Special Envoy to the Governor on Cultural Diplomacy and Global Creative Affairs, with effect from 1st December, 2025. Please accept my congratulations and acknowledge the receipt of this letter’, the letter reads.
Penpushing further reports that she is a renowned Nigerian musician and the world’s first acclaimed professional female talking drummer, a cultural ambassador who has performed globally, challenging gender norms in a traditionally male-dominated art form.
The appointee has showcased her talent in numerous countries across Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia, representing Nigerian culture internationally at events like the International Women’s Day celebration at UNESCO headquarters in France.
Penpushing also reports that she holds significant cultural titles, including being a cultural ambassador to the Ooni of Ife and the Yeye Ayangalu of Ido Osun in Osun State, and she is an advocacy in youth mentoship
The envoy through her “The Girl-Child Project” and the Ara Foundation uses the platforms to advocate for gender equality, eradication of violence against women and girls, and to mentor young aspiring female drummers.
Penpushing reports that she believes the talking drum deity chose her, tracing her lineage to the first female talking drummer in Yoruba history, a belief that underscores her deep connection to the instrument and her culture.
The record has it that her work is central to preserving the Yoruba language and heritage, as learning the drum requires learning the language, while she is often referred to as “The Goddess of Talking Drums” or the “Queen of Drums”.
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