Mr Hunga Hunpe, the former Master Drummer General of Nigeria has said he decided to become a cobbler to feed his family because his people did not value culture.
Hunpe disclosed this at the event to mark World Dance Day 2021 organised by Emajo Africa Arts Initiative (EAAI) in Badagry, Lagos,said he returned to Badagry after working for my country as a drummer, visiting over 30 oversea countries, only to discover that nobody recognises value for dancing and drumming.
“When I realized that nobody have value for culture, I said to myself, I am not going to stand on drumming and dancing, I became a shoe maker to feed my family.Honestly, it pains me sometimes that I came from Badagry, so I wrote a play titled “Badagry my Country” a total dance drama.I still believe that one day, I will present the play because I know we have talent in Badagry,” he said.
He spoke on how he became the drummer general of Nigeria, saying he never knew he would get the post.
He added:”We were invited to Ososa in Ogun state for the contest under the leadership of Hunbert Ogunde, who was the leader of the National Troupe to select the best drummer.We were 150 contesters with different drums but thank God I won at the end of the day,” he said.
Speaking,Mr Opeyemi Oke, the Director General, Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (BACCIMA) said the country was losing it’s Arts, culture and dance to Western World.
Oke said that this was due to the fact that we could not preserve them.
According to him, Badagry was overdue to have a talent development center, urging the local government to build one for the future of the youths in the area.
In his remarks,the Baale of Topo Island, Badagry,, Chief Oluwadami Avoseh blamed elders in Badagry were responsible for declined in culture because of their religion.
Miss Oyindamola Sanni, the Badagry Protocol officer, who represented Mr Olusegun Onilude, the Council Chairman said the town is rich in culture.
Sanni ,who said the chairman was ready to support with EAAI to uplift dance among the youth.
She commended the initiative for coming to Badagry to mark the World Dance Day.
