Sunday 28 June 2026
Voices and Rhythms of Canada Brings Ottawa Together Through the Universal Language of the Drum
By Obasola Bamigbola, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
The unmistakable sound of drums echoed through Elmwood Hall at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre on Sunday, June 28, as people from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered for Voices and Rhythms of Canada, an evening-long celebration of African music, dance, and multiculturalism.
Presented by the AfroCulture Initiative with support from Canadian Heritage, the inaugural event transformed the venue into a vibrant cultural gathering, with drums serving as a symbol of unity.
From the opening moments, the audience was immersed in an atmosphere of celebration. Master of Ceremonies Baba Africa set the tone with light-hearted humour and engaging interactions, drawing laughter from the crowd before introducing the evening’s performers.
Welcoming guests, Dr. Adeola Shobo, Founder and Executive Director of the AfroCulture Initiative, spoke about the vision behind the event and the importance of celebrating Canada’s cultural diversity. “Canada is a multicultural country, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”
Dr. Shobo explained that the inspiration for Voices and Rhythms of Canada was rooted in the belief that music transcends language and cultural boundaries. “Today, we’re using the drum as a unifying tool. Even though we differ in cultures, there is one thing that brings everybody together, the drum. Whether you understand what the drum is saying or not, your body naturally responds to it.”
The Kamengo Cultural Group opened the showcase with traditional dance and music that celebrated Ugandan heritage. Their performance set the stage for an evening that would take attendees on a journey across Africa.
One of the evening’s most memorable performances came from the Remesha Drummers, whose thunderous Burundian drumming captivated the audience. Their synchronized movements and powerful rhythms spread through the hall, prompting many audience members to leave their seats and dance.
The celebration continued during the dinner break as guests enjoyed a variety of African delicacies, creating another opportunity for cultural exchange through food and conversation.
Following the meal, the Pan-African Drummers from Toronto, delivered an electrifying performance featuring traditional Nigerian drumming.
Music remained central to the evening as Ottawa-based Afrobeats artist MK took the stage with a lively performance. Singer and pianist Chelsea Bobo followed with a soulful musical set that showcased another dimension of Canada’s multicultural artistic landscape.
The cultural celebration continued with a performance by the Kegite Drummers, whose spirited drumming and singing further demonstrated the diversity of African musical traditions.
The evening culminated in a collaborative finale featuring DJ Moonlight, the Pan African Drummers, and Baba Africa. Their collective performance brought performers and spectators together in a joyful celebration that reflected the event’s central message, that diversity is something to be experienced and celebrated.
For Dr. Shobo, the inaugural event represents the beginning of a much larger vision.
“Our goal is to grow this into a full cultural festival where people from every African community can come together and celebrate under one roof. Even within African culture, we differ. This event is about bringing everyone together under one roof, and that roof is the drum.
Looking ahead, Dr. Shobo hopes the initiative will become a platform that not only celebrates culture but also creates opportunities for African artists and cultural groups across Canada.
“We want to build a hub where organizations can easily connect with Black artists and cultural groups. Increased visibility means more opportunities for them to perform, grow, and thrive.”
In a city known for its cultural diversity, Voices and Rhythms of Canada offered a reminder that while traditions may differ, music has the power to bridge cultures. Through the steady beat of the drum, the event celebrated not only Africa’s rich cultural heritage but also Canada’s enduring commitment to multiculturalism, inclusion, and community.
Photos by Obasola Bamigbola
