Nigerian
performer Ara: Her talking drum
Her hair flows very long, is carefully braded, and an integral part of her
meticulously crafted image. As she speaks each word is enunciated carefully
with her answers toned to perfection.
And just as we begin our interview, three bare chested drummers are placed
directly behind her for the benefit of our camera - standing tall in the background
like statues. The tone was set to remind you that you are in the privileged
presence of Ara.
Living
a somewhat of a secluded life, Ara - who sometimes talks of herself in the
third person - is being carefully honed and raised for stardom by her calculating
manager Wanle Akinboboye of her management, Atuna Entertainment, a label that
favors putting African talent in the spotlight.
"Ara, like my name, means mystery," says Ara, "It is about
African culture and this has much to do with our mission. It is about selling
African culture in a highly cosmopolitan manner, and without loosing its innate
nature."
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