Femi Coker: The man behind world’s tallest drum

Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta

One of the highlights of the National Drum Festival, held in Abeokuta, Ogun state was the  unveiling of the world’s tallest traditional drum.

The 16ft high  drum with a wooden base, was unveiled by Governor Ibikunle Amosun on the opening day of the festival.

The four day festival commenced on Tuesday 19 April and will come to an end today.

Mr Femi Coker,the man who carved the drum said  its making remains a thing of  joy to him.

He commended the Ibikunle Amosun administration for taking the bold step in reviving Yoruba culture through drum festival.

 Femi Coker, an innovator and artist, is an indigene of Abeokuta in Ogun state and he is in his early 40’s.

He said the unique drum was not his first. He once produced  Africa’s  largest Photo Book,which he has  taken to various cities in the country to showcase.

The photo book is 4ft high and 3ft wide. He has written the Guinness  Book of World Records for acknowledgment.  He is still waiting for Guinness’ response.

 ” Ogun is known for standard and also for first in many things. This is not my first project and I’m at present working on another project,the world longest cap.

“When the concept of this festival was mooted, I was so impressed. I was not surprised because whoever knows Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo,the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism,  will know that he is Mr Achiever.

“I thought of making the drum and the idea was agreed with me. I did three drums,a father,mother and a child.

“The father is  16ft tall, while the mother is 15ft with the child standing  at 10ft. Those who understand Yoruba tradition well,  will understand that the 16ft drum,  signifies the counting of ‘Ifa’.

“Each of the drum took me two months to make and three persons make a drum. The drum is a complete log and has various designs which depict our cultural heritage across the country.

“I’m happy for this and have written to the Guinness  Book of World Records for acknowledgment, but  I am yet to get a response.

“Now, I’m working on the tallest and longest cap in the world. The cap is 9 inches in diameter and 250ft long. It will soon be unveiled”, Coker said.

The drum festival has featured  renowned  drummers including Pa Adewole,an 89 year old drummer of late Apala maestro, Ayinla Omowura and Prince Niyi Ojubanire, lead drummer for Haruna Ishola Jnr. Adewole and Ojubanire  thrilled the audience to a live performance on the opening day.

The event comes to an end on Friday at the open ground inside the June 12 Cultural Centre,Kuto,Abeokuta.