Prince Adewale Laoye, affectionately known as “The Drummer of Peace,” is a renowned Nigerian cultural advocate, performing artist, and the visionary founder of Aafin Ìlù – The Palace of Drum. He is the son of the legendary Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I, the Timi of Ede, famously known as the “Drummer King of Africa.” As the heir to a rich heritage of drum mastery, Prince Laoye has dedicated his life to preserving, modernizing, and sharing the art of the Yoruba talking drum (ìlù) with the world.

Prince Adewale Laoye - Founder Aafin Ilu

Legacy & Heritage

Born into royalty in Ede, Osun State, Prince Laoye inherited more than a title he inherited a mission. His father, Oba Laoye I, was globally celebrated for using the talking drum to bridge cultures and communicate peace. Today, Prince Laoye continues that mission, using the drum not just as a musical instrument but as a tool for healing, dialogue, education, and diplomacy.

FOUNDER OF AAFIN ILU

In 2013, Prince Laoye founded Aafin Ìlù, a cultural and artistic haven with growing cultural roots in Ede. Aafin Ìlù is dedicated to:

  • Preserving Yoruba heritage
  • Training a new generation of African drummers and artists
  • Showcasing Nigerian culture through exhibitions, performances, and lectures
  • Documenting the legacy of the “Drummer King” and the royal drumming lineage of Ede


CHAIRMAN – Ajilala Ọṣọ Festival

Prince Laoye currently serves as the Chairman of the Ajilala Ọṣọ Festival Planning Committee, a major cultural event held annually in Ede. The festival celebrates Yoruba creativity through drumming, dance, poetry, art, and indigenous fashion. Under his leadership, the festival has grown in visibility, cultural richness, and international attention.

Artistic & Social Impact

Through decades of performances, mentorship, and cross-cultural collaborations, Prince Laoye has:

  • Headlined major cultural events in Nigeria and abroad
  • Spoken on the role of arts in peacebuilding and national identity
  • Trained over 300 students in the art of talking drum and Yoruba musical expression
  • Been recognized by cultural bodies and traditional rulers for his tireless advocacy for indigenous knowledge systems

Recognition & Awards

  • APDON Award of Excellence (Osun State, 2024)
  • Honoured by various Yoruba traditional institutions for cultural preservation
  • Featured in national media as one of the foremost voices in Nigerian arts and heritage

Vision

Prince Laoye’s vision is to reawaken the pride of Africa through rhythm and roots. For him, drumming is not entertainment, it is ancestral knowledge, oral history, and spiritual language.