By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

Fast-rising Alujo musician, Fasakin Odunayo, known in music circles as Omobaodunalayo ODS, has restated the relevance of the talking drum in today’s music industry, asserting that such traditional instruments  remain deeply rooted in the evolving landscape of modern African sound.

In an interview with Friday Extravaganza, the Ita-Ogbolu-born artiste described the talking drum as a spiritual and cultural symbol that continues to resonate beyond Nigeria’s shores.

“For those who truly understand the depth of African traditional music, the talking drum is more than just sound, it carries a message, a rhythm of identity,” he said.

Born in 1998 into the Fasakin family in Ita-Ogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Odunayo discovered his passion for music at an early age, which he credited to his maternal lineage.

“I inherited music from my mother’s side. It’s in our blood. All my siblings are also musically inclined,” he noted.

The foundation of his musical journey was laid at Apostolic Primary School in Ita-Ogbolu and later, United CAC Secondary School in Akure. However, it was during his formative years that his bond with the talking drum began to take shape.

“I started playing the talking drum in primary school. Then, I joined the church choir, where I explored other drumming styles,” he recounted.

By 2021, Odunayo officially made his talent public with the release of his debut single, Itura, followed by Anu To Duro and a mixtape titled BOOST. He also shared that his live performances, some of which are available online, began gaining attention. His first major concert was held in 2023 at Ideal Trybze, while his second took place at Signature Elixir last year.

Despite being relatively new to the limelight, ODS believes the talking drum is undergoing a revival among the youth. “African artistes abroad are showcasing our traditional instruments globally. The talking drum is still very relevant in today’s music,” he said with confidence.

While many embrace digital beats and Afro-pop, Odunayo insists that tradition and innovation can coexist. “It’s a digital era and we’ve created our own style that merges both worlds. Thankfully, people are beginning to accept and appreciate it,” he added.

But his path has not been without its share of painful detours. “In the early days, I was performing at shows without pay,” he said. One of the darkest moments of his career came in late 2024, when tragedy struck shortly after a performance.

“On November 30, 2024, after a show, I got a call that my lead guitarist, Fash, my manager and a backup singer had an accident. Fash died on December 3. It was a devastating loss,” he recalled, his voice heavy with emotion.

Still, Odunayo presses on, driven by a mission to preserve the talking drum’s dignity in the face of changing tastes. To him, the drum is not just an instrument, it is a voice, a tradition and a bridge between generations.

As Alujo rhythms continue to blend with Afrobeats and other contemporary genres, artistes like Omobaodunalayo are ensuring that the talking drum never loses its echo in the symphony of modern music.