AYAN DE FIRST – MR CULTURE The Talking Drummer Who Carries The Heartbeat Of Africa To The World

 

A Multi-Award-Winning Cultural Ambassador, Heritage Advocate And Pioneer Of African Traditional Performance In Britain

In the world of African cultural preservation and global cultural exchange, few personalities have carried the sound, rhythm and spirit of Africa across borders with the passion and consistency of Ayan De First, popularly known as “Mr Culture.”
A multi-award-winning cultural ambassador and described as Europe's first premier talking drummer, Mr Culture has built an extraordinary career around one central mission: to keep African culture alive, relevant and accessible to audiences across generations and continents.
His remarkable contributions to art, culture and heritage have earned him distinguished recognition, including the historic honour of becoming the first African talking drummer to receive the British Historical Medal from the Livery Companies. He also holds the prestigious title of Freeman of the City of London, an honour associated with outstanding contribution to the life and heritage of the city.

A CHILD OF CULTURE
Mr Culture's journey began remarkably early.
Born into a family of performers, he was introduced to the world of traditional music at just five years old, apprenticing under his father and uncles. What began as childhood exposure to the rhythms and traditions of his heritage gradually developed into a lifelong calling.
The talking drum became more than a musical instrument. For Ayan De First, it became a language, a cultural archive and a bridge between generations.
Following his secondary education in Nigeria, he continued his studies in the United Kingdom, attending London College of Arts, Camberwell, London School of Graphics, Elephant & Castle, and later Coventry University.
His artistic education complemented the traditional knowledge passed down through his family, allowing him to develop a distinctive ability to combine African heritage with contemporary artistic expression.

BRINGING AFRICA INTO THE CLASSROOM
Brought to Britain as a performing and visual artist to promote African cultural heritage within the education sector, Mr Culture has devoted much of his professional life to education and cultural enlightenment.

His work has taken him into nurseries, primary and secondary schools, colleges, theatres, community centres and libraries throughout Britain.
Through drumming, dancing, singing, storytelling and visual art, he introduces young people and wider audiences to the history, traditions and richness of African civilisation.
His educational reach is remarkable. He has worked with more than 500 schools across the United Kingdom, using culture as a tool for cohesion, inclusion, understanding and community building.
For Mr Culture, every workshop is an opportunity to answer an important question: How can the next generation appreciate where they come from while confidently participating in the wider world?
His answer has been simple—through culture.

FROM LONDON STREETS TO ROYAL PALACES

 Perhaps one of the most fascinating chapters of Ayan De First's story is the extraordinary journey from busking on the London Underground to performing before royalty.
His talent and perseverance eventually took him to some of the most prestigious stages and gatherings in Britain.

He made history as the first African talking drummer to perform for the late Queen Elizabeth II during the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
He later performed for His Majesty King Charles III on three occasions, including appearances at St James's Palace and other major UK venues.
For an artist whose journey began with the traditional apprenticeship system in Nigeria, these royal performances represent more than personal achievement. They demonstrate how African traditional artistry can command respect on some of the world's most distinguished platforms.

A DRUMMER FOR THE STARS
Over the years, Mr Culture's performances have attracted a remarkable range of international personalities.
He has performed for global icons including Madonna and Sir Richard Branson, as well as prominent British political figures such as Lord Mandelson, Harriet Harman and Jeremy Corbyn.
He has also performed for distinguished personalities including the Lord Mayor of London and the Chief Executive Officer of London Heathrow Airport.
His career has taken him to major British media platforms. He has appeared on major British television channels, featured in national newspapers, appeared on CNN, and participated in several interviews with BBC Radio.
Through these platforms, the talking drum has travelled far beyond the African community.

A CULTURAL BRIDGE BETWEEN NIGERIA AND BRITAIN
Mr Culture's influence extends strongly into the Nigerian community in Britain and beyond.
He has performed for some of Nigeria's most distinguished personalities, traditional rulers and public figures, including Prince Bola Ajibola, former Head of State Alhaji Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Alaafin of Oyo, the late Ooni of Ife, the current Ooni of Ife, Chief Rasaq Okoya, Chief Adebutu Kensington, Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Governor Seyi Makinde.
His performance at the Benin Bronze restitution event at Cambridge University was another significant cultural moment. The event reached audiences in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, reinforcing his position as a cultural bridge connecting Africa and the Western world.
Through his work, Mr Culture demonstrates that cultural diplomacy does not always require political offices or diplomatic titles. Sometimes, a drum can speak louder than words.

BREAKING BARRIERS THROUGH PERFORMANCE
Ayan De First has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to take traditional African performance into unexpected spaces.
He became the first talking drummer to perform for professional cruiserweight boxer Isaac Chamberlain during boxing bouts, bringing African rhythm into the atmosphere of professional sport.
He also performed for the Super Eagles, Nigeria's national football team, during their match against the Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage in London.
These appearances have helped demonstrate the versatility of African traditional music and its ability to connect with audiences far beyond conventional cultural events.

THE DRUMMER AND THE RECORDING ARTIST
While widely celebrated as a cultural performer and educator, Mr Culture's artistic footprint also extends into Nigerian popular music.
He has contributed to notable Nigerian music recordings, including “Mi O Mon Poju Ogun L'aye” by Micho Ade, “Ijo Ya” by Weird MC and “Festival of Love.”
His ability to blend traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds has enabled him to occupy a unique space between heritage and modern entertainment.
He represents a generation of artists who understand that preserving culture does not mean keeping it frozen in the past.
Instead, culture can evolve, travel and speak to new generations while retaining its identity.

A LIFE DEDICATED TO YOUTH
Beyond his performances and recognitions, one of Mr Culture's most significant contributions is his work with young people.
He runs regular drumming, dancing and singing workshops, both physically and online, giving children and young people opportunities to experience African culture directly.
His work promotes not only artistic expression but also social cohesion, cultural understanding and inclusion. In an increasingly multicultural Britain, his work carries a powerful message: diversity should not create distance; properly understood, it can create connection.

A STAGE WITHOUT BORDERS
Mr Culture has performed at some of the UK's most iconic venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Ronnie Scott's, Heathrow Airport, Somerset House and Apothecaries' Hall, in addition to numerous festivals across Europe.
Yet his greatest stage may be the world itself.
Whether performing before royalty, schoolchildren, politicians, celebrities, football supporters, community groups or international audiences, he brings the same essential ingredient: the authentic rhythm of Africa.
Beyond music and performance, he is also a radio presenter and visual artist, further demonstrating the breadth of his creative talent.

THE MAN WHO REFUSED TO STOP
Perhaps one of the most extraordinary details of Ayan De First's personal journey is that he has survived six major and four minor car accidents.
Yet through all these experiences, his dedication to his art and cultural mission has remained unshaken.
His resilience mirrors the very tradition he represents—a culture that has survived displacement, adversity, changing times and generations, yet continues to beat strongly.

CARRYING AFRICA'S HEARTBEAT
Ayan De First – Mr Culture is more than a talking drummer.
He is an educator, performer, visual artist, broadcaster, cultural ambassador, mentor and heritage advocate. His journey from a five-year-old apprentice learning traditional rhythms from his father and uncles in Nigeria to performing before British royalty represents a remarkable story of talent, perseverance and cultural pride.
He has taken the talking drum from traditional settings into classrooms, royal palaces, concert halls, sporting arenas, television studios, airports, theatres and international festivals.
In doing so, he has shown the world that African culture is not merely something to be remembered.

It is something to be heard, experienced, celebrated and carried forward.
And perhaps that is the essence of Mr Culture's extraordinary mission.
He does not merely perform African culture.
He lives it.
He teaches it.
He protects it.
He shares it.
And wherever his drum speaks, a little piece of Africa answers.
Ayan De First – Mr Culture: a man who eats, sleeps and breathes his culture into the mainstream, carrying the heartbeat of Africa wherever he goes.
We celebrates Ayan De First – Mr Culture for his outstanding contribution to African arts, cultural education, heritage preservation and the continuing global celebration of African identity.