By Emmanuel Emeh
Nigerian talking drummer and cultural performer, Esther Akintade, popularly known as Kira Africa, delivered a cultural performance and keynote presentation at the Centre for African Research on Enterprise and Economic Development (CAREED) 10th Anniversary Celebration and Book Launch held at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley.
The event, organised by the University of the West of Scotland in collaboration with CAREED, brought together academics, institutional leaders and members of the African community to commemorate a decade of the centre’s contributions to research on enterprise and economic development.
Akintade, who is based in Edinburgh, was among the invited speakers and performers. She presented a session titled, “Beyond Borders: How African Culture and Creativity Fuel Trade and Development,” highlighting the role of African cultural heritage, creative expression and identity in driving economic development and strengthening global connections.
The programme featured distinguished guests, including Professor Victor Olawale Adetimirin of Edo State University, who attended as Special Guest of Honour; John Struthers, Chancellor of Mount Kenya University and Honorary Consul for Ethiopia in Scotland; Dr. Adebisi Adewole, Director of CAREED; and Dr. Festus Olatunji, Director of African Forum Scotland.
With over five years of professional experience, Akintade has built a reputation for using the Yoruba talking drum to promote African culture across universities, cultural festivals, international events and community programmes.
Speaking after her presentation, she described the invitation as significant, noting that it demonstrated the growing recognition of African cultural knowledge within academic spaces.
“As a Nigerian talking drummer in Scotland, this moment reminds me that our stories, traditions and talents have the power to connect people across borders,” she said.
She added that participating in the anniversary celebration marked another milestone in her journey as a Nigerian cultural ambassador in Scotland and reflected the increasing visibility of African artistic and cultural contributions in academic and community discourse.
The CAREED anniversary celebration formed part of activities marking the centre’s 10 years of advancing research, dialogue and collaboration on African enterprise and economic development.
