In the wake of a tragic period marked by the deaths of three students from Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, one man's vision for change began to take shape. Obayana Ajanaku, profoundly affected by the loss of these young lives to gun violence, founded Drums Up, Guns Down as a means to break the cycle of violence in his community.
One of the deceased was his own student, and the poignant moment of witnessing the best friend of this student pouring his grief into drumming sparked the idea that traditional drumming could be a powerful tool for healing and prevention.
A Lifetime of Drumming
Ajanaku’s journey with the drum began at the tender age of six when he started studying the Djembe orchestra, a series of rope-tuned, skin-covered goblet drums originating from West Africa. This early fascination with the rhythms and traditions of African percussion would shape his life's work. By age twelve, Ajanaku was performing internationally, sharing stages with diverse dance companies in countries such as Russia, Brazil, and various parts of Africa, as well as across the United States. His performances have spanned genres from ballet to tap to African dance, showcasing his versatility and deep-rooted passion for the art of drumming.
A Mission to Educate and Heal
Currently, Ajanaku serves as the West African drum instructor at Austin-East Magnet High and Vine Middle Magnet Schools in Knoxville. He is also the founder of the Indigenous Vibes edutainment group, dedicated to using the power of traditional music and storytelling to educate and inspire. His work with youth goes beyond mere instruction; it is about harnessing the therapeutic potential of drumming to address emotional and mental health issues. Through his guidance, young people learn to channel their emotions, develop self-awareness, and find a positive outlet for their experiences.
A Vision for the Future
With the launch of the Drums Up, Guns Down program in Milwaukee and Atlanta, Ajanaku continues his mission across the country to provide youth with life-enhancing opportunities that steer them away from violence. The program focuses on enriching the lives of participants through the study and performance of traditional drum rhythms, cultural education, and community engagement.
By offering these experiences, Ajanaku aims to prevent youth from becoming either perpetrators or victims of gun violence - recognizing that both roles are tragic outcomes of the same destructive cycle.
Ajanaku’s calling is to use his drumming, teaching, and performing skills to bring together people of all cultures, races, and genders, fostering a sense of unity and mutual understanding. Through Drums Up, Guns Down, he continues to inspire and empower the next generation — one rhythm at a time.