Nigerian talking drummer and cultural performer Esther Akintade, popularly known as Kira Africa, has continued to use her art to spotlight African culture in Scotland.
Kira Africa was among the invited guests at the 10th anniversary celebration and book launch of the Centre for African Research on Enterprise and Economic Development (CAREED), held at the University of the West of Scotland in Paisley. The event brought together academics, institutional leaders, and members of the African community to reflect on a decade of research and engagement on African enterprise, culture, and development.
Based in Edinburgh, Kira Africa delivered a performance and speech themed “Beyond Borders: How African Culture and Creativity Fuel Trade and Development”. In her presentation, she highlighted the role of African culture and the creative industries in building cross-cultural understanding, preserving heritage, and supporting economic development.
She said the invitation was an important moment in her career, describing it as proof that African stories, traditions, and talents can connect people across borders and earn a place in academic and professional spaces. Her remarks also reflected the growing visibility of African creatives in Scotland’s cultural landscape.
Kira Africa has worked as a professional cultural performer for more than five years, specialising in the Yoruba talking drum, African drumming, dance, and storytelling. Her appearance in Paisley further underlines the role of diaspora artists in keeping African identity alive while introducing new audiences to its rhythms and traditions.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
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