EKET – The once oil-and-gas-centric city of Eket is set to reverberate with the thunder of drums as it hosts the 11th edition of the Eket Drum Festival.
It is going to be Nigeria’s largest gathering of drummers, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Big City Global Ministry, 30 Uqua Road, Eket, from 5 PM as thousands gather for the iconic festival celebrating faith, rhythm and cultural heritage.
This year’s event marks a decade of drumming excellence, spotlighting both traditional and contemporary drumming artistry while celebrating the spiritual and cultural vibrance of the Nigerian soundscape.
Founded in 2015 by renowned drummer John Udoh, the Eket Drum Festival has evolved from a local celebration into a nationally recognized platform for drummers, gospel artists, and music lovers to express faith and talent through rhythm.
“This festival has become more than music, it is a movement,” said Udo.
“We’ve built a legacy that brings together the best talents from across Nigeria to glorify God and uplift our culture.”
This year’s festival will feature gospel performances by Emem Nyong, Uforo Totu, Ima-Abasi Okon, and Daniel Innocent, alongside a stellar lineup of master drummers including Blessed Etukudo, A. Moses, Mbomboyo, Papilo Udoh, and Smart Dan.
Udoh emphasized that the 2025 edition, though the 11th, celebrates the 10th anniversary milestone — a decade of rhythm, passion, and purpose.
“Expect heart-pounding rhythms, electrifying performances, and a celebration that fuses heritage with contemporary gospel energy,” he added.
While maintaining that, the Eket Drum Festival continues to draw drumming enthusiasts from around the country and beyond, offering a rare blend of musical excellence, spiritual elevation, and cultural preservation, urged the people not to miss the unforgettable night where drums speak louder than words.


