Have You Met DÙNDÚN
by Living Room Session
This edition is dedicated to meeting DÙNDÚN, the latest documentary by storyteller and culture preservationist Ebi Atawodi, as well as the rich cultural legacy of the talking drum itself. Born and raised in Nigeria and currently based in Amsterdam, Ebi brings a rich perspective shaped by her creative work across film and tech.
DÙNDÚN is a vibrant celebration of West African artistry, rhythm, and culture. Dùndún means sweet sound in Yoruba. Through the film we journey with master craftsman Hassan Ayanyemi as he makes the dùndún from scratch—a talking drum renowned for its ability to mimic the human voice, a centuries-old staple of West African culture which can now be found in the diaspora from Brazil to Cuba. Through Ayanyemi’s craft passed down to him from a 15 century old lineage of drum makers, Dùndún reveals the profound communion between nature and spirit, exploring how the drum becomes a bridge to the sacred as it echoes the rhythms of life.
Come meet Ebi, experience DÙNDÚN, and take part in an inspiring exchange on storytelling, heritage, and the preservation of cultural memory—guided by moderator and cultural curator Shaquille Shaniqua Joy.
About Have You Met
Living Room Session presents Have You Met DÙNDÚN—the third edition of Have You Met, a series offering a deeper connection to artists, platforms, and projects by exploring their work, inspirations, and stories. Each session invites you to not only meet the featured artist or project, but also connect with others in the room. Have You Met is rooted in the belief that every encounter—whether with a person, story, or experience—can lead to new insights and deeper connections.
Ebi Atawodi | Storyteller & Cultural Preservationist
Ebi Atawodi is a filmmaker born and raised in Nigeria and currently based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She’s the author of Nigerians Behind the Lens, which has been featured at Bonham’s Africa Now, and is also known for her storytelling in the tech world. Ebi is the Director of Product Management for YouTube Studio and a LEGO board member. Previously, she held leadership roles at Netflix and Uber, where she was General Manager for West Africa. She is passionate about creating sustainable products that have a multi-generational impact and infusing magic into everyday life through storytelling. Earlier in her career, she founded the Etisalat Prize for Literature and worked as a full-stack engineer for global brands. Ebi holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computing Science, specializing in AI and Infographics.
Shaquille Shaniqua Joy | Moderator & Cultural Curator
Shaquille Shaniqua Joy, is a moderator and cultural curator focusing on storytelling. Her work explores the embodied experiences of herself and others through conversations, public programs and exhibitions. Shaquille collaborates with cultural institutions, museums, platforms and brands. As a moderator she always strives to host conversations rather than interviews. Her excitement for people and their fascinations is the base of her practice, which inspires her to create various formats including Have You Met and Living Room Session.
Living Room Session is a recurring live program inviting you to be present while getting inspired. During the evening different artists reflect on a subject through various mediums curated and presented by Shaquille Shaniqua Joy.
Would you like to attend this program, but don’t have the means to pay for a ticket? Send an email to info@felixmeritis.nl, we can work something out.
