Prince Julius Akanbi Adeniyi, Sr., 76, descended from chiefs and kings of the Yoruba People in Nigeria. Julius began learning to play as a three-year-old in Nigeria. During performances, he sat in his grandfather's lap and placed his hands on his grandfather's hands. As Julius grew older, his grandfather taught him to make drums and perfect his playing. He immigrated to the United States in 1968 settling in Indianapolis in 1971. He made promulgating Nigerian culture (drumming, dance, and culinary arts) his life work, showcasing Yoruba culture through the arts. Prince founded the popular ensemble Drums of West Africa and was named Young Audiences' 2002 National Artist of the Year. His generosity and philanthropy had no boundaries, reaching out to all ethnic groups. Prince Adeniyi worked dutifully to provide for his children and to show them firsthand that with God all things are possible. Prince Adeniyi's love for teaching, optimism, and generosity were evident to all who had the profound pleasure of knowing him. Also a talented cook, he briefly operated a West African sambusa restaurant in Indianapolis. Prince Adeniyi is survived by his wife, Margaret Adeniyi; his children, Julius Jr., Adedayo, Adedapo, Adetokunbo, Oluremilekun; his step-children, Melvin Bell, Ann Bell, and Sharon Butler; and 27 grandchildren. Visitation will be held December 16 Lavenia, Smith & Summers Home for Funerals. A Celebration of Life will be December 17 at First Baptist Church North Indianapolis, with an hour of calling prior to the service. Interment at Washington Park North Cemetery.
Prince Julius Akanbi Adeniyi, Sr., 76, descended from chiefs and kings of the Yoruba People in Nigeria. Julius began learning to play as a three-year-old in Nigeria. During performances, he sat in his grandfather's lap and placed his hands on his grandfather's hands. As Julius grew older, his grandfather taught him to make drums and perfect his playing. He immigrated to the United States in 1968 settling in Indianapolis in 1971. He made promulgating Nigerian culture (drumming, dance, and culinary arts) his life work, showcasing Yoruba culture through the arts. Prince founded the popular ensemble Drums of West Africa and was named Young Audiences' 2002 National Artist of the Year. His generosity and philanthropy had no boundaries, reaching out to all ethnic groups. Prince Adeniyi worked dutifully to provide for his children and to show them firsthand that with God all things are possible. Prince Adeniyi's love for teaching, optimism, and generosity were evident to all who had the profound pleasure of knowing him. Also a talented cook, he briefly operated a West African sambusa restaurant in Indianapolis. Prince Adeniyi is survived by his wife, Margaret Adeniyi; his children, Julius Jr., Adedayo, Adedapo, Adetokunbo, Oluremilekun; his step-children, Melvin Bell, Ann Bell, and Sharon Butler; and 27 grandchildren. Visitation will be held December 16 Lavenia, Smith & Summers Home for Funerals. A Celebration of Life will be December 17 at First Baptist Church North Indianapolis, with an hour of calling prior to the service. Interment at Washington Park North Cemetery.
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