It was a beautiful morning in Tika. There was the sound of laughter and of children playing around.

Women and men went about doing different activities.

There was the sound of drums.

Tika is a community known for its rich culture. Once every year, the community celebrates the Amadawa festival.

This is a festival of drumming and dancing. During this festival, music is played by the village's most skilled drummers in jubilation.

Drummers play, and selected dancers dance. They dance and dance until their spirits are transported into the other world.

It is believed that they become animals. Some turn into lions, antelopes, and more. The drumming continues until their spirits return home.

Salasi was the only son of King Esu Danlami. He was very excited to be one of the selected participants for the Amadawa Festival.

His father, however, was not comfortable with the idea.

"You are too young and spiritually immature to participate in this ritual. This is not a game for children. Heed my advice and stay out of it," said Salasi's father.

"I am old enough, father. I have prepared for it," Salasi argued.

The moment finally arrived. The villagers clapped and cheered. Heavy drumming echoed in the air.

All the elders were seated well, and the King sat majestically for the performance.

The participants danced in their beautiful costumes as the show began.

They danced and danced, with increasing energy. As the drummers intensified the tempo, the dancers lost control of their bodies.

Salasi danced with all his being, and soon he was transported to the other world. There, he turned into an ant.

Others transformed into antelopes, giraffes, elephants, and buffalos. Salasi couldn't navigate his way around because he was very tiny.

He did not realise that the only way to survive was to climb on top of a bigger animal to stay safe.

Soon enough, the music changed to a melody beckoning them to return.

The atmosphere began to change for the animals. Everything everywhere started to spin.

Some animals stepped on the ant, which shouted and screamed for help, but no one could hear it.

Finally, they changed and returned to their bodies.

The villagers were filled with excitement, and parents came to assist their children and loved ones.

Salasi had suffered serious injuries and was quickly taken to the medicine man in great pain.

His father, Esu Danlami, reminded him of the warning he had given earlier.

Salasi realized that he should have listened to his father.

"I am glad I came out of this alive. I should have listened to you, father," Salasi said.