TALKING DRUM
INTRODUCTION
The talking
drum also called dundun or gangan by the Yorubas is an hourglass-shaped pressure
drum and also one of the oldest musical instruments in West Africa and widely used
by the Yoruba tribe.
The talking
drum, originating from the 18th century, has been used for generations as a
form of communication from a distance covering up to 5 miles and across
villages to pass information faster than could be carried by a person riding on
a horse.
Many African languages are tonal (that is, the sound pitch is essential in determining the meaning of a particular word). The talking drum player also uses tones from the drum whose pitch can be regulated to mimic the intonation of human speech to broadcast messages, such as news of ceremonies and commands, over 30 kilometers.
KEYNOTES
1. History
2. Structure
3. Playing techniques
4. The method used by the drummers for
communication with the talking drum
5. Main function
6. Other Uses
7. Other tribes that use the talking drum and what they call it
HISTORY
Ayangalu is
believed to have been the first Yoruba drummer. Upon his death, he became one
of the Orishas (gods of the Yoruba people). It is believed by followers of
the Yoruba traditional religion that he is the patron spirit of all
drummers, and that in the guise of a muse, he inspires the drummers to play
well
In the 20th century, the talking drum became a part of popular music in Nigeria. It is used to play Fuji and Juju music.
STRUCTURE
The talking drum has two drumheads made of animal hide wrapped around the wooden hoop connected by leather tension cords.
PLAYING TECHNIQUES
The drum
player holds the drum under his arm which allows him to change the pitch of the
drum by squeezing the cords in-between his arm and body.
The pitch of
the drum is made to mimic the tone patterns of speech by varying the tension
placed on the drumhead.
The opposing drum heads are connected by the same tension cord. The waist of the drum is held between the player's arm and ribs, so that when squeezed the drumhead is tightened, producing a higher note than when it is in its relaxed state; the pitch can be changed during a single beat, producing a warbling note. The drum can thus capture the pitch, volume, and rhyme of human speech when closely observed.
METHOD USED BY THE DRUMMERS FOR
COMMUNICATION WITH THE TALKING DRUM
The drummer
communicates through phrases and pauses, A skilled player can play whole phrases but It
is usually difficult to communicate a complex message; For each short word that
was beaten on the drums, an extra phrase is usually added.
Most talking drums sound like a human humming depending on the way they are played.
OTHER USES
The talking drum is also used in ceremonial functions and events like weddings, burial ceremonies, and private functions. Most importantly, it is commonly used by Yoruba musical bands as part of their musical instruments.
OTHER WEST AFRICAN TRIBES THAT USE THE TALKING DRUM AND WHAT THEY CALL IT
· Hausa call it Kalangu or Kar’bi
· Bambara call it Tamanin
· Efik Ibibio: call it Obodom
· Fulani: call it Baggel
· Songhai call it Doodo
· Moore call it Donno
· Bozo call it Tamanin
