However, the articles on this page are restricted to some places in the world or parts of some countries in Africa. Most of the articles on these pages are going to be more-focussed on South-Western part of Nigeria. If you need more explanation on any of the articles, contact me on 08096590380 or click here to send me an email.
Note:- Every article that you may come across on this page is gotten from professional talking drummers, so if any particular article or articles is against your belief or culture, do not be emotional about it,....just close the page!
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TALKING DRUM IN NIGERIA
Talking drum has been in existence as early as the human beings existed. Though it was not given much attention. Then, It was just part of the Arts & Crafts of our forefathers. Before the advent of modern Nigeria the Yoruba land was one of the most prosperous and advanced ethnic group in sub - saharan Africa. It is often assumed from oral tradition that the cradle of civilisation is at Ile Ife which is one of the most important cities in the history of yoruba land. One important socio - cultural activity that has remained since the existence of yoruba land apart from languages is the use of talking drums (ilu gangan).
It was first realized, introduced and named “Talking Drum” by Roger T. Clarke in the half 18th Century. Then, the talking drum was being used as a tool to worship “gods” or “idols” by our forefathers; some villages then, used talking drum to send messages of love or war to the neighbouring villages closer to them. But later, this mentality changed as it was being used for other means like Ceremony, to praise someone, to send messages and other things.
According to the History, not all men are allowed to play the talking drum especially if he is not circumcised, because the talking drum is being regarded as sacred drums
Nowadays, all these things have changed, as we now make use of talking drum anywhere and anybody can play it. Though, some religious groups still don’t make use of it nowadays because of some reasons or superstitious belief that makes it an abomination to them.
Many countries in the world have different names they call the talking drum according to their languages.
These are some of the countries with the names:
Country Names
Korea Janggu
Ghana Odondo/Dondo
Senegal Tama
Mali Tamanin
Gambia Serě
UK/America Hourglass-shaped talking drum
In Nigeria, Talking drum is mostly used by the Yorubas and the Hausas, these are the names they call it here
Yoruba - Gangan/Dundun
Hausa - Kalangu/Dan Karbi
In Yorubaland, we have series of drums with names according to their shapes and sounds. They are: - Iya Ilu, Apala, Omele, Bata, Omele-Bata, Sakara, Afaro, Benbe, Akuba, Kord, Omele-kord e.t.c
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