Yoruba people of the southwestern part of nigeria love drumming as part of their vital cultural heritage
their drums are used for special occasions festivals and ceremonies carnivals
this drums are differentiated by the sound they make and the way they look shaped and for the yoruba people the kind of drum they use is determined by the kind of ceremony the want too host
here are few looks of the Drums
1.THE GANGAN
(The talking drum)
this is an important drum for the yoruba people
it also serves as a means of communications among the yorubas and can be traced to the oyo empire south west of nigeria
as you can see the shape of the drum it has an adjustable cord which can be used to increase the sound of the drum.
2.THE BATA
the bata is also one of the important drums of the yoruba people.
it is double headed and looks like a hour glass with one cane which is larger than the other
it can be seen used during religion , carnivals and coronations events
a set of bata consist of 3 drums of different sizes which looks similar in shape and the drums are played sitting down with the drum placed horizontally on the knee this makes it easier for the drummer to hit the drum with both hands.
3.OMOLE AKO
this is an important drums of the yoruba people and it is called omole also called the sakara drum. it has a circular body made with goat skin which is used to make the head of the drum baked clay while spaced pegs around its body are used for tunning you can see them mostly during wedding ceremony traditional coronation and festivals.
4.GBEDU
it can also be called the ogido and is an important drum of the yoruba people gbedu means a very big drum traditionally used on state occations or ceremonies of ogboni the accient secret yoruba society.the gbedu is said to have been brought to lagos area by the edos in the 17th & 18th century which symbolizes the hegemony of the benins empire. among the yorubas.the drum signifies royalty...
it is covered in cavings representing an image of mostly a goddess animals or birds objects the drum is played by drummer using both hands and stick ...the yoruba people also use the drum for isagun rites the oba which means king in yoruba might dance to the sound of the drum and no one else is allowed to dance or do the same
5.ASHIKO
It is part of the important drums of the yorubas and instrument among the yoruba people ashiko is a taped cylindrical shaped drum with its head on the wide end and narrow head opened it is made made from hard wood and goat skin.
it is played with hands and tuned by ropes and they are mostly used in festivals and community celebrations where by anybody can dance and enjoy the sound coming from the drum
6.SHAWORO IDE
shaworo ide is an important drum of the yoruba people also called shaworo is a talking drum made and decorated with brass bells and chimes .the belt are attached to leather straps for support they are called shaworo ide and also shaworo in cuba. the drum can be found during occasional events like weddings naming ceremony. And sometimes when an incantations is going on you see elderly people speaking after the drum because the drum also serves as a means of communication as well.
When it comes to drumming and percussion in general across Africa and probably the entire planet, Just give it up for the Yorubas.
That is the reason behind the success of our polyrhythmic music which is the very foundation of modern Nigerian music of today. improved upon by the addition of other modern spices of course..
And a yoruba proverb says
Unless the he-goat dies, no one can make a gbedu drum from its skin
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