Yoruba Talking Drum Proverbs

Even if you’ve never heard of a Yoruba talking drum proverbs before, you can learn how to play one at a Yoruba festival or religious event.

The Yoruba language and culture can be found all over Africa and even in other countries outside of Africa. Outside of Nigeria, Togo and Benin Republic are home to sizable Yoruba populations.

Many African countries have smaller communities, such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other nations. Yoruba drum cultures, particularly during asà worship, are practiced in diasporan countries like Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad.

Yoruba Talking Drum Proverbs

Example of some Yoruba talking drum proverbs include;

Lowo kan. m m r

Lowo kan. m m r

Lowo kan. m m r

Loro Mi. d d m

Eru baba eru m r -m m r

Dansaki oba- m r d rr

Dansaki oba- m r d re

Ojojumo lore re simi- rr mm rr d m r

Dansaki oba- m r d rr

Types Of Talking Drums

Animal skin is strained against wooden frames in Yoruba drums, which are popular in West Africa. A danceable rhythm is created by the majority of the drums, which are primarily percussive in nature. Many people use talking drums because they sound like human voices, while others are simply melody-based.

Here are a few of the most popular Yoruba drums to get you started.

1. Omele Ako

A member of the bata family of drums, the instrument is also known as Sakara. The smallest bata drum, the Omele, is made of goat or cow skin and has a circular body. Every time there is a celebration, there is Omele Ako. People in northern Nigeria, particularly the Hausa ethnic group, also make and use this drum.

2. Gan Gan/Dun Dun (talking drum)

One of the most common drums in Yoruba culture is the talking drum. In Nigeria’s South-West, the Oyo Empire, this hourglass-shaped drum can be traced back to Oyo’s Alafin of Oyo introduced it as a medium of communication during the inauguration ceremony

Yoruba folklore relies heavily on it. The message or chant dictates the language of the talking drum. With the help of the cords and strings that adorn the drum, you can alter its pitch.

Lagbaja, an afrobeat musician, also uses this drum.

3. Saworoide

In Cuba, a Saworoide or Chaworoide is a gan gan with brass bells and chimes that is used as a talking drum. The leather straps that these bells are attached to provide support. Tunde Kelani’s film Saworoide, released in 1999, took its title from a tradition stating that a monarch must play the saworoide in order to be crowned king.

4. Bata

An hourglass-shaped bata has two cones, one of which is larger than the others. The Bata is primarily used in religious functions, festivals, carnivals, and coronations to convey messages of hope, divination, praise, and war.

Sets of three bata drums are available: Iya Ilu Bata (loudest), Omele Abo Bata (medium) and Omele Ako Bata (loudest). A unique tone is created by playing each end of the first two double-headed instruments. To begin conversations with its two counterparts, the Iyá (“Mother”wink) plays the longest patterns and loudest of the trio. It is known for its intricate patterns and wide range of variations.

5. Gbedu/Ogido

In Yoruba spiritual ceremonies, such as those of the ancient Ogoni secret society, the Gbedu, or “big drum,” is a percussive instrument commonly used. One of the most revered instruments in Nigeria, Gbedu is adorned with carvings and designs depicting birds, animals, as well as the gods and goddesses. In the 17th century, diplomats from Edo are said to have brought the drum to Yorubaland.

6. Ashiko

In the wide end, the Ashiko drum has its head and the narrow end of the drum is open. Played with the palms during festivals, this instrument is made of goatskin hide strained against hardwood.

Conclusion

If you are interested learning Yoruba talking drum proverbs and using it to chants some interesting proverbs and melody, you can look around guys who are into it to learn from them.

To make it easier, you can visit any owambe party around your hood during the weekend to get a connect with one of these drummers who comes to perform in the show they are invited to.