Abstract
Ìyá-Ìlù or Dùndún (talking drum) is a popular type of drum among the Yorùbá people of Southwest, Nigeria.It is a renowned rhythmic instrument that transcend ordinary musical, butserves as a communication vehicle within the Yorùbá culture. This paper examines the complex relationship between the talking drum and the Yorùbá language, emphasizing how the drum replicates the tonal subtleties and rhythmic patterns in speech. Dùndúncan convey proverbs, songs and messages with effective translation of the tonal qualities of the speech. The study reviews the function of the talking drum and later extends to various contexts of use like ceremonies, and social gathering. It plays an essential role in strengthening group identity and cultural continuity. The communicative ability of the talking drum made it possible for it to engage in a dialogical interaction with the human voices, thereby performing beyond the conventional boundary between music and language. It examines its impact on preservation of Yorùbá language, culture, and continuity of information on tradition. Significantly, talking drum connects language, identity and socio-cultural values. Finally, the paper enjoins the concerned individual in oral literature and the government to give due encouragement and recognitions to the study of drummunication in our schools.
Keywords: Communication, Culture, Identity, Talking Drum, and Yorùbá Language
DOI: www.doi.org/10.36349/sojolics.2025.v01i03.032
author/Oyedeji Victor Abimbola (PhD) & Sanni Rifqat Opeyemi (PhD)
journal/Sokoto JOLICS 1(3) | December 2025 |
