The talking drum is one of the most representative symbols of traditional African culture. This sophisticated hour-glass shaped drum can mimic the tone of human speech and it’s used not only to communicate through long distances, but also in ceremonies. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, cultural significance, and continued relevance of the talking drums of Ghana.
What is a Talking Drum?
© Kwaku Berko/Wikimedia
A talking drum is a pressure drum that can mimic the tones, inflections, and rhythms of human speech. By squeezing the cords that run along its sides and striking the drumhead with a curved stick, the drummer can produce a variety of pitches.
These pitches can imitate the tonal patterns of Ghanaian languages, especially tonal ones like Twi, Dagbani, and Ewe, allowing the drum to “speak” recognizable phrases, names, proverbs, and warnings.
The talking drum has served as a voice of the people, conveying messages across distances, preserving oral histories, and inspiring communities through rhythmic dialogue.
There are different types of talking drums in Ghana, depending on the ethnic group. Among the Akan people, the most common type is called “dondo” or “atumpan”.
In Ghana’s northern region, particularly among the Dagombas, the talking drum is known as the “lunna”. Each drum is unique in shape and use but shares the same fundamental purpose: communication through rhythm and pitch.
A Brief History of the Talking Drums in Ghana
Historically, talking drums played a vital role in pre-colonial Ghanaian society. In an era before telecommunication, they were the fastest way to send messages across long distances.
Skilled drummers could use these instruments to relay warnings of enemy attacks, announce the arrival of dignitaries, call people to community meetings, or celebrate important events.
In the royal courts of the Ashanti, Dagomba, and other powerful kingdoms, drummers were part of the king’s entourage. They were the custodians of history and tradition, using drums to recite royal genealogies, praise names, and commemorate heroic deeds. The drums were considered sacred and were treated with deep respect.
Because of their importance, talking drummers were often held in high esteem, equal to historians, poets, and advisors. Their knowledge was passed down from generation to generation, ensuring continuity in cultural identity and historical memory.
© Manu Herbstein/Wikimedia
How Are Talking Drums Made?
Making a talking drum is an art that requires skill, patience, and spiritual understanding. A typical talking drum consists of the following parts:
- The Shell: Usually carved from a single piece of hardwood such as tweneboa or odum. It is shaped like an hourglass (in some northern drums) or a barrel (in the Akan tradition).
- Drumheads: These are made from animal skins—goat, antelope, or cow—which are stretched tightly over both ends of the shell.
- Tension Ropes: Leather or synthetic cords connect the two drumheads. By squeezing these cords under the arm while drumming, the player can vary the pitch, effectively controlling the “tone” of the drum’s voice.
- Playing Stick: A curved stick, often made of wood or cane, is used to strike the drum. Some drummers also use their fingers for more subtle effects.
The drum is often decorated with carvings, cowrie shells, or colorful cloths, representing its cultural or tribal origin. In some traditions, a ritual is performed during the making of the drum, asking the ancestors to bless it with spiritual power.
How are the Talking Drums Used to Communicate?
The unique power of the talking drum lies in its ability to reproduce the tonal patterns of speech. In tonal languages like Twi and Dagbani, the meaning of a word depends a lot on the tone. For example, in Twi, the word “papa” can mean father, good, or fan depending on the tone.
Talking drums exploit this tonal quality to communicate messages. Experienced drummers can mimic greetings, praises, proverbs, death announcements, or even complex stories. Not every word can be directly translated into drum language but the message is usually clear to the trained ear.
A drummer might play:
“Akwaaba, nana ba o” – “Welcome, the chief has arrived.”
Or:
“Obi nnim obrempon ahyease” – “No one knows the beginning of a great man.”
These messages are often embedded in traditional proverbs or praise phrases that carry deeper cultural meanings.
Social and Cultural Significance in Ghana
Talking drums are integral to almost every aspect of traditional Ghanaian life:
- Ceremonies and Festivals: Talking drums are played during traditional festivals such as Homowo, Hogbetsotso, and Aboakyer. They accompany dances, narrate history, and energize crowds.
- Funerals and Naming Ceremonies: Drummers announce the identity of the deceased, recount their achievements, or welcome a newborn with praise and blessings.
- War and Warning: Historically, talking drums were used to alert neighboring villages of impending danger or invasion. They were also used to coordinate military movements.
- Religious and Spiritual Rites: In traditional African religion, the drum is a medium between the living and the spirit world. Drummers play rhythms to invoke ancestors, deities, or nature spirits.
The Sacred Role of the Talking Drummer
A talking drummer is more than a musician. He (or she, in some traditions) is a linguist, historian, philosopher, and spiritual messenger. The training of a talking drummer often starts in childhood, involving years of apprenticeship under a master drummer.
The student learns the techniques of playing and the drum language, proverbs, oral history, and ceremonial protocols.
In many communities, the master drummer is a key figure during festivals and rituals. His presence is both a cultural anchor and a unifying force.
Talking Drums in Contemporary Ghana
© Sir Amugi/Wikimedia
With modernization and the spread of digital technology, the traditional role of the talking drum as a long-distance communicator has diminished.
However, its cultural importance remains strong. Today, talking drums are taught in music schools, performed on national and international stages, and incorporated into modern music genres like highlife music, hiplife, and Afrobeat.
Some artists have even blended talking drum rhythms with jazz, reggae, and gospel music, creating a fusion of old and new. The talking drum also features in Ghanaian theatre, film, and storytelling, serving as a symbol of cultural pride and continuity.
