In other to add flavour to their ceremonies and festivals, they invented Gangan and some other musical instruments but what makes Gangan a spectacular drum is that, it is fashioned to mimic human speech.
Mimicking is done by varying the tension on the cords that connect the opposing drumheads. It is designed to have a pitch-resonating chamber inside. The waist of the drum is held between the drummer's arm and ribs, so that when squeezed, the drumhead is tightened, giving out a higher note than when in its relaxed state. The pitch can be changed during a single beat, producing a melodic note and the drum can thus capture the pitch, volume, and rhythm of human speech.
Gangan is used for various purposes in different ceremonies, festivals, praise singing, proverbial sayings, keeping of historical records, memories, communication and also as signs and secret communications during hostilities.
In a musical group, Gangan is mostly handled by an old experienced drummer as he/she dictates the tempo and direction of the general beat. He also has the obligation to remind the singer of certain things and in many cases, it communicates with the dancers as well. Therefore, anytime gangan is involved, people are not only charged by the beat but also emotionally carried away by the messages it passes.
Drumming is a profession in the ancient Yoruba communities and gangan expertise (Ayan) are found in some families going by their heritage. Some Yoruba names today still suggest their roots are from drumming family, such as Ayangalu, Ayansola, Ayandiran and the likes.
No comments:
Post a Comment