Significance of the Drum Language
In the Psycho-Spiritual Formation of Yoruba People
Keywords:
Yoruba, Bata DrumAbstract
Drums played a crucial and formative role in the cultural and religious life of the Yoruba people. The drum-assisted functions also influenced the emotional aspects of their beliefs and practices. Drumming is seen as an action which portrays their identity and life style. These activities are carried out during the performance of celebrations and worships where they play a significant part in the collective socio-cultural experiences of the people as they reveal the pulse and their inner feelings. They also serve as instruments which could elevate the deity and their devotees to the level of spiritual ecstasy. Drum of the Yoruba people also hold a deeper symbolic and historical meaning as they accompany crucial ceremonies like, births, deaths, marriages, etc. together with a ritual dance. The sounds of the drums in this case turn out to be a language in its transmission of information and messages. The use of drum language in this manner among the Yoruba identifies a spiritual modelling embedded with formation of signs and symbols that affects people’s life psychologically. This study analyses of the language of Bata Drum among the Yoruba.
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