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“The drum speaks before I do.”
About
Emeka carves and plays the talking drum. He performs at ceremonies and works with schools to keep the drum language alive.
Key information
Country
Nigeria
Region
Oyo
Craft
Dùndún drum
Years of practice
25 years
Languages
Yoruba/English
Goals
Teach, Collaborate, Preserve
Materials & techniques
Materials
- Animal skin
Worked by hand in Oyo.
Other crafts using animal skin → - Wood
Worked by hand in Oyo.
Other crafts using wood → - Leather
Worked by hand in Oyo.
Other crafts using leather →
Techniques
- Carving
Part of Dùndún drum practice.
- Skin stretching
Part of Dùndún drum practice.
- Tensioning
Part of Dùndún drum practice.
From challenges to innovations
Challenges
- Good hardwood is rare
- Young people don't learn the drum language
Existing innovations
- Recording drum phrases for a learning app
From one hand to another
Explore connections →
Discover how Emeka D.'s craft can inspire solutions across borders.
