Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In Dundun, Niyi Osundina offers the reader the chance to dip into a key cultural component of the people of western Nigeria. Drumming is a vital tradition being part celebration, part oral tradition and part history. From the iya ilu (the mother drum) to the Gudugudu each drum has its unique voice and degree of difficulty in mastership.
Niyi Osundina describes how the drums are made and how they are played. He shows how tutelage at an early age is vital for complete mastery of the art and even then it takes a certain talent, commitment and courage (mistakes are not tolerated) to attain the distinction of drumming the iya ilu.
Dundun is a fascinating glimpse at the beating heart of Africa.