The Gangan, or Talking Drum (Dùndún in Yoruba), is an hourglass-shaped, double-headed drum from West Africa, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
What makes it unique is its ability to mimic the tonal patterns of human speech. The player holds the drum under one arm and, by squeezing the tension cords that connect the drumheads, they can adjust the drum's pitch. This modulation allows a skilled drummer to "speak" in the tonal Yoruba language, conveying proverbs, praise songs, royal decrees, and complex messages over long distances.
