TECHNIQUES OF CONSTRUCTING DUNDUN: ABDULAHI AYULLA IN PERSPECTIVE. A RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC ON MUSIC

Thesis Abstract

Over the years music has become an art of inestimable value to the society, handed down from generation to generation and with every generation experiencing a considerable level of civilization, and has not been left behind. The music world has improved tangibly and this has gone a long way to affect the kind of music performed, and the types of instruments used in performances. 21st century music, as any observant would note, has witnessed a tremendous growth with new instruments being discovered and produced. One of the old instruments that seem neglected in the Yoruba popular music scene is the African talking drum popularly called the Dundun in the Yoruba popular music scene. This instrument has been handed down from generation to generation amongst the Yoruba people of Nigeria and has always proven to be an indispensable dream to so many musicians especially in the performance of traditional African music. This is as a result of the many qualities peculiar to the dundun drum. It is saddening to note however, that despite the obvious quality of the dundun drums, many people have failed to pay attention to the magic behind the ability of the dundun drum to stand out amongst its equals even in contemporary times. It is for this reasons that I have decided to concentrate basically on the constructional techniques of Dundun drum as my project. In the cause of writing this project I have endeavored to see that anyone who reads this project will not only discover the technicalities involved in constructing the dundun drums but will also come to appreciate the beauty of its sonority as an African traditional musical instrument. To carry out this research work I have decided to consult various literature /books and with some observation method as I observed the Abdullahi Ayulla in his workshop, as he constructed the dundun instrument. One of the ancient instruments that seem neglected in the traditional Yoruba popular music scene is the talking drum, popularly called the dundun.