Gbedu
Gbedu literally means "big drum" and is a percussion instrument traditionally used in ceremonial Yoruba music in Nigeria and Benin.[1] More recently, the word has come to be used to describe forms of Nigerian Afrobeat and Hip Hop music.[2]
Tradition
The Gbedu drum is traditionally used on state occasions or during ceremones of Ogboni, the ancient Yoruba secret society.[1] The Ogido/Gbedu is one of the four major families of Yoruba drums, each of which includes drums of different sizes, with the mother drum (iya ilu) playing the lead role and other drums playing in support. The other families are the Dundun/Gangan or talking drum, the Batá drum and the Sakara drum.[3]
The iya ilu in the Gbedu set is played by a king or diviner. The carved face of this drum includes an image of Olukun, goddess of the sea, and is considered the "face of worship".[4] Each backing drum is played by a drummer using both his open palm and a stick.[5]
An old Yoruba proverb says "the skin of a live wild goat cannot be made into a gbedu drum". The implication is that a person will be able to look out for their own interests as they are alive. Another proverb says "the hide of a pig cannot be used to make a gbedu drum", meaning that a given material cannot be used for all purposes. "No thief steals a gbedu drum" is a warning not to attempt the impossible.[1]
Modern usage
In modern Nigeria, the word Gbedu has taken new meanings. Afrobeat ensembles often include the Akuba, a set of three small Yoruba congas played with sticks that are related to the Gbedu.[6] Afrobeat musician Kola Ogunkoya uses the term "Afro Gbedu" to describe his style of music, which includes jazz, highlife, Jùjú, funk and traditional Yoruba music.[7] Dele Sosimi, who played with Fela Kuti in the 1980s, later formed an Afrobeat group named "Gbedu Resurrection".[8] The word Gbedu has more recently been used to describe Nigerian Hip Hop music.[2] For many young people, the word now simply means "party".[9]
External links
References
- ^ a b c Oyekan Owomoyela (2005). Yoruba proverbs. University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 0803235763.
- ^ a b Maduabuchi Agbo (1 February 2009). "Language Alternation Strategies in Nigerian Hip Hop and Rap Texts" (PDF). Language in India. p. 35. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
- ^ "The Yoruba Talking Drums". Dabi Debo Kanyinsola. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
- ^ "Art of Music". Clark University. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
- ^ "Ogido ensemble". Motherlan' Music Lagos. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
- ^ David McDavitt (April 21, 2006). ""Lead Congas" in Afrobeat". The Afrofunk Music Forum. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
- ^ "KOLA GBEDU OGUNKOYA". Radio Palm Wine. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
- ^ "Dele Sosimi". African Musicians Profiles. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
- ^ "Publisher's Note". Gbedu Magazine. Retrieved 2010-01-30.
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