Nigeria (Africa)
Dun Dun

Pronounced (" doon-doon "), and sometimes referred to as a talking drum, is a wooden hourglass-shaped, two-headed drum covered with goatskin, whose twin heads are laced together by thongs of gut or leather. This instrument is cradled under one arm while the other hand strikes one side of the drum with a curved wooden stick. By manipulating tension on these thongs, the player can alter the pitch of the tone he/she is making, thus enabling the dundun to "talk" or produce the tones that sound like words. A master drummer can maintain a regular monologue on a talking drum, saying hi to different people, cracking jokes, and telling stories.

The WORLD BEATS video features live, costumed performances of ancient, ethnic, percussive traditions. Aaron Plunkett puts it all together in this fascinating 33 minute program. SEE MORE...