The mighty drums of Africa

When people mention drums, some young people think the drums being referred to, are the musical instruments played by those cool bands watched on MTV and emulated so religiously! Well, yes they are also drums, but not quite the ones your grandpa or other elderly people talk about. The REAL African drum is a percussion instrument that makes noise when hit with sticks or like true African culture, the hands! This instrument wasn’t meant for making music only, in Africa, drums have been used for centuries as a way to communicate. Back then, a drum beat was a form of communication or a way to signal people to events.They were used to send important messages to various villages. Drums were also used at weddings, when a baby is born and the naming ceremony and also letting people know of a death and the funeral. Tribes were spread out, using drums to send messages to each other. All of these drums were made by hand. The drums of Africa come in many styles, shapes and sizes. They produce sound and pitch. Some are best played with the hands while others need sticks.Different types of drums existed for different purposes. Children learned how to drum and were encouraged to add their own personal drumming styles for creativity. Today, drums are used during ceremonies like weddings and other traditional events.