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How do Yoruba talking-drum players change the pitch of their drums?
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African music
Man playing traditional mangolongondo instrument, Malawi.
Yoruba talking-drum players, specifically those using the dĂčndĂșn pressure drum, change the pitch of the instrument by manipulating the leather tensioning thongs that connect the drum's two membranes.1
The drum is held under the player's arm and suspended from the left shoulder. While the right hand strikes the drum with a curved stick, the left hand squeezes or releases the tensioning thongs. By tightening these thongs, the player raises the pitch, and by loosening them, the player lowers it, allowing the musician to imitate the tones and glides of the Yoruba language.12