The talking drum, Dondo or Kalengu, as it is also known, originates from Yoruba, Nigeria and was used to spread news and anouncements, thus, the name Talking drum. Corresponding as it does to the tonal peculiarities of the Yoruba language, the Talking drum can be used to replicate the human voice.
Another important function of the Talking drum was to praise the king or tribal leader. The Talking drum is held under the arm and played with a bent stick. Press the drum with the arm and the tone of the drum changes.
