5 Last Master Drummers in Nigeria

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In the southwest (Yoruba) corner of Nigeria, the hourglass talking drum (called dùndún) rules the ceremony. Here lives one of the last master drummers in Nigeria, Rasaki Aladokun, son of a drummer who once toured with juju legend King Sunny Adé. Rasaki still performs at weddings, funerals, and festivals, cradling his drum under his arm and squeezing its ropes to “talk” in the Yoruba tongue. As anthropologists note, Yoruba talking drummers are rich repositories of historical, socio-ethical, and religious knowledge, capable of praising ancestors or greeting strangers through rhythm. 

This article takes a look at five legendary drummers who are good and well-known for this skill.

Who are the Five Last Master Drummers in Nigeria?

1. Áyànlérè Àlàmú Alájédé (Yorùbá, Osun State)

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Born into a dynasty of talking-drum custodians in Ode-Omu near Osogbo, Baba Ayànlérè trained under his father from early childhood. He now leads the Àyàányilúwa Dundun Ensemble and features in major cross-national research projects like the Drum Languages Project at Utrecht University. He remains based in Osun State, teaching and performing for ceremonies and university researchers alike.

2. Prince Adewale Laoye, the “Drummer of Peace” (Yorùbá, Ede, Osun State)

A royal by birth, Adewale inherited his craft from the Timi of Ede. He organises the annual Drumming for Peace event in September and works tirelessly to revive traditional Yoruba drumming among youth. His work remains deeply embedded in his native Ede, far from the trappings of urban life.

3. Sikiru Adepoju (Yorùbá, Eruwa, Oyo State)

Coming from a family of talking‑drum masters in Eruwa, Sikiru began under his father’s tutelage. Before relocating internationally, he led family ensembles in rural ceremonies across Oyo State. Though his touring career brought fame worldwide, his roots remain in Oyo, in his lineage. He is still regarded as an emblem of rural mastery even after his global acclaim.

4. Debo Dabi Kanyinsola (Yorùbá, southwestern Nigeria)

Regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost gangan drummers, Debo Dabi draws on centuries-old traditions. Although his reputation is global, it stems from his deep mastery taught in rural Yoruba towns, where he first absorbed the blends of bata, akuba, gudugudu, and other talking drums. His foundation remains firmly in local drumming communities.

5. Ikoro Drum Elder (Igbo region, eastern Nigeria)

In a riverside Igbo village along the Niger, a single aginger still commands the slit drum known as an ikoro. Traditionally reserved for social heroes, the ikoro’s booming voice once echoed across the community. Today only, he can summon his call and interpret his message at festivals and title ceremonies.

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FAQs

What is special about Nigeria’s talking drum?

The talking drum (often called dùndún) is hourglass‑shaped and can mimic the tones of speech. A skilled drummer squeezes the ropes under his arm to raise or lower the pitch, effectively speaking in drum language. In Yoruba tradition, it carries praise names, warnings, or greetings. For instance, a talking drummer at a palace might drum out a respectful greeting or recount a king’s history to those gathered.

What unites these five last master drummers in Nigeria?

They all hail from rural communities where drumming is hereditary, spiritual, and deeply rooted in history. Although some have travelled, they have remained in their home villages and cultural duties.

Are all of them still performing in remote villages?

Yes. Áyànlérè, Adewale, and the Ikoro elder remain active in their home regions. Sikiru and Debo Dabi, while internationally active, remain celebrated as rooted legends from Yoruba country.

Do they use the same drums?

No. The Yorùbá masters specialise in talking drums and gangan ensembles, while the Igbo elder uses a slit drum (ikoro) reserved for communal messages and ceremonies.