EXPLORING FEMININITY IN TRADITIONAL DRUM CONSTRUCTION: ALOYINLAPA PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Existing scholarly studies have largely focused on the construction and production of traditional Yoruba drums from the village perspective among the Àyàn family lineage, usually dominated by men. Historically, in traditional Yorùbá society, women are restricted from participating in the construction of traditional drums due to the patriarchal ideology and mythology of Yorùbá tradition. This tradition has led to a significant setback for women in the construction and production of Traditional Yorùbá Drums and their practices. This study examines women’s participation in the construction and production of Yorùbá traditional drums, such as Bata drums, Dùndún drums, and Sakara drums in urban spaces. Moreover, the study identifies the materials used and the teaching and learning methods in Alóyinlápá African Drumming Institute, Lagos.  The study relies on data from Alóyinlápá African Drumming Institute, Lagos, focusing on female traditional drummer’s technologist, using ethnographic techniques. The study argues that the involvement of women in the construction and production of traditional drums in urban areas has yet to be addressed despite their relevance to the sustainability of the Yorùbá traditional knowledge system in contemporary Yorùbá Society. Findings revealed that the emergence of established training centres such as Aloyinlapa African Drumming Institute in Lagos has created an avenue for women to learn the construction and production of drums, for cultural, social, and economic empowerment. In conclusion, stakeholders, including the Ministry of Women Affairs, should embrace this initiative and collaborate with established training centres to empower more women in the construction and production of traditional drums for the preservation and transmission of the knowledge system from one future generation to another and to avoid gender discrimination.