PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES AND STYLES FOR THE UDUMALA MOTHER DRUM OF ABIGBO ENSEMBLE

Abstract

The African drum is not just any percussive instrument. Its roles and functions are seen and understood in the context of the society or culture within which it features and to which it belongs. Beyond the obvious musical import, it exudes symbolism and performs a host of extra-musical functions; within the ambiance of musicality, its role is not merely melo-rhythmic as it communicates with other instruments and performers within an ensemble. In fact, the African drum talks as it entertains. The above is entirely true of the Udumala which is the mother drum of the famed Abigbo ensemble of the Mbaise people. It performs all the above listed functions and even more, in the hands of a master drummer. This study therefore reveals the intricacies involved in learning and playing the Udumala drum. Primary and secondary sources were consulted in generating the data required for this study and the researcher’s participant observation proved handy too. It was discovered that the Udumala controls the rhythm and entire flow of the Abigbo drums, since it gives cues and direction to both the Edimala and Ekelebe. Moreover, the researcher found that playing the Udumala drum involves both the hands and feet of the player as its tone-range is expanded by the use of the feet. The researcher therefore, recommends that further studies be made into the organology of the Udumala mother drum as this will reveal deeper information on the nature and performance techniques of African drums in general.