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| THE BATA DRUMMER BOY |
Bata drums are known
as providing music for deities like
Sango (the god of thunder and lightning) and Eegun (the Masqueradessince!e
Bata music is very unique and rhythmic. The drums comprising of Omele meta,
Eejin, Omele ako, Omele abo and Isaaju.
All these drums have their different
functions in the Bata ensemble. Omele meta is the pivot of the music as it
provides basic and constant rhythm on which other drums rest. Next in the line
of Bata ensemble is the Eejin drum which is the base drum that goes with the
Omele meta. These two drums establish their different and unique rhythms very
well before the remaining drums join them.
The next is Omele Ako which is
another rhythm drum that joins in the accompaniment. All these three drums get
to relate with one another rhythmically very well before the master of the Bata
drum called the Isaaju meaning the leader join in the melodious interaction. At
this juncture, the player of the leading Bata drum will start rendering
proverbs in between the rhythms of the sound.
The sound of the lead Bata drum
is so noticeable as it dominates and stands out. The player drums with all his
energy to put his message across. The Bata music is very ferocious and full of
messages of wisdom and proverbs. The dancers of the music too must be agile and
strong because it is not the music for the Lilly livered.
Testimony of this is
when the Masquerade festival or the Sango festival is held and Bata drummers
are present to grace the occasion. All the Sango devotees will engage
themselves in the ferocious dance of Bata music. Likewise the Eegungun devotees
too, it is the ferociousness of Bata music that is their way.
Sango (the god
of thunder and lightning) and Eegungun (the Masquerade) as deities enjoy music
from the Bata drums from the time immemorial and it has been their music ever
since Unfortunately in the world today, Bata drums are used as musical
instrument in some other religious musical groups without giving credits to
these two deities.
In conclusion, my point is that our culture and tradition
speak volume of who we are as a people. We should be able to identify with them
at all times.
© Olalekan Oduntan 2014
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