Traditional African Drums in Nigeria: Types | Location | Prices
Nigeria is a country with a rich culture and a strong musical tradition, which you can see clearly in its instruments.
At the heart of this soundscape are the traditional African drums, instruments that don't just keep the beat—they tell stories, convey history, and even speak.
Whether you are a professional musician, a cultural enthusiast, or someone living abroad looking to connect with your roots, finding authentic Nigerian instruments can be a challenge.
You need to know which types are most prevalent, where to find quality craftsmanship, and, most importantly, how much they currently cost.
This detailed guide is designed to answer all those questions for the Nigerian buyer.
We will break down the most important drum types, show you the best locations (online and physical) for purchase, and give you clear price ranges for instruments like the famous talking drum.
By the end, you'll be ready to bring the authentic sound of traditional african drums home.
BUY YOUR TALKING DRUM FROM MLPERCUSSIONS NOW - AFRICA’S #1 TALKING DRUM STORE
Types of Traditional African Drums in Nigeria
Nigeria, and particularly the Western region, is the historical heart of percussion excellence in Africa.
Nigerian drumming is primarily defined by the tonal instruments of the Yoruba and the unique pottery of the Igbo, making up the most important Traditional African Drums for any collector or player.
Here are the essential drums you need to know, defined by their sound, shape, and cultural purpose.
1. Dundun/Gangan (The Talking Drum)
This is Nigeria's most famous instrument, capable of "speaking" the tonal language of the Yoruba people.
A. Shape & Mechanism:
Distinctive hourglass-shaped drum with two heads. The pitch is manipulated by squeezing the leather tension cords connecting the heads.
B. Material:
Traditionally carved from hardwood with goatskin drumheads..
C. Cultural Role:
Used for centuries for communication, mimicking the rhythm and tone of human speech to convey messages, news, and history.
D. Primary Region:
Predominantly the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria.
2. Bata Drum
The Bata is a set of three drums, sacred to the worship traditions of the Yoruba.
A. Shape & Mechanism:
A set of three double-headed drums, typically conical or cylindrical. They are played sitting down, often with one drum resting across the lap.
B. Material:
Carved wooden shell and leather heads.
C. Cultural Role:
Considered sacred, used for religious ceremonies (especially the worship of Sàngó) and traditional court music. They play complex, interlocking rhythms.
D. Primary Region:
Highly significant to the Yoruba people.
3. Sakara Drum
Known for its unique texture and sound, the Sakara is often featured in softer, more melodic ensembles.
A. Shape & Mechanism:
A shallow, circular frame.
B. Material:
Unusually, the body is made from baked clay (pottery) with a single, stretched goatskin head fixed by wooden pegs.
C. Cultural Role:
The largest drum (Iya Ilu) acts as the rhythmic leader, providing the foundational pulse for the ensemble.
D. Primary Region:
Used by both Yoruba and Hausa communities.
4. Gbedu Drum
An innovative instrument that produces sounds unlike any other drum on this list.
This drum commands respect; it is not meant for casual playing but for matters of state and authority.
A. Shape & Mechanism:
Large, single-headed cylindrical drum, often standing upright on a wooden base.
B. Material:
Carved from a single large log (hardwood).
C. Cultural Role:
Historically reserved for royal occasions, official announcements, and state festivals due to its deep, authoritative, low-frequency sound.
D. Primary Region:
Yoruba
5. Udu Drum
An innovative instrument that produces sounds unlike any other drum on this list.
A. Shape & Mechanism:
A unique, pot-like vessel made of clay, featuring one or more holes.
B. Material:
Clay or pottery.
C. Cultural Role:
Originally an Igbo instrument, it is now globally recognized for its ability to produce deep, resonant, and "watery" bass sounds when the holes are struck and opened.
D. Primary Region:
Originally Igbo (Eastern Nigeria), now popular across all of Nigeria and world music.
LEARN THE MAJOR TYPES AFRICAN DRUMS HERE
Where to Find and Buy Traditional African Drums (Location Guide)
Finding high-quality, authentic drums is crucial.
Your best options fall into two categories: visiting major cultural centres for custom work or using reliable online platforms [like Mlpercussions] for convenience.
1. Physical Markets and Cultural Hubs
For the best quality, custom craftsmanship, and the chance to inspect the instrument's sound before purchase, these cultural hubs are essential.
I. Lagos: The Cultural Heartbeat
Lagos remains a major trading point. You can find general artisan crafts and various smaller percussion instruments like Shakers (Shekere) and mid-range Talking Drums (Gangan) across its specialized art markets.
BUY AFRICAN DRUMS IN LAGOS: LOCATION, PRICES, DISCOUNTS/
II. Ibadan: The Home of Yoruba Drumming
As a traditional centre of Yoruba culture, Ibadan offers numerous smaller workshops and individual craftsmen specializing in the Talking Drum (Gangan).
For guaranteed quality, you can contact MLpercusions directly for your custom order.
CHAT WITH OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE OR SALES REP
III. Benin City/Enugu: Pottery and Tradition
These regions are key for finding drums made from traditional materials.
Look towards established pottery communities to purchase the Udu drum or specialist woodworkers for ceremonial drums like the Gbedu.
2. Online Platforms and Digital Outlets
When shopping online, look for sellers who provide detailed product descriptions, high-resolution photos, and videos demonstrating the instrument's sound.
| Platform Type | Recommendation | Key Benefit |
| General E-commerce Marketplaces | Look for verified sellers with high ratings and specific traditional instrument listings. | Accessible nationwide shipping for basic and beginner models. |
| Direct Artisan Portfolios | Search for specific cultural accounts (often found on image/video platforms) who operate their own digital storefronts. | Direct communication with craftspeople for customized or high-end pieces. |
| Specialized Music Retailers | Online stores focused exclusively on musical instruments sometimes stock professionally finished traditional drums for studio use. |
Guaranteed quality control and professional finishing (often with a higher price tag). |
3. Essential Buying Tip: You Must Check For Authenticity
Always test the drum's sound.
I. For Talking Drums (Gangan):
The pitch must change smoothly and cover a wide range when you squeeze the strings.
II. For Udu Drums:
Tap the openings. You should hear a deep, resonant, and hollow "woo" sound that carries well. Avoid Udu that sound thin or metallic.
III. For Gbedu Drums:
Check the tension of the hide. The drum should produce a powerful, authoritative low boom without excessive ringing.
Estimated Pricing Guide for Nigerian Drum
Determining the exact price for a handmade instrument is difficult, as costs fluctuate based on the artisan, materials, and current market conditions.
This guide provides estimated ranges in Naira (NGN) based on the instrument's quality, craftsmanship, and intended use.
| Drum Type | Quality Level | Estimated Price Range (NGN) | Key Characteristics |
| Dundun / Gangan (Talking Drum) | Beginner | NGN 15,000 – NGN 30,000 | Smaller size; often machine-cut wood; synthetic or thinner skin; suitable for learning basics. |
| Standard/Student | NGN 35,000 – NGN 60,000 | Good quality hand-carved wood; durable goatskin head; balanced sound for ensemble practice. | |
| Professional/Artisan | NGN 70,000 – NGN 150,000+ | Large size; seasoned, rare hardwood (e.g., Iroko); high-quality tension cords; exceptional sound and tonal range for performance. | |
| Bata Drum Set (Set of 3: Iya, Omele, Keke) | Beginner Set | NGN 70,000 – NGN 120,000 | Smaller, lighter drums; thicker, less responsive heads; good entry point for rhythmic practice. |
| Standard Set | NGN 130,000 – NGN 250,000 | Authentic sizing and shaping; balanced sound across the set; durable for regular use. | |
| Professional Set | NGN 300,000 – NGN 650,000+ | Master-carved hardwood; perfectly tuned heads; often decorated with traditional carvings; used for sacred or major cultural performances. | |
| Udu Drum (Clay Pot Drum) | Beginner/Hobby | NGN 8,000 – NGN 15,000 | Simpler, thinner clay construction; basic design; for light practice and sound experimentation. |
| Standard | NGN 18,000 – NGN 35,000 | Thicker, high-fired clay; precise hole-sizing for better bass and tone; robust build. | |
| Professional/Studio | NGN 40,000 – NGN 80,000+ | Hand-crafted by renowned potters; complex, ornate shapes; deep, ringing sustain and excellent acoustic properties. | |
| Gbedu Drum (Royal Drum) | Standard/Large | NGN 90,000 – NGN 200,000 | Large, solid cylindrical body; strong, thick leather head; deep, ceremonial tone (less common in "beginner" sizes). |
| Ceremonial/Antique | NGN 250,000 – NGN 700,000+ | Very large, imposing size; aged, rare wood; may be historically significant or feature extensive, detailed carvings. |
Understanding the Price Difference of Traditional African Drums
When paying a premium for a professional drum, you are investing in three key factors:
-
Aged Materials:
Professional drums use hardwood that has been properly cured and aged to prevent warping and cracking, ensuring a stable tone for decades. Clay drums use high-fired, dense clay
-
Acoustic Tuning:
The internal cavity and skin thickness are meticulously shaped and adjusted by a master artisan to achieve maximum volume, sustain, and tonal clarity.
-
Cultural Authenticity:
The drum adheres to traditional measurements and is often finished with culturally significant carvings or markings that add to its value and history.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to preserve the sound and integrity of Traditional African Drums, which are sensitive to moisture and temperature.
1. Wooden Shells (Dundun, Bata, Gbedu):
- Keep Dry: Never store near a radiator or in a damp area. Avoid extreme temperature changes to prevent cracking.
-
Oil Regularly: Apply a thin coat of natural oil (like shea butter or mineral oil) to the bare wood shell every 6–12 months to maintain suppleness and prevent drying.
2. Clay Drums (Udu):
- Fragile: Handle only by the thickest sections. Store on a stable, padded surface.
-
Cleaning: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid submerging in water, as clay is porous
3. Drum Heads (Skin):
- Tension Control: Skin tightens (higher pitch) in dry air and relaxes (lower pitch) in humidity. Never use a hairdryer to speed drying, it causes uneven damage.
- Dundun Cords: Inspect leather tension cords regularly for fraying and replace immediately to maintain the drum's balance.
Why Choose MLpercussions for Your Traditional African Drums
MLpercussions is the premier global source for master-crafted Traditional African Drums; we ensure you receive an instrument of unparalleled quality and authenticity.
1. Guaranteed Authenticity:
We work directly with master artisans in the Yoruba and Igbo heartlands.
Every drum is handmade according to centuries of tradition, guaranteeing authentic sound and cultural accuracy.
2. Fair Trade Commitment:
Our model ensures fair compensation for the artisans, supporting the preservation of Nigerian cultural craft and sustainable sourcing of hardwoods and clay.
3. Export-Ready Quality:
Each drum is inspected, treated for international export, and packaged securely, arriving at your doorstep in perfect playing condition with professional documentation.
4. Master-Tuned Acoustics:
Unlike generic market drums, our instruments are tuned by experts to deliver the correct tonal range—critical for instruments like the Talking Drum—providing a professional performance standard.
Conclusion
Acquiring quality Traditional African Drums in Nigeria is a journey into history and music.
We always encoruage that you prioritizing authenticity, understanding the craftsmanship, and ensuring proper care, your instrument will last a lifetime.
Ready to find your drum?
I. Shop Authentic Drums:
Visit the MLpercussions online shop to explore our current inventory of master-carved Dundun, Bata sets, and authentic Udu drums.
Click Here to Start Your Rhythmic Journey
II. Contact an Expert:
Still unsure which drum is the perfect fit for your skill level and budget? Contact our specialists for personalized, zero-pressure guidance.
III. Check Our Care Guide:
Protect your investment. Get our free, comprehensive guide on the long-term maintenance of all Traditional African Drums.