Author:Francis Yede PhD & Francis Yede PhD
Date: 05/07/2026
This study examines the role of gángan (talking drum) performances as a discourse for moral and political validation in yorubaland. It focuses on analysing the spoken meanings encoded in drummers’ performances and the messages they communicate. The primary data is drawn from a recorded performance by professional gángan drummers in praise of Buhari Omotayo, a Nigerian senator representing Ogbomoso. Leech and Short’s (2007) stylistic framework is used to identify and explain the linguistic and performative choices that structure the drum’s messages. Our findings show that the gángan is not merely a musical instrument but a medium of communication, moral instruction and social regulation within Yoruba culture. The drum blends language and sound to convey cultural values and ethical standards that guide community behaviour. Stylistic features such as foregrounding, repetition, parallelism and metaphor are used to emphasise messages that promote harmony, correct misconduct and preserve cultural traditions. Overall, the gángan praises virtuous behaviour, cautions against moral failure and strengthens shared social values in Yoruba society.
Keywords: Stylistics, gángan drum, Yoruba culture, social ethics, moral expectations, shared values.
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