A Batá drum is a double-headed drum with one end larger than the other. The percussion instrument is used primarily for the use of religious or semi-religious purposes for the native culture in Yoruba land, located in Nigeria. The Bàtá drum’s popular functions are entertainment and to convey messages. Its early function was as a drum of different gods e.g Sàngó, egúngún, etc. drum of royalty, drum of ancestors. Batá drum impacted on all spheres of life.
Several different types of drums have existed throughout the world. Occasionally, natives from cultures which the drums originate, as in the case of the Yorùbá, used the drums for religious ceremonies and, since their introduction in Cuba in the 1820s, have come to be an understood and important part of the perceived culture of the southwestern Nigerian people.
The drum dates back roughly 500 years, and is believed to have been introduced by a Yoruba king named Sàngó. Despite the previous long history, awareness of the instrument didn’t spread until the 1800s slave-trade in which close to 300,000 Africans were brought to Cuba.
In Yoruba land, Bata drum has different parts which are: 1) Igi Ilu: This is the wooden frame work of the drum. 2) Leather: This is the part of the drum that bring out the tone of the drum. There are two piles of leathers in a Bata drum. One is to bring out the tone of the drum, while the other is to cover the one that brings out the tone of the drum. 3) Igi Ilu: This helps to hold the leather firm to the wooden frame. it is usually constructed with the use of small bunch of thick brooms also known as Igbale gbaro. The brooms are curved to take the proper shape and size of the top and bottom of the wooden frame of the drum. After the sizes have been obtained, strong threads are used to tighten the buch of thick brooms. After that, pieces of cloths are used to cover the tighten brooms to beautify it. 4) Osan: This is made from thick leathers. This serves as the wire work of the drum. It helps in holding both the leather and Egi Ilu in place. 5) Ìda: This is the black substance that is found on the surface of the leather of Bata drum. It primary purpose is to vary the tones from different faces of the drum. It is usually obtained from a tree. all the faces of bata have this substance apart from the face that is called Ako- this face gives the highest tone in the drum. 6) Bilala: This is also made of thick leather. it is used to play the drum. Nowadays, flexible plastics are being cut to look like leather bílálà. This flexible plastics can also be used to play the drum. 7) Saworo: This is always attached to Bata drums just to add beauty to its melody.
One important thing I must not forget is the bàtá dance. The dance in yoruba context can’t be compared. Though the dance steps are not for everyone but all I can say is, it’s a beautiful dance that helps one exercise his or her body.
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