The tama (or tam-tam, or talking drum) is a percussion instrument from West Africa. It is most closely associated with the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria and the Serer people of Senegal.
The Yoruba tama (Nigeria)
The Yoruba tama is an hourglass drum whose shape resembles that of the djembe but which produces sharper and more articulated sounds. It is played during Yoruba ceremonies, particularly Orisha festivals and funerals. The tama is capable of reproducing the tonality of the Yoruba language, hence its name “talking drum”.
The Serer tama (Senegal)
Among the Serer of Senegal, the tama is a religious talking drum used in the Woong tradition (dance of young boys before circumcision). It is part of the set of Serer drums (Perngel, Lamb, Qiin, Tama). Historically, the tama was played by the griots of Serer kings during war ceremonies and to call troops.
Notable players
- Traditional Yoruba drummers — Nigeria/Benin
- Serer griots of Senegal — traditional practitioners of the tama
Links to styles
The tama accompanies yoruba music and serer traditions. It is also found in Senegalese mbalax percussion ensembles.