Article

“If You Play the Talking Drum They Will Be Happy”: The Role of the Gángan in Christ Apostolic Church Dublin

Rebecca Uberoi

Published in: Ethnomusicology Ireland 4 (2016)

Pages: 65-94 | Published Online: June 2016

https://doi.org/10.64208/KBYK2176

Abstract

Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) is an African initiated church that was established in Dublin 16 years ago by Yorùbá Christians migrating from Nigeria. In this article I will explore the role of the talking drum in CAC with reference to two features of music in migration cultural cohesiveness and adaptability. Firstly, I will examine how the drum points back to the homeland reinforces ethnic identity builds community and plays a therapeutic role. Secondly, I will look at the migration of the drum itself–from outside to inside the church–and the negotiation of drum messages as it is adapted to the church’s ideology. Thirdly, I will consider how the second generation feel about the talking drum and explore some of the issues that might affect its future use within this community. In many ways the drum plays a retrospective and cohesive role for the first generation, yet at the same time it remains subject to continued negotiation and adaptation. The second generation cannot understand the messages ‘spoken’ by the drum and do not dance do it in the way their parents do, but it remains important to them as a symbol of their cultural roots.

Keywords: Music, migration, ethnicity, homeland, talking drum, African church

Author: Rebecca Uberoi