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Talking drummers: a wedding guide

Talking drummers play at Nigerian weddings. Their drums can sound like speech.

When couples book this

Usually booked about four months out. It moves with your date.

Still deciding the wedding

Your wishlist

Answer these before you meet anyone.

  • Where do you want the drummers?

  • How many drummers?

Comparing your options

How it’s usually priced

Usually priced as one flat amount.

Possible extras: Traditional-engagement set.

Booked and settling details

What you settle once booked

  • Names and praise lines for the drummers

    Family names, home towns, and oriki lines the drummers should speak — the elders know what belongs here. The dundun follows the tones of Yoruba, so a praise line is drummed as words.

  • Coordinated with the MC and DJ?

The week of the wedding

The day-of sheet

Confirm arrival, finish, who to call, access, a meal, and what is due.

Across the whole day

Choose which moments to include.

  • Drummers announce the entrances

For businesses

The brief a couple sends you has these sections:

See a sample brief