GROUP B PROJECT WORK ON THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF

PIANO AND DRUMS

BY

GABRIEL OKARA

ClOURSE CODE:ENL105

COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO NIGERIAN LITERATURE II

LECTURER:DR NONYELUM MBA

MATRICULATION NUMBERS:501-524

DATE:12TH OCTOBER,2023.
 GROUP MEMBERS. REGISTRATION NUMBERS.

1.SHIGABA JOSEPHINE. 22/202ENG/501

2.EBEHIGHA ABIGAIL. 22/202ENG/502

3.UKAEGBU ESTHER NKECHI. 22/202ENG/503

4.ABDULRAZAQ MARYAM OMOTAYO. 22/202ENG/504

5.SAMUEL ITORO MATTHEW. 22/202ENG/505

6.SHAIBU OYIZA ZULEIHAT. 22/202ENG/506

7.KENNEDY DORIS. 22/202ENG/507

8.ISIOSIO FAVOUR. 22/202ENG/508

9.OJENIYI JOB FIKAYO. 22/202ENG/509

10.DAVINA DOOFAN ABOCHOL. 22/202ENG/510

11.MEIMUNAT IDRIS SEBASTINE. 22/202ENG/511

12.FIDELIX MUHAMMED. 22/202ENG/512

13.OLADIPUPO HALIMAT FOLASHADE. 22/202ENG/513

14.VERAH SALIHU. 22/202ENG/514

15.POPOOLA BOLAJI AISHA. 22/202ENG/515

16.ALANANA ONYELA HANNAH. 22/202ENG/516

17.NGEBEDE DEBORAH OYINE. 22/202ENG/517

18.OJIAKO DANIEL ONUIGBO. 22/202ENG/518

19.OKEY NANCY CHINENYE. 22/202ENG/519

20.ONYEWUCHI ARTHUR-LEO IKEM. 22/202ENG/520

21.ADEBOWALE ADEBOLA SUSAN. 22/202ENG/521

22.HANEEFAH OHUNENE OTOHINOYI. 22/202ENG/522

23.BENSON FAITH NMESOMA. 22/202ENG/523

24.BENEDICT FLORA. 22/202ENG/524

 ABSTRACT

This paper makes an attempt to expose the fact that the poem explains that it is not possible for man to
operate on simultaneously.This poem illustrates this using African and European.The African culture is
natural and simple,while the European culture is fascinating and complex.The poet tries as much as he's
acquainted to the two but got confused along the line.In this effort the paper also pays attention to the
instrusion of the western culture in Africa and it's negative impact on African natives.
 INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE POEM

Gabriel Okara is prominent among African poets. He was born in 1921 and raised to be an Ijaw man at
Bumadi village in Niger Delta, Nigeria. His full name is known as Gabriel Imomotimi Gbaingbain
Okara.Gabriel Okara as an African renowned poet is noted to be someone who fathoms African culture
right from the onset. He is cognizant of the ways at which Africans are biding with their cultural
orientation. In such case, he exerts an African musical instrument, drum that is peculiar to their primitive
culture to make a stand for Africans and their culture in his poetic presentation. The drum is actually a
symbol plied by the poet in order to make delineation for Africans. ally is a musical instrument that
provides beats to music. It provides rhythm to music and makes dancers perform to the tune.

This is what Africans had been addicted with before the arrival of the western people who
introduced their culture that included instrument among which piano was one. No one in Africa had
piano until white men barged into Africa. That is why the poem personae employs the piano to
represent western culture and used drum to assume the role of African culture. The effect of European
cultures can be seen among African ways of life that include speaking, dressing and others. This is the
apprehension of the poet Gabriel Okara as depicted in the poem “Piano and Drum”.

In the poem, okara presents the dichotomy between the past life and the mordern world .
Though the poem dwells of culture clash as it's main theme,. It is born out of the disgust okara has on
the attitude of post independence elites who instead of redeeming the African continent from the
shakles of colonialism, decide to uncritically adopt the western cultural values at their own expenses of
their traditional cultural values . Hence the system is a collapse in the system of African society . This is
because these African elites are half baked and are not ready to engage in the manipulation in the
complexities of the western culture.So the post colonial African's exhibit great short falls to manage the
areas of difference when faced with two contracting and competing cultures.

MOTIVATION

We were motivated by Gabriel Okara's exploration on the tension between the Western and African
culture.The poet goes further to explore the themes of cultural identity, modernization,nostalgia for
tradition,the clash and incompatibility of cultures and the struggle to find balance between traditional
African roots and western influences.

Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to a particular culture or group of people.For many
people, cultural identity is a source of pride and belonging, but it can also be a source of conflict and
tension.This is especially true for people who are part or have experienced two or more culture.

The setting is symbolic,showing us both traditional African society (Drums) and western
modernization (Piano).The background is Nigeria, during a time of cultural change The figurative devices
which are Metaphor and Imagery, represent the African heritage and tradition,and also the clash of
cultures.

The plot involves the poet's exploration of his internal conflict and the external clash of cultures,as
represented or symbolized by the "Piano and Drums".The conclusion of the poem, emphasizes the
importance of finding a balanced cultural synthesis in the face of societal change.

Ultimately,"Piano and Drums" is admired for it's ability to stimulate thought,evoke emotions and
spark discussions about cultural heritage, making it a valuable piece of art in the realm of poetry.

PLOT
"Piano and Drums" by Gabriel Okara is a remarkable poem that explores the clash between traditional
African culture and the encroaching influence of Western civilization. The poem employs vivid
descriptions and powerful imagery to convey the complexity of this theme.The plot of the poem
revolves around the speaker's reflection on his dual identity as an African, represented by the drums,
and as a modern individual, symbolized by the piano. The piano, a Western instrument, signifies the
dominance of European culture and its impact on African society.

The poem, “Piano and Drums”, is about the cultural dichotomy of African and Western cultures
in post-colonial Africa. It reveals the dilemma faced by individuals who are confronted with the
circumstances that would warrant them drop their culture for Western one, in the name of
globalization. The poem discusses about a traditional village lifestyle of African and the complex society
of westerners which was introduced as a result of colonial presence in the continent. The poem seems
to answer the question of why has the traditional society lost its heritage and identity to a foreign
culture .

The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about the primal power and appeal of the
drums, which represent Africa's rich cultural heritage. Okara uses descriptive language such as "vibrant
ones" and "talking drums" to illustrate the distinctive sounds and rhythms of African music. The
following lines illustrate this: "Earth's blood flows in my veins / Yet her smile of ignorance / And a
bleeding wound she binds."However, as the poem progresses, the speaker expresses his struggle to
reconcile his African roots with the allure of Western civilization. The piano's enchanting melodies and
sophisticated structure captivate him, symbolizing the lure of European culture. Okara expresses this
internal conflict in the lines: "He lends me wings / The muses sing soothing rhymes in echoing voices."

The speaker acknowledges the seductive power of the piano but also recognizes that it has
distanced him from his African identity. This conflict is beautifully depicted in the lines: "The glamour of
the civilized world / Calm my longings for primeval rhythms." The piano represents a cultural shift
towards Western values that threatens to erode the traditional African way of life.Throughout the
poem, Okara skillfully juxtaposes the primal energy of the drums and the refined melodies of the piano,
emphasizing the tension between tradition and modernity. The poem ends on a melancholic note as the
speaker laments the fading importance of the drums and the loss of African cultural heritage in the face
of Western advancement: "Though with her, it resides still, the silent song, / Lulled / In the drums."

In conclusion, "Piano and Drums" by Gabriel Okara delves deep into the clash between
traditional African culture and the encroaching influence of Western civilization. The poem highlights
the speaker's struggle to reconcile his African identity with the allure being European
culture,symbolized by the piano. Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking language,Okara raises
important questions about the implications of cultural shifts and reveals the poet's longing to preserve
the rich heritage of African culture.

THEME

1.Culture and Conflict:In Piano and Drums by Gabriel Okara In the poem. depicts and contrasts two
different cultures through the symbolism of pianos and drums. The Poem is divided into four stanzas.
The first two stanzas represent the “drum” culture and the second two stanzas show the “piano”
culture. The description of the drums is in two stanzas. The first line of the first stanza: ‘When at break
of day at a riverside’ Uses trochees to emphasize the deliberate broken rhythm. The stanza has savage
words, “bleeding flesh,” “urgent raw,” “leopard snarling,” “spears poised,” to show that this is a
primitive culture, one which has dependency on the environment, as is represented by the “hunters
crouch with spears poised.” The environment in this culture is physically dangerous, surrounded by wild
animals. Drums here are a way of communication, and “jungle drums telegraphing the mystic rhythm,
urgent, raw…” shows the way of life in this culture. This is life which is simple, near the beginnings of
man. The stanza ... ... middle of paper ... ...with one another, with Drums illustrating primitive behaviour,
and a savage, dangerous culture. The connotations of the piano are complex and technical. The piano
uses significantly different word sounds, showing that it is learnt, westernized and intricate compared to
the drums which is instinctive and naturally acquired, and simple. The poem uses no set rhyme pattern
which suits the poem as it has an undecided effect, emphasizing the confusion of the persona over his
future.

2.The Theme of Innocence:The theme of innocence in the poem is explored in the poem in the depiction
of african culture, from the very first line of the poem where we are told that the events take place "at
break of day", the idea of innocence is already implied. This is because the day is fresh and
uncontaminated by other activities or sounds. The sound heard from the jungle drums are therefore
pure and not corrupt, the poem also invokes the idea of innocence. The Themes in Piano and Drums

3. Another important theme in Piano and Drums* is the need to preserve the positive aspects of African
culture.

4. The theme of the effects of western culture on African traditions is another way to look at the ideas
expressed in Piano and Drums.

5.Nostalgia and Loss: The poem delves into a sense of nostalgia for the past and a recognition of what
has been lost through the advent of Western influences. Okara paints a poignant picture of a time when
the rhythmic beats of drums were the heartbeat of the community, and individuals were deeply
connected to their cultural roots. The speaker laments the fading echoes of the drums, emphasizing a
sense of loss as traditional ways give way to the seemingly alluring but alienating melodies of the piano.
The theme of nostalgia underscores the profound impact of cultural transformation on personal and
collective memories.

6.Ambivalence Towards Modernization:Okara explores the ambivalence and ambiguity felt by

individuals confronted with the forces of modernization. While the piano represents progress,
sophistication, and Western civilization, it also brings a sense of detachment, fragmentation, and
isolation. The poem suggests that with the advent of modernity, there is a simultaneous gain and loss.
The allure of the piano's "cosmopolitan" tune is juxtaposed with a yearning for the warmth and organic
unity of the drum's primal rhythm. The ambivalence towards modernization is a central theme,
highlighting the complex emotions and challenges inherent in adapting to a changing cultural landscape.
7.The central theme of the poem hinges on the effect of foreign culture to Africans. This theme he
elaborate using the effect of music on the poetic persona as an analogy. The poem tries to emphasize
the purity of African content before the interference of civilization.

8.Theme of power imbalance: The theme of power imbalance is a significant aspect of Gabriel Okara
"PIANO AND DRUMS ". The poem explores the unequal power dynamics between the indigenous African
culture and the dominant western culture. It portrays the foreign influence, represented by the piano,as
powerful and imposing. The poem highlights the hegemonic nature of the foreign culture and its ability
to shape and influence the lives of individuals with the African context.

The indigenous culture is portrayed as being overshadowed by the foreign culture, struggling to
maintain its influence and significance in the face of external dominance.The power imbalance between
the two cultures is further emphasized by the poet-persona's sense of loss of control and disorientation.
The labyrinthine complexities of the foreign way leaves the protagonist wandering in the morning mist,
lost and disconnected from their cultural roots. This suggests that the overpowering nature of the
foreign culture threatens to erode the indigenous traditions and marginalise the African culture identity.

9.Theme of Affirmation of Indigenous culture: While acknowledging the hardship and uncertainty of the
indigenous culture,the poem does not romanticise it. Instead, it highlights the limitation of its simplicity
and potential for havoc in contrast to the destructive power of modern civilisation. Gabriel Okara's
"PIANO AND DRUMS " highlights the value and vitality of African cultural heritage, emphasizing the
importance of acknowledging and preserving indigenous traditions in the face of external influences.

Okara's poem opens with a vivide depiction of the jungle drums, which are described as
telegraphing a "mystic rhythm" that speaks of primal youth and the beginning. This imagery evokes a
sense of connection to nature and the ancestral roots of the African culture. The protagonist's " blood
ripples" and "turns torrent", symbolising a deep emotional resonance and reawakening of the ties to
their mother's lap and the simpler paths of the indigenous way of life. The reference to "green leaves",
"wild flowers", and the warm rush of "hurrying feet" and authenticity associated with the indigenous
African culture. This affirmation of the natural environment and its rhythms underscores the significance
of embracing and valuing the traditions and values embedded within the indigenous culture. The poem
suggest that despite the allure perceived sophistication of the foreign culture, there is an inherent
strength and beauty in the simplicity and naturalness of the indigenous African tradition.

10.Theme of ldetity crisis:The theme of identity crisis is prominent and recurring motif in Gabriel Okara's
"PIANO AND DRUMS". The poem delves into the inner turmoil and disorientation experienced by African
who grapples with conflicting cultural influence and find themselves caught between their indigenous
African identities and impositions of the western culture. The poet-persona of the poem embodies this
identity crisis and symbolises the struggle faced by educated Africans who have been exposed to
western education and values. The poetic-persona is portrayed as lost in the "labyrinth" of the
conflicting cultural influences, highlighting the confusion and inner conflict that arises from navigating
multiple cultural identities.
 The poet-persona's yearning for the simplicity, naturalness, vitality of African culture is
juxtaposed with the complexities and artificiality of modern world. The disconnection from their
cultural heritage create a deep sense of longing, as depicted by the poet-poet-persona's desire to return
to their mother's lap and "simple paths with no innovations"."PIANO AND DRUMS" exposes the
psychological and emotional struggles faced by African who are torn between their indigenous cultural
identities and the pressure to conform to western ideals.

FIGURATIVE DEVICES

Figurative devices are literary devices that uses words or phrases for effects, humorous or exaggeration
purposes, instead of their literal translations.Some figurative devices used in this poem include the
following :

1. This poetic persona deploys visual words that create vivid image in the mind of the readers. Some of
the words and phrases are: riverside, jungle drum, bleeding flesh, leopard snarling, blood ripples,
mother's laps, hurrying feet, groping hearts wandering etc.

2. Repetition - Repetition, they say, is for emphasizes. The words, "lost and complexity" is used in two
places each in the poem. This is not for normal usage of words, but, to emphasize the incompatibility
and confuse that comes with the mixture of the two cultures.

3. Enjambment - the poem has so many run-on-lines as the poetic persona tends to express his mind.

4. Synecdoche - "hurrying feet" and

"groping hearts" are used to refer to Africans. The feet and hearts are parts that represent a whole.

5. Metaphor-This is a direct comparison between two things. It was used in the peom in stanza 1 line 3 "
Mystic rhythm" and line 5"primal youth"The kind of metaphor used in the poem is similar to what is
called start metaphor.

6. Simile - this can be seen in lines 3 and 4 of stanza one, "..

raw like bleeding flesh..."

7. Reminiscence - in stanza one the poetic persona remembers the primordial era and its freshness of
nature. Likewise, in stanza two, he recollects of his childhood as a suckling.
8. Allusion - the poetic persona also made a historical allusion to the primordial age which is also
referred to above as a reminiscence

9. Personification - While lines 2 and 3 in stanza one shows the drum telegraphing like a human being,
lines 17 and 18 also depicts the piano speaking like a human being.

10.:Diction: This is the choice of words of a poet. Like he choice to use Piano to represent the European
and Drum as the Africa.

11.Alliteration: This is the repition of the same consonnant sound. It can be seen in stanza 1 line 3 and
6"Panther....Pounce" and "Rhythm.....raw" respectively.

12.Symbolism: This peom replete with symbol. The "Piano and Drum" do not just refer to an intrument.
The Piano is a symbolic representation of European culture which came to Africa and change their way
of life, while the Drum represent the Africa culture which was about to fade away because of the
Europeans.

13.Diction: This is the choice of words of a poet. Like he choice to use Piano to represent the European
and Drum as the Africa.

TONE/MOOD

The piano has a constant pace with a particular rhythm, just like a song, representing the title of the
poem. Moreover, the tone of the lyrical voice is 'melancholic' and 'sentimental'.The mood of the poem
is that of dilemma, mixed feelings and confusion.The mood of the writer of the poem is fear and
uncertainty permeate Gabriel Okara "piano and drum", reflecting the disorienting and unsettling effect
of cultural conflict and the loss of traditional values. The poem evoke a sense of war and uncertainty
through its vivid imagery and shifting perspective.

Confusion trails the mood of the speaker in the poem piano and drum. The speaker is at the river
side in the morning and then comes the "mystic rhythms of the jungle drums". it comes like bleeding
flesh, reminding him of the beginning of life. The life is ready to pounce" the leopard is about to leap,
"There is note of urgency in the speaker's mood here.
 The confusion created by the clash of the two cultures can be seen in the last stanza "and I, lost
in the morning mist wandering in the mystic rhythms of the jungle drums and concerto". The mood is
characterized by the Western and and traditional culture.Name: .The poem Piano and drums is a poem
that hinges on the effect of the foreign culture to Africans. In the poem, the poetic persona shows the
difference between the normal lifestyle of Africans and that of the modern world.

SETTING

In terms of setting, the poem takes place in a busy city, where there's a lot of movement and activity.
There's a sense of restlessness and agitation in the air, but the piano and drums offer a moment of
stillness and calm in the midst of it all.The poem's setting is symbolic of the larger themes of the poem.
The bustling city represents the hustle and bustle of modern life, which can be overwhelming and
disorienting. The piano and drums offer a kind of respite from this modern chaos, representing a sense
of stillness and timelessness.

The setting of the poem appears to be the poet's village and it is a typical African countryside. The
poet also informs us that it is a riverside.What lends support to this conjecture is the fact that Gabriel
Okara hails from the riverine area of Nigeria where numerous water channels from River Niger form a
delta before emptying into the Atlantic.Also, the setting is rural in nature, we infer this from the animals
the poet refers to; and the choice of words employed by the poet which includes; "jungle drums", "wild
flowers", "hunters" and "green leaves".Lastly, it should be noted that the time described in the poem is
morning when there are no disturbance.

STRUCTURE OF THE POEM

"Piano and Drum" is a famous poem written by the Nigerian poet Gabriel Okara. The poem consists of
three stanzas, and each stanza has a varying number of lines. The poem explores the clash between
traditional African culture and Western influences. Here's the general structure:

First Stanza

- The first stanza describes the sounds and images of "piano and drum" coexisting in the poet's memory.

- It conveys the idea of contrasting cultures, where the "piano" represents Western culture and the
"drum" symbolizes African culture.- The stanza has a free verse structure with varying line lengths.

Second Stanza

- The second stanza continues to contrast the two cultures, illustrating their differences and tensions.
- The poet expresses the allure of Western culture with phrases like "Revel in the touch of the ivory
keys."

- The stanza maintains a free verse structure with varying line lengths.

Third Stanza:

- In the final stanza, the poet reflects on the importance of his African heritage.

- It emphasizes the significance of preserving one's cultural identity and roots.

- The stanza, like the others, is written in free verse with varying line lengths.

Overall, the poem uses contrasting elements and images to convey the tension and struggle between
tradition and modernity. It explores themes of cultural identity and the impact of colonialism on African
societies.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of Gabriel Okara's poem "Piano and Drums"* is that the speaker reflects on the clash
between African and Western cultures in post-colonial Africa [𝟏]. The poem explores the speaker's
nostalgia for the simplicity and purity of African traditions before the influence of Western civilization.
The piano symbolizes Western culture and its perceived sophistication, while the drums represent
African culture and its primal, rhythmic nature. The speaker expresses a sense of loss and longing for the
African heritage that has been overshadowed by the dominance of Western values. The poem ultimately
suggests that a harmonious balance between the two cultures is necessary for a truly authentic and
meaningful existence.

But ended up in a deep sense of dilemma and bewilderment about wAfricanhich culture to take heed of
cause it's impossible to live in two different cultures life at the same time.Name: *Benedict* *Flora*
Nneoma.The poem Piano and drums is a poem that hinges on the effect of the foreign culture to
Africans. In the poem, the poetic persona shows the difference between the normal lifestyle of Africans
and that of the modern world.

The setting of the poem, dates from the Advent of civilization to the modern time. The theme he
elaborates using the effect of music on the poetic persona as an analogy. In essence, Gabriel Okara
perceives the desecration of the African way of life from the musical perspective and comes out to
lament about it through the instrument of poetry.
 On a general, Piano and note, the poet discusses the confusion that is created when Western
culture mixes with African culture. Any attempt to unify the two results to confusion and disorder.
Therefore one is keenly advised to abhor such style of life. If you want to be African, be it otherwise live
like the white man.The poetic persona is not against choosing any of the cultures, but don't mix them
together. Indirectly he warns us against becoming 'whiter' than the whites themselves o more civilized
then civilization.The poet explains that it is not possible for man to operate on the both cultures
simultaneously. The poet illustrates this using African and European culture. The African culture is easy,
natural and simple while the European culture is complex and unnatural to the poet.

APPENDIX -Piano and Drums by Gabriel Okara

When at break of day at a riverside

I hear jungle drums telegraphing

the mystic rhythm, urgent, raw

like bleeding flesh, speaking of

primal youth and the beginning,. 5

I see the panther ready to pounce,

the leopard snarling about to leap

and the hunters crouch with spears poised

And my blood rippes, turns torrent,

topples the years and at once I’m 10

in my mother’s laps a suckling;

at once I’m walking simple

paths with no innovations

rugged, fashioned with the naked

warmth of hurrying feet and groping hearts. 15

in green leaves and wild flowers pulsing.

Then I hear a wailing piano

solo speaking of complex ways

in tear-furrowed concerto;

of faraway lands20

and new horizons with

coaxing diminuendo, counterpoint,

crescendo, but lost in the abyrinth

of its compexities, it ends in the middle

of a phrase at a daggerpoint. 25

And I lost in the morning mist

of an age at a riverside keep

wandering in the mystic rhythm up

of jungle drums and concerto.

WORK CITED

-Myschool.ng

-Literaturepadi

-Chat Gpt

-MLA Format

-Sparknote.com

-litnotes.blogspot.com

-Classnote.ng

-Poemanalysis .com

-Afristudy247.blogspot.com

-Longman,1964,pp 15-16