By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Africa’s Talking Drum: The Drum That Only Beat for the Palace
In the bustling kingdom of Abanri, a great drum stood in the village square. It was no ordinary drum. Whenever danger approached, it sounded an alarm. Whenever good news arrived, it sang with joy. Its rhythm belonged to everyone.
For generations, the people trusted its voice.
But when Leopard became king, he admired the drum’s power. “Such an important instrument,” he said, “should serve the throne first.”
He ordered the drum moved from the square to the palace gates.
At first, the villagers protested, but Leopard assured them. “You will still hear it. In fact, it will serve you even better.”
Soon, the drum no longer announced raids on distant farms. It no longer warned of floods or celebrated harvests. Instead, it thundered only when Leopard held feasts, when his ministers arrived, or when he wished to praise his own achievements.
The people grew blind to approaching dangers. Thieves raided markets unnoticed. Fires spread before help could come. Yet from the palace, the drum continued to sing of prosperity.
One day, a wildfire swept through the western fields. The villagers heard nothing until smoke darkened the sky.
As they battled the flames, old Tortoise shook his head.
“A drum that beats only for the palace,” he said, “soon becomes silent to the people.”
The villagers understood. A voice meant for all must never belong to one.
And when the next moon rose, they gathered in the square and demanded the drum be returned where every ear could hear it.
For news that serves only rulers soon fails the ruled.
Moral: Institutions meant to serve the public must never become tools of those in power.
Can a society thrive when its watchdogs serve the powerful instead of the people? Share your thoughts below.
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