The drum has bridged the Black African with their spiritual beliefs (ancestor cult), forever entwined with African societies due to its artistic, spiritual, and everyday significance. Many assert that a set of drums, known as eng’oma ez’ensonga, can voice emotions for specific occasions. The Ganda saying reflects this belief: “Ndi ng’oma, njogera matume” – meaning “I am a drum and I talk as instructed,” and “ndi ng’oma, nseka matume” – signifying “I am a drum, I laugh as ordered.” The Baganda, part of the Bantu people and Uganda’s kingdom-holding tribe, view playing eng’oma ez’ensonga as vital for societal communication, embodying unparalleled power and serving as the heart of political, social, and spiritual life.
