‘The Drum and The Piano’ by Gabrial Okara

 Hello Everyone,

This blog is responding to a thinking activity task assigned by Megha Ma’am. Which is based on the African poem ‘The Drum and The Piano’ by Gabrial Okara.

#About Poet:Gabriel Okara (1921–2019)

He  was a prominent Nigerian poet and novelist. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern African poetry written in English. His poetry reflects the tension between African traditional culture and Western colonial influence. Okara often uses simple language, strong imagery, and musical symbolism to express cultural conflict and identity crisis in post-colonial Africa.

#About the Poem: The Piano and The Drum

(DALL·E)

This poem is published in The Fisherman’s Invocation (1978) by Gabriel Okara. “The Piano and the Drums” is a symbolic poem that contrasts African (Black) culture and Western (White) culture through two musical instruments:

Drums → Symbol of traditional African life

Piano → Symbol of Western civilization

The poem presents the poet’s emotional attachment to his African roots and his confusion after encountering Western modernity. It shows the psychological conflict experienced by Africans during colonial times.

Q:1 How are White culture and Black culture presented in “Piano and Drum”? Explain.

Introduction

In his poem “The Piano and the Drums,” Gabriel Okara has created a sharp dichotomy between Black and White cultures through the symbolic use of two different musical instruments: the drum and the piano. The poem mirrors the cultural dichotomy faced by Africans during the colonial era when African culture was exposed to Western civilization. Through the use of imagery and musical symbols, the poet has sought to underscore the simplicity and vitality of African culture and the intricacy and ambiguity of Western culture. The poem ultimately mirrors the internal turmoil faced by the poet as he found himself caught between two contrasting cultures.

Presentation of Black Culture

Black culture is symbolized by the jungle Drums. The poet writes:

“I hear jungle drums telegraphing

the mystic rhythm, urgent, raw.”

The words “mystic rhythm” and “urgent, raw” show natural energy and emotional depth. The imagery of wild animals — “the panther ready to pounce” and “the leopard snarling” — reflects strength and vitality. 

The drum connects the poet to his childhood:

“at once I’m in my mother’s laps a suckling.”

This suggests innocence, warmth, and security. The line “walking simple paths with no innovations” shows that African life is simple and pure. Thus, Black culture is presented as natural, harmonious, and spiritually rich.

Presentation of White Culture

White culture is symbolized by the Piano. The tone changes when the poet hears:

“Then I hear a wailing piano

solo speaking of complex ways.”

The piano music represents Western civilization with its complexity. Words like “concerto,” “counterpoint,” and “crescendo” suggest sophistication and technical advancement. However, the poet feels confused and overwhelmed:

“lost in the labyrinth of its complexities.”

The word “labyrinth” 

shows mental confusion. The line “it ends in the middle of a phrase at a daggerpoint” suggests violent interruption, symbolizing colonial domination. Thus, White culture is presented as advanced but complicated and disturbing.

Conclusion

In the final lines:

“wandering in the mystic rhythm

of jungle drums and concerto.”

Gabriel Okara shows that he is caught between two cultures. He feels emotionally connected to African tradition but cannot ignore Western influence. Therefore, Black culture is presented as simple, natural, and emotionally fulfilling, while White culture is shown as complex, modern, and mentally challenging. The poem beautifully expresses the cultural conflict and identity crisis of colonial Africa.

References

Blackbox Learn. “Piano and Drums.” YouTube, 26 Feb. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXKwQqhqds .

DALL·E. Illustration of Gabriel Okara’s “The Piano and the Drums” Showing the Contrast Between African Drums and Western Piano. 2026. OpenAI, ChatGPT.

Okara, Gabriel. The Fisherman’s Invocation. Heinemann Educational Publishers, 1978.

Thank You!