During slavery, drums were often banned because they were powerful tools of communication and uprising. Enslaved Africans used intricate polyrhythms to send coded messages, organize revolts, and maintain their connection to their homelands. Slaveholders feared the drum’s ability to unite and mobilize resistance, leading to its widespread suppression.

Despite these bans, African descendants found ways to preserve their rhythmic traditions by adapting and using body percussion (hand clapping, foot stomping) and creating new instruments from available materials. The drum remained a source of spiritual strength, playing a central role in religious and ceremonial practices, including Vodou, Santería, Candomblé, and Ring Shouts.

Beyond resistance and spirituality, the drum was essential in celebration and cultural expression, shaping the evolution of musical genres like Samba, Rumba, Candombe, Jazz, Blues, Salsa, and Go-Go. It became a symbol of empowerment, allowing enslaved and oppressed communities to reclaim their voices and assert their identity.

Today, the drum remains a beating heart of the Diaspora, connecting past and present, honoring the resilience of African descendants, and ensuring that their stories and rhythms continue to inspire generations.