From Phil Collins to Ringo Starr, many of the most skilled musicians have demonstrated the ability to drum while singing.
Now, a study has revealed that chimpanzees have this skill too.
Scientists at Kyoto University were treated to a spontaneous musical performance from Ayumu, a 26–year–old chimpanzee.
The male removed floorboards from a walkway before using them to drum on the walls of his cage.
Amazingly, the chimp let out ‘complex and structured sounds’ as he drummed – similar to human song.
While Ayumu has been spotted drumming before, this marks the first time he’s been recorded singing simultaneously.
Yuko Hattori, first author of the study, described the findings as ‘fascinating’.
‘It was fascinating for me to see how the chimpanzee used tools to produce various sounds while also expressing a vocal display,’ she said.
Scientists at Kyoto University were treated to a spontaneous musical performance from Ayumu, a 26–year–old chimpanzee
Previous research has suggested that music may have evolved as a way of externalising emotional expression, through vocalisation combined with tools.
However, proving this has remained difficult.
Ancient percussion instruments tend to be made with materials like wood or animal skins which are perishable – making it tricky to find archaeological evidence.
However, the researchers say that Ayumu’s performances could help to finally unravel the mystery of the evolution of music.
Firstly, the team recorded the chimpanzee’s ‘performances’, and began breaking them down into elements, such as striking, dragging, and throwing.
They then used ‘transition analysis’ to evaluate the connections between these elements.
Finally, the team analysed the intervals between strikes, and compared the rhythmic stability of tool use with the rhythm of drumming performed using the hands or feet.
The results revealed that Ayumu’s performances were not random.
The male removed floorboards from a walkway before using them to drum on the walls of his cage
Instead, the intervals between his strikes maintained a constant tempo – much like a metronome.
‘In fact, using tools for striking produced a more stable rhythm than just the hands or feet alone,’ the researchers said.
In addition, the team studied Ayumu’s facial expressions during his performances.
This revealed that he tended to use ‘play face’ while making the sounds – indicating positive emotions.
‘These expressions are not typically reported in vocal displays, suggesting that emotional expressions previously conveyed vocally may have been externalized and developed into tool sounds,’ the experts added.
Overall, the findings suggest that non–human primates are able to sing and play instruments, just like humans.
The researchers now hope to analyse other chimpanzees’ reactions to Ayumu’s music, to understand its power in a social group.
