Nearly every Twi proverb quoted in ordinary speech can be reproduced on drums. Many resourceful master drummers, therefore, often interlard their drum calls and praises with suitable proverbs of encouragement, incitement and so on.

There is, however, a set of proverbs which are specially constructed for use on drums, among them the proverbs of the Akantam dance played by the Fontomfrom orchestra. The proverbs of Akantam have regular metrical form, in which sound, and absence of sound or pause, have definite temporal relations. Repetitions of words, phrases or even sentences are made for metrical or special effect.

The Akantam, then is a cycle of proverbs. Each piece containing at least two proverbs, is preceded by certain introductory rhythms. The proverbs are then played rhythmically in unison by all the heavy drums, the small drums providing the musical ‘ground’. The piece is then concluded with musical rhythms merging into the introduction of the next piece. One of the proverbs quoted in each piece serves as a refrain and occurs with other proverbs in the cycle.

It is the drummer of the talking drums that indicates which proverb is to be played next in the cycle. The introductory and concluding rhythms are, therefore, meant to give him time to think while the dancers in the ring are kept busy.