I think you would enjoy reading James Gleick's The Information! Edit0: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talking_drum https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talking_dru

I think you would enjoy reading James Gleick's The Information! Edit0: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talking_drum https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talking_drum It begins by talking about this, maybe that's a good start! It documents that they are able to transmit complex messages like jokes and proverbs entirely through rhythm!