Help!!! Things Fall Apart

Metaphorically, I think it's supposed to mean that when one takes the initiative to show passion for something, the harmony will further support him. In context of the book, it is meant to illustrate that because Mr. Smith points out the injustice that the women of Umofia are often forced to suffer through yet never speak up against, he gains their support (as their metaphorical "drums" encourage him) because he aggressively emphasizes on their emotional frailty (keep in mind, the mothers of the ostensible ogbanje are forced to give up their child due to archaic rituals).