Here are a few interesting experiments with the HAPI drum. You’ll note that it does not always have to be used as a percussion instrument — it has plenty of melodic punch as well. The videos are intended by me to be viewed in the sequence given for the best effect.
Here is a UFO being played at Mount Fuji:
Folk application? Sure, with the right tones, it’s possible:
And my personal favorite, an experiment with HAPI and tablas: