A Review of African Percussion Instruments
Percussion instruments define African music. It is the common theme in all special events in an African community . During the old times, African music was used to bring African people together, they often held rituals or other special events. Due to the need to participate in the community, they would play percussion instruments, the most rhythmic musical instruments they had. Some of the widely used African percussion instruments are described below.
The Djembe Drum
The djembe is a drum which uses an animal skin covered head. is characterized by a thick upper body partnered with a thinner lower body which makes the drum look similar to a goblet. The body is usually made from an echoing log to create various acoustics. The head is secured over the body with the use of ropes although, in today's world, some makers make use of steel hoops, nylon core ropes, and rubbers when tightening and tuning the drum. Djembe is used as the centrepiece of the percussion section. It has varying tones and tunes depending upon the size of the instrument. It is played by striking the drum head with fingers or hands to create different sounds.
Udu
Loosely translated, "udu" means vessel in the African language and it is usually made of clay. This former drinking vessel has an extra hole in its body to produce sounds. The sound it creates is similar to that produced by a glass bottle. In order to produce a sound, you cover the top hole with one hand while the other hand manipulates the other hole. This will then create a wide range of different tones.
Slit Drums
Slit drums is another common percussion instrument in Africa. It is typically made from hollowed wood or carved wood so it can produce a sound. Logs and bamboos are oftentimes the materials used increating this drum. The drums are struck by either hand or mallets. Just like udu, it also produces a rainbow of tones.
Double Bells
Double bells are actually made up of two metallic bells forged together to look like a horseshoe. Double Bells make use of mallets in order to produce two kinds of sounds. In the African percussion instruments, double bells are used to mark measures and keep time for the percussion players.
Aside from these four, other percussion instruments commonly used by the Africans hand-shakers, wooden xylophones, and lamellophones (finger pianos).
The Djembe Drum
The djembe is a drum which uses an animal skin covered head. is characterized by a thick upper body partnered with a thinner lower body which makes the drum look similar to a goblet. The body is usually made from an echoing log to create various acoustics. The head is secured over the body with the use of ropes although, in today's world, some makers make use of steel hoops, nylon core ropes, and rubbers when tightening and tuning the drum. Djembe is used as the centrepiece of the percussion section. It has varying tones and tunes depending upon the size of the instrument. It is played by striking the drum head with fingers or hands to create different sounds.
Udu
Loosely translated, "udu" means vessel in the African language and it is usually made of clay. This former drinking vessel has an extra hole in its body to produce sounds. The sound it creates is similar to that produced by a glass bottle. In order to produce a sound, you cover the top hole with one hand while the other hand manipulates the other hole. This will then create a wide range of different tones.
Slit Drums
Slit drums is another common percussion instrument in Africa. It is typically made from hollowed wood or carved wood so it can produce a sound. Logs and bamboos are oftentimes the materials used increating this drum. The drums are struck by either hand or mallets. Just like udu, it also produces a rainbow of tones.
Double Bells
Double bells are actually made up of two metallic bells forged together to look like a horseshoe. Double Bells make use of mallets in order to produce two kinds of sounds. In the African percussion instruments, double bells are used to mark measures and keep time for the percussion players.
Aside from these four, other percussion instruments commonly used by the Africans hand-shakers, wooden xylophones, and lamellophones (finger pianos).
About the Author:
The djembe drum is a particularly popular African instrument which is regularly used in music lessons in schools, drumming circles and music groups.
