What is a dun dun drum?
A dunun is a rope-tuned cylindrical drum with a rawhide skin at both ends, most commonly cow or goat. The drum is played with a stick. Three different sizes of dunun are commonly played in West Africa. The dundunba (also spelled dununba) is the largest dunun and has the lowest pitch.
How are Dunun made?
The dundun can be made of wood (cedar, walnut or any other hardwood) or of metal. The drum shell of a metal dundun is a sawn-off cylindrical barrel. The three drums are placed horizontally in an X-shaped stand to support the drums during play. The dundun is approximately 65 cm long and has a diameter of 40 to 50 cm.
What are the differences between the Dun Dun and the djembe drums?
Before the 1950s, the djembe was only known in its original area. The dundun is a cylindrical stick drum made with a wooden shell, cowhide (which provides a tougher playing surface), metal rings, and woven rope which tightens the skin in a manner similar to that used on the djembe.
How many types of Dun Dun are there?
This hour glass shaped drum is made in six types and exists in a family structure namely Iyaillu, Aguuda, Omele, Adamo, Kanago and Gudugudu, the latter been the eldest of all. Each plays a specific traditional role in society.
What is the Bougarabou drum?
A bougarabou (alternative spelling “Boucarabou”) is a set of drums commonly used in West Africa. The drums are single headed (cow skin), with an elongated goblet or roughly conical shape, usually placed on a single stand, and most commonly played in sets of three to four.
What is a Dundunba?
The Dundunba is the largest size drum of the dundun set and often plays the groove and adds power to a rhythm with its big bass notes. This drum can be either a soft or hard wood depending on the tone and projection required. This drums are fitted with Australian cow hide on both sides using top quality marine rope.
Where does the balafon come from?
The balafon is associated with the Griot, an hereditary musicianship tradition of West Africa and in The Gambia this tends to be mostly found in Brikama (where there are also a lot of griot or ‘jeli’ families who play the kora or African harp).
Where did the bougarabou come from?
The Bougarabou (alternative spelling “Boucarabou”) originates from the south of Senegal and the Gambia and is used during African celebrations. The shape and the cow skin covering creates the warm and resonant sound which reminds one of the Conga.
What is the bougarabou made of?
The bougarabou is made from hollowed out wood, with an hourglass shape and a head skin typically from cow or buffalo. To supplement the sound, drummers wear bracelets that jingle as they play. The bougarabou drum can be played either standing or sitting.
Where is the Shekere from?
West African
The shekere (from Yoruba Ṣẹ̀kẹ̀rẹ̀) is a West African percussion instrument consisting of a dried gourd with beads or cowries woven into a net covering the gourd. The instrument is common in West African and Latin American folkloric traditions as well as some of the popular music styles.
