In the first edition of our Music 101 series, we will introduce you to 8 musical instruments from Africa.
Djembe Drum
Shaped like a goblet, the djembe drum is carved from African hardwood. Its origins can be traced to the great Mali Empire.
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Ekwe
Also known as the ‘log drum’, Ekwe is popular in Nigeria and Cameroon. Made from wood, it comes in a variety of sizes and styles. With the large Ekwe, you get deep bass tones while the smaller sizes produce sharper (pitched) tones.
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Shekere
Made from a dried gourd, and beads woven onto a net used as covering, the Shekere originates from West Africa.
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Mbira
Also known as the thumb piano, Mbira originates from Zimbabwe. It is played with the thumbs and one finger.
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Balafon
Historical records show that the Balafon originates from West African Countries: Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ghana. The playing style is similar to the Xylophone.
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Udu
Made entirely of clay, and shaped like a vase with a narrow neck, the Udu drum was invented by the Igbos (Nigeria).
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Akonting
Traced to Senegal, the Akonting is believed to be the inspiration behind the ‘Banjo’.
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Kora
The Kora is a popular string instrument in West and East Africa. Twenty-one leather or nylon strings are attached to the top of the neck with leather turning rings.
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