Here is a collection of musical instruments we play for the music of Cuba, the Caribbean Island and Latin America.
Conga
The conga is the primary instrument of the music of this region. It is used in many types of ceremonies and genres of music.
The Conga comes in 4 basic sizes, but other sizes are used from time to time. The 4 basic sizes are called:
- Requinto - Very high
- Quinto - High
- Conga - Medium
- Tumbadora - Bass
Clave
The Clave provides the "glue" for the ensemble. The word "clave" refers to the word "key" and stresses the point that the clave is the heart or key of the ensemble.
Cowbell
The Cowbell is also central to the timeline of the ensemble just as the clave. In this case the cowbell accentuates the rhythm of the claves and adds dimension to the ensemble.
Shekere
Like many instruments on this page the shekere is a transplant of the African slaves brought to the Americas during the slave trade. The shekere was used primarily as solo instrument in religious ceremonies, but is now common in many genres of music.
The Shekere is a dried gourd which is cleaned out and covered with a skirt of beads. When the gourd is played right it will produce a loud bas tone along with the sound of the beads.
Bata Drums
Bata drums are primarily used in Cuban and Nigerian religious ceremonies celebrating the Orishas or Gods of the respective religions.
The drums have a head on each side and is played while it sits on your lap. The Bata drums come in 3 sizes:
- Okonkolo - Small
- Iya - Mother Drum
- Itotele - Medium
Samba Whistle
As the name implies this whistle is used extensively in Samba Ensembles. The whistle can play three tones as you cover up each hole as you are blowing into the front.
Cajon
The Cajon is a drum made out of a wooden box. If notice the hole on the side this where the sound escapes when it is played. The performer sits on top of the drum to play the drum.
The Cajon comes in 2 flavors, with and without strings. The stringed model is sometimes known as a "Flamenco" cajon and plays a snare sound when used. The other is simply a Cajon, but without the snare sound and clearer bass.
Marimbula
The Marimbula is a very close relative the Cajon and an instrument called the Mbira. It is large wooden box with metal tines attached to the front. The player sits on top of the instrument and plucks the tines which vibrate and produce the sound.