Bongo

General info:

Bongos are an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small open bottomed drums of different sizes. In Spanish the larger drum is called the hembra (female) and the smaller the macho (male).

History:

The origin of the bongo is unclear. Its use was first documented in the Eastern region of Cuba known as the "Oriente", during the 19th century, where it was employed in popular music styles.

However, a similar small double drum, called Tbilat or TanTan, has existed in North Africa at least since the 12th century, and so it is possible that the Cuban bongo is of Moorish rather than West African origin. Another indication of North African origin is that the traditional Cuban bongo uses metal tacks to fasten the drum skin to the head. This technique is one that has been common in the Middle East since antiquity. An argument for West African origin is that the ends of the Cuban bongo are open, whereas the ends of the Tbilat are usually closed.

The bongo came to western Cuba at the turn of the 20th century. As Cuban big band music gained international popularity, the Cuban bongo was exported all over the world. It is today one of the most common hand drums.

Range:

The range of the bongo spans over 2 octaves, from A2 to G4.

Role:

N.A.

Foreign names:

Bongo ---- German

Bongo ---- French

Bongo ---- Italian

Famous pieces:

N.A