9.5 African-derived instruments
6 min read•august 20, 2024
African-derived instruments have profoundly shaped Latin American music. Brought to the Americas during the , these instruments blended with indigenous and European traditions, creating unique musical styles that reflect the region's diverse cultural heritage.
From membranophones like congas and to idiophones like and , African instruments have become integral to Latin American rhythms. Their influence extends to popular genres like and , preserving African cultural identity and shaping the region's musical landscape.
African origins of Latin American instruments
- Many musical instruments used in Latin American music have roots tracing back to Africa
- African instruments were brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade between the 16th and 19th centuries
- These instruments were adapted and evolved over time, blending with indigenous and European musical traditions to create unique Latin American musical styles
Membranophones of African origin
- Membranophones are instruments that produce sound through the vibration of a stretched membrane, typically made from animal skin or synthetic materials
Conga drums
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- Tall, barrel-shaped drums of Afro-Cuban origin
- Usually played in sets of two or more, with each drum tuned to a different pitch
- Played with the hands and fingers, producing a variety of tones and rhythms
Bongos
- Small, paired drums connected by a wooden bridge
- Higher-pitched than congas and often used in Afro-Cuban music (salsa, )
- Played with the fingers and palms, creating high-pitched, syncopated rhythms
Timbales
- Shallow, metal-shelled drums mounted on a stand
- Typically played in pairs, often in salsa and other Afro-Cuban genres
- Played with sticks, producing sharp, piercing tones and complex rhythms
Bata drums
- Hourglass-shaped drums of Yoruba origin, used in sacred and secular Afro-Cuban music
- Played in sets of three (iya, itotele, okonkolo), each with a distinct pitch and role
- Played with the hands, producing complex polyrhythms and call-and-response patterns
Idiophones from Africa
- Idiophones are instruments that produce sound through the vibration of the instrument itself, without the use of strings or membranes
Claves
- Simple, wooden sticks struck together to produce a high-pitched, penetrating sound
- Provide the essential rhythmic backbone in many Afro-Cuban and Latin American genres (salsa, son, )
Maracas
- Hollow gourds or shells filled with seeds or beads, shaken to produce a rattling sound
- Used in various Latin American musical styles, particularly in the Caribbean and South America
Guiro
- Hollow, notched gourd scraped with a stick to create a rhythmic, rasping sound
- Commonly used in Cuban and Puerto Rican music (salsa, )
Cowbell
- Metal bell struck with a stick, producing a sharp, percussive tone
- Frequently used in Afro-Cuban and other Latin American dance music (salsa, merengue, samba)
Agogo bells
- Double or triple bells of West African origin, played with a stick
- Produce high-pitched, rhythmic patterns in (samba, maracatu)
Cabasa
- Percussion instrument consisting of a hollow gourd or metal cylinder covered with beads or chains
- Produces a scratching, rattling sound when twisted or shaken
- Used in various Afro-Latin genres, particularly in West African-influenced styles
Aerophones with African roots
- Aerophones are instruments that produce sound through the vibration of air
Marimba
- Large, wooden xylophone-like instrument with resonating gourds or tubes beneath the keys
- Originated in Africa and developed further in Central America, particularly in Guatemala and Mexico
- Played with mallets, producing a warm, mellow tone and complex, interlocking melodies
Harp vs lyre
- While not of direct African origin, the harp and lyre are sometimes compared to African string instruments
- The West African kora, a 21-string bridge-harp, shares some similarities with the Latin American harp
- The African lyre, such as the nyatiti from Kenya, also resembles some Latin American string instruments in form and playing technique
Chordophones of African heritage
- Chordophones are instruments that produce sound through the vibration of strings
Tres guitar
- Three-course (six-string) guitar of Cuban origin, with a distinctive sound and playing style
- Evolved from the Spanish guitar and various African string instruments
- Plays a central role in Cuban music, particularly in the son and guajira genres
Cuatro guitar
- Small, four-string guitar popular in Puerto Rican and other Caribbean music
- Descended from the Spanish guitar and influenced by African string instruments
- Provides harmonic and rhythmic accompaniment in jibaro music and other traditional styles
Cavaquinho
- Small, four-string guitar of Portuguese origin, brought to Brazil during the colonial period
- Influenced by African string instruments and playing techniques
- Essential in Brazilian samba and choro music, providing rhythmic and melodic support
Influence on Latin American rhythms
- African musical traditions have profoundly shaped the rhythmic foundations of Latin American music
African polyrhythms
- Complex, interlocking rhythmic patterns played simultaneously on multiple instruments
- Create a dense, layered texture and a strong sense of groove
- Found in various Afro-Latin genres (salsa, rumba, samba)
Call and response patterns
- Musical dialogue between a leader and a group, or between different sections of an ensemble
- Rooted in African musical and oral traditions
- Prevalent in many Afro-Latin musical styles, particularly in religious and folk music
Syncopation and improvisation
- involves accenting weak beats or off-beats, creating a sense of rhythmic tension and forward motion
- Improvisation allows musicians to spontaneously create new melodies, rhythms, or variations within a given musical framework
- Both elements are central to African musical aesthetics and have heavily influenced Latin American music
Afro-Latin fusion genres
- The blending of African and Latin American musical traditions has given rise to numerous distinctive genres
Salsa
- Afro-Cuban dance music that emerged in New York City in the 1960s and 70s
- Incorporates elements of Cuban son, mambo, and other Caribbean styles with jazz and R&B influences
- Features a prominent role for African-derived percussion instruments (congas, , )
Rumba
- Afro-Cuban music and dance style that originated in the 19th century
- Encompasses three main subgenres: yambú, guaguancó, and columbia
- Characterized by complex polyrhythms, call-and-response singing, and expressive dance movements
Samba
- Afro-Brazilian music and dance style that developed in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century
- Combines elements of African rhythms, European harmonies, and Brazilian melodies
- Typically features a large percussion section (surdo drums, tamborims, ) and syncopated rhythms
Cumbia
- Afro-Colombian music and dance style that originated in the Caribbean coastal region
- Blends African, indigenous, and European influences, with a distinctive shuffling rhythm and accordion melodies
- Has spread throughout Latin America, with regional variations in Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and elsewhere
Merengue
- Afro-Dominican dance music characterized by a fast, syncopated rhythm and a combination of African and European instruments
- Features a prominent role for the tambora drum, güira (metal scraper), and accordion or saxophone
- Became popular throughout the Caribbean and Latin America in the mid-20th century
Cultural significance of African instruments
- African-derived instruments have played a crucial role in shaping Latin American culture and identity
Role in religious ceremonies
- Many African instruments, such as the in Cuba, are used in sacred rituals and ceremonies
- These instruments are often associated with specific deities or spiritual practices (Santería, )
- Their use in religious contexts helps preserve African cultural heritage and maintain connections to ancestral traditions
Use in popular music
- African instruments have been incorporated into various forms of popular Latin American music
- They contribute to the distinctive rhythms, timbres, and aesthetics of genres like salsa, samba, and
- The presence of these instruments in mainstream music helps to celebrate and promote Afro-Latin cultural identity
Representation of African identity
- The continued use and prominence of African-derived instruments in Latin American music serves as a powerful symbol of African heritage and identity
- These instruments provide a tangible link to the historical and cultural roots of Afro-Latin communities
- They also serve as a means of cultural resistance, asserting the value and significance of African traditions in the face of historical oppression and marginalization
Key Terms to Review (41)
African diaspora: The African diaspora refers to the global dispersion of people of African descent, particularly as a result of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. This movement has significantly influenced cultural practices, social structures, and musical expressions in various regions, connecting communities across continents and contributing to the rich tapestry of Afro-Brazilian music, Caribbean music, and other African-derived musical forms.
African Polyrhythms: African polyrhythms refer to the simultaneous combination of two or more contrasting rhythms played or sung together, creating a complex and rich sound texture. These intricate rhythmic patterns are foundational to various African musical traditions and are often produced using a range of African-derived instruments, which contribute to the unique rhythmic language of the music.
Afro-brazilian music: Afro-Brazilian music refers to the diverse musical styles and traditions that originated from the African influence on Brazilian culture, particularly through the transatlantic slave trade. This genre encompasses various forms such as samba, candomblé, and capoeira music, showcasing the blend of African rhythms, instruments, and cultural expressions with Brazilian elements. The significance of Afro-Brazilian music extends beyond entertainment; it serves as a vital means of cultural identity and social commentary within Brazilian society.
Afro-Cuban jazz: Afro-Cuban jazz is a musical genre that blends elements of jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms and instrumentation, creating a vibrant and complex sound. This genre emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in Havana, where African musical traditions combined with American jazz influences. The result is a unique style that reflects both the rich cultural heritage of Afro-Cuban music and the improvisational nature of jazz.
Agogo bells: Agogo bells are a type of percussion instrument originating from Africa, commonly made of metal and consisting of two or more bells of different pitches. These instruments are prominent in various musical styles in Latin America, particularly in Afro-Brazilian music, where they provide a distinctive rhythmic pattern and contribute to the overall sound. The agogo bells reflect the cultural exchange between African musical traditions and Latin American music, showcasing their significance in ensemble settings.
Bata drums: Bata drums are a family of double-headed, hourglass-shaped drums that originate from the Yoruba people of Nigeria and are widely used in Afro-Cuban music, particularly in religious and ceremonial contexts. These drums play a vital role in rituals and celebrations, providing rhythmic support for dances, songs, and prayers while also serving as a means of communication between the living and the spiritual world.
Berimbau: The berimbau is a single-string percussion instrument originating from Brazil, traditionally used in capoeira, a martial art that combines elements of dance and music. This instrument plays a crucial role in setting the rhythm and mood of capoeira performances while also reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil, influenced by African, Indigenous, and European elements.
Bongos: Bongos are a pair of small, hand-played drums typically made from wood or fiberglass, which are often associated with Afro-Cuban and Caribbean music. These instruments are integral to many musical traditions, providing rhythm and contributing to the lively sounds of genres like rumba and salsa. Their unique construction and playing style help connect them to indigenous musical practices and African heritage within the Americas.
Bossa nova: Bossa nova is a Brazilian music genre that emerged in the late 1950s, blending samba rhythms with jazz harmonies. It is characterized by its smooth melodies, laid-back style, and poetic lyrics, creating a unique sound that reflects both urban sophistication and Brazilian cultural roots.
Cabasa: The cabasa is a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow, cylindrical wooden body covered with a mesh of metal beads or wire. It produces a unique raspy sound when the beads are rubbed or shaken, making it popular in various musical genres, particularly in Latin American music. This instrument plays a crucial role in adding texture and rhythm to musical pieces, especially in styles that emphasize intricate rhythmic patterns.
Call and response patterns: Call and response patterns are a musical structure where one musical phrase, known as the 'call', is followed by a subsequent phrase, known as the 'response', often creating an interactive dialogue between performers. This technique is foundational in various musical traditions, particularly those influenced by African cultures, and emphasizes participation and community engagement in music-making.
Candomblé: Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religious tradition that blends African spiritual beliefs, particularly those from Yoruba, Bantu, and Fon cultures, with elements of Christianity and indigenous practices. This vibrant faith involves rituals, music, dance, and possession by orixás, or deities, reflecting a rich cultural identity rooted in African heritage and the historical impact of slavery.
Carlos Vives: Carlos Vives is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and actor known for his contributions to the vallenato music genre and his role in popularizing Colombian folk music internationally. His music blends traditional rhythms with contemporary styles, showcasing the influence of African-derived instruments and the vibrant culture of Latin America. Vives has also been a prominent figure in music festivals, bringing awareness to Colombian culture and the significance of its musical heritage.
Cavaquinho: The cavaquinho is a small, four-stringed instrument similar to a ukulele, traditionally used in various genres of Brazilian music. It plays a crucial role in the development of folk styles and rhythms, particularly within Brazilian culture, influencing a wide array of musical traditions and practices throughout Latin America.
Clave: Clave is a fundamental rhythmic pattern in Afro-Cuban music that serves as a guiding structure for the timing and phrasing of musical elements. This two-bar pattern is often played on wooden sticks, providing a framework that connects various musical styles and forms throughout Latin America, particularly those with African roots. It is essential in genres like salsa, rumba, and mambo, influencing the rhythmic language of Central American music and North American Latin music.
Claves: Claves are a percussion instrument consisting of two wooden sticks that are struck together to produce a sharp, bright sound. They play a vital role in various musical genres, particularly in Afro-Cuban music, where they serve as a rhythmic backbone, helping to establish the tempo and pulse of the ensemble. The clave rhythm is foundational and connects deeply to the cultural practices and traditions of the African diaspora in the Americas.
Conga drums: Conga drums are tall, narrow, single-headed percussion instruments originally from Cuba, played with the hands and often used in various genres of Latin American music. These drums come in different sizes, typically including the quinto, conga, and tumbadora, each producing distinct pitches that contribute to rhythmic patterns and ensemble playing. Their significance extends beyond mere rhythm as they embody cultural expressions and African heritage in Caribbean music.
Cowbell: The cowbell is a percussion instrument that typically consists of a hollow metal bell with a clapper inside, producing a distinctive ringing sound when struck. In Latin music, especially in genres like salsa, the cowbell serves as a crucial rhythmic element, enhancing the overall groove and energy of the music. Its strong, clear tone can be heard prominently in ensemble settings, often providing syncopation and helping to drive the rhythm forward.
Cuatro: The cuatro is a traditional string instrument originating from Puerto Rico, resembling a small guitar with four strings, typically tuned in an open chord. This instrument plays a crucial role in Caribbean music, particularly in genres like salsa and folk, and showcases the blending of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences that define the region's musical identity.
Cumbia: Cumbia is a traditional dance and musical genre that originated in Colombia, blending African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences. Its infectious rhythms and lively melodies have spread across Latin America, evolving into various regional styles while maintaining its core elements rooted in African musical traditions.
Djembe: The djembe is a traditional West African drum known for its wide range of tones and versatility in various musical settings. It is typically made from a carved wooden shell and covered with animal skin, creating a rich sound that is integral to African musical traditions, particularly within community and ceremonial contexts. This drum has found its way into Latin American music scenes, reflecting the profound influence of African-derived instruments on Afro-Caribbean music and cultural expression.
Fusion: Fusion refers to the blending of different musical styles, genres, or cultural influences to create a new and innovative sound. This concept is essential in understanding how various music traditions interact and evolve, leading to the emergence of hybrid genres that reflect the diverse cultural landscapes of regions like Central America, and the impacts of globalization on music.
Guiro: The guiro is a percussion instrument originating from Latin America, traditionally made from a hollowed-out gourd with a series of notches cut into its surface. It is played by scraping a stick or a wire brush along the notches, producing a distinctive raspy sound that adds rhythmic texture to various musical styles, particularly in Afro-Caribbean genres. This instrument exemplifies the African influence on Latin American music, showcasing how cultural exchanges have shaped contemporary sounds.
Harp vs lyre: Harp and lyre are both stringed musical instruments, but they differ in their structure, playing technique, and cultural significance. The harp is typically a large, triangular instrument with strings that are plucked, while the lyre is smaller, often U-shaped, and features a distinct sound box. Each instrument has played an important role in various musical traditions, including African-derived music, where they have roots in historical practices and communal storytelling.
Maracas: Maracas are a pair of hand-held percussion instruments that consist of a hollow body filled with beads or seeds, which create sound when shaken. They are widely used in various music styles across Latin America and are particularly significant in indigenous cultures and genres like salsa, Central American music, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
Marimba: The marimba is a percussion instrument originating from Africa, characterized by wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones. It has deep connections to indigenous cultures in Latin America, particularly in Central America, where it has become a vital part of traditional music and is influenced by various musical styles, including Baroque music and African-derived rhythms.
Merengue: Merengue is a lively musical genre and dance originating from the Dominican Republic, characterized by its upbeat tempo and simple, repetitive rhythms. It reflects a fusion of African, European, and indigenous influences, making it a vibrant representation of Caribbean culture. Merengue has become a symbol of national identity in the Dominican Republic and has gained popularity across Latin America and in the United States.
Mestizaje: Mestizaje refers to the cultural, social, and racial blending that occurred between Indigenous peoples and European colonizers, primarily in Latin America. This process created a new, mixed identity that significantly influenced the cultural landscape of the region, leading to unique musical styles, artistic expressions, and social structures that reflect a fusion of both heritages.
Omar Souleyman: Omar Souleyman is a Syrian musician known for his unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern music with modern electronic sounds, particularly in the genre of dabke, which is a folk dance that originated in the Levant region. His music often features the use of synthesizers and drum machines, creating an energetic and danceable style that has gained international recognition.
Percussion techniques: Percussion techniques refer to the various methods and styles used to produce sound from percussion instruments, which include any instrument that generates sound through being struck, shaken, or scraped. These techniques can vary widely based on cultural practices, instrument types, and musical contexts, allowing for a rich diversity of rhythms and sounds, particularly in African-derived instruments. Understanding these techniques is essential for grasping how rhythm and texture are created in music.
Reggae en español: Reggae en español refers to the adaptation of reggae music, originally from Jamaica, into the Spanish language and Latin American cultural contexts. This fusion not only maintains the signature rhythms and styles of reggae but also incorporates Spanish lyrics, themes, and local influences, creating a unique sound that resonates with Spanish-speaking audiences.
Rumba: Rumba is a lively dance and music genre originating in the Afro-Cuban community, characterized by its rhythmic beats, call-and-response vocals, and expressive movements. It serves as a significant cultural expression that bridges African musical traditions with Latin American influences, showcasing the deep-rooted connections between these heritages.
Salsa: Salsa is a lively, rhythmic dance and music genre that originated in the Caribbean, particularly from Cuban son and other Afro-Cuban music styles. It blends elements from various musical traditions, including jazz and rock, showcasing vibrant percussion, brass instruments, and engaging dance rhythms, making it a staple in Latin music and culture.
Samba: Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance and music genre originating from Brazil, deeply rooted in African traditions brought by enslaved people. It plays a significant role in Brazilian culture, particularly during Carnival, and reflects the blending of African, Indigenous, and European influences, showcasing the rich cultural identity of Brazil.
Slave trade: The slave trade refers to the historical practice of forcibly transporting enslaved people, primarily from Africa to the Americas, to work in various industries, particularly agriculture. This devastating commerce shaped societies, economies, and cultural exchanges in both Africa and the Americas, influencing the development of African-derived instruments and the evolution of Afro-Caribbean music.
Son: Son is a traditional genre of music and dance originating from Cuba, characterized by its fusion of Spanish and African musical elements. It serves as a foundational genre for various Latin American music styles, influencing the development of other genres such as salsa and Afro-Cuban music while reflecting the cultural identity and history of Latin America.
Syncopation: Syncopation is a musical technique where the expected rhythmic patterns are disrupted, creating emphasis on off-beats or weaker beats. This technique adds complexity and surprise to music, making it lively and engaging, especially in genres that emphasize rhythm and groove.
Syncopation and improvisation: Syncopation is a rhythmic technique that emphasizes beats or parts of beats that are usually not accented, creating a sense of surprise and complexity in the music. Improvisation refers to the spontaneous creation of music, where musicians perform without pre-composed material, often incorporating syncopation to enhance the expressiveness and uniqueness of their performance. Together, these concepts are essential in many African-derived music styles, where they contribute to dynamic rhythms and personal expression.
Timbales: Timbales are a pair of shallow, single-headed drums that originated in Cuba and are played with sticks, often used in Latin music genres like salsa and other Caribbean styles. Their sharp, cutting sound makes them a key element in rhythm sections, providing both a melodic and percussive component that enhances the overall groove of the music.
Tres guitar: The tres guitar is a traditional Cuban string instrument that plays a crucial role in the music of the island, particularly in genres like son and salsa. It typically has three pairs of strings tuned in a unique manner, contributing to its distinctive sound that blends African and Spanish musical influences. The instrument is integral to various ensemble settings, often providing both harmonic and melodic support.
Tuning: Tuning refers to the process of adjusting the pitch of musical instruments to achieve the desired sound or harmony. This is particularly significant for African-derived instruments, where specific tunings can influence the overall character and functionality of the music being played, creating distinct cultural expressions.