- Nigerian music has a rich family of drums, bells and shakers, each with a role.
- Many instruments play interlocking patterns that combine into one groove.
- Learning to hear each instrument makes you a better listener, producer and player.
The short answer
Rhythm is the backbone of Nigerian music, and it is carried by many instruments played together. Drums, bells and shakers each add a layer. When you can name them and hear them, a song opens up. This guide introduces some of the best-known percussion instruments and where they appear. For the talking drum, which has its own guide, read the talking drum.
A quick overview
| Instrument | What it is | Where you hear it |
|---|---|---|
| Shekere | A gourd covered with a net of beads or seeds that rattle when shaken or struck | Yoruba music, juju, Afrobeat and many modern songs |
| Agogo | A bell, often double, struck with a stick | Many West African styles and traditions across the diaspora |
| Udu | A clay pot drum from the Igbo people, played by striking the body and the opening | Traditional Igbo music and world fusion recordings |
| Bata | Double-headed drums associated with Yoruba tradition and ceremony | Ceremonial and traditional music |
| Conga | Tall single-headed drums that became common through Afro-Cuban music | Afrobeat, highlife and many modern African recordings |
Shekere
The shekere gives a bright, sparkling rhythm. A player shakes it, twists it and strikes the base with the palm to produce both rattling and a deep thump. In many recordings it adds a steady pulse that fills the space between the drums.
Agogo
An agogo is a metal bell, usually with two different pitches. It cuts through the mix, so it is often used to mark a repeating pattern that keeps the band in time. In many traditions the bell pattern works like a timeline that the other rhythms lock onto.
Udu
The udu is a clay pot with a hole in the side. Hitting the body gives a warm, round tone, and striking the opening produces a deep, bass-like sound. Because the sound is so distinctive, it is popular with percussionists around the world.
Bata and sacred drums
Bata drums have two heads and are played in ensembles. They are strongly linked to ceremonial and religious music, so they deserve respect and understanding of their context. If you want to feature them in your music, work with drummers who know the tradition and agree on credit and payment.
How to hear them in a mix
- Pick a song and listen only to the high sounds. Can you hear a shaker or bell?
- Listen again for the low sounds. Is there a deep drum or bass underneath?
- Count along with the bell or shaker to find the pulse.
- Try to follow one instrument through the whole track.
- Listen to examples of different styles. See African music genres.
Using percussion in your own music
- Hire or collaborate with real percussionists whenever you can. A live player adds feel that samples struggle to match.
- Record in a quiet room and use a close microphone. See set up a home recording studio on a budget.
- Avoid stacking too many percussion parts. Leave room for each instrument.
- Credit and pay everyone who plays on your recording. See music metadata and how to protect your music copyright.
- Protect your ears when recording loud instruments. See hearing protection for musicians and producers.
Quick checklist
- Learn the main instruments by sound
- Follow a bell or shaker to find the pulse
- Respect sacred and ceremonial traditions
- Work with real percussionists
- Credit and pay collaborators
- Protect your hearing
Key points to remember
Percussion is a conversation between players. Learn to hear each voice and your listening, your playing and your production will all improve.
