Information AboutConga |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CONGA | |
| cuban musical instruments | |
| hand drums | |
| latin percussion | |
| pop culture words of bantu origin | |
|
The conga is a tall narrow single-headed Cuba n drum of African origin, probably derived from the Congolese Makuta drums. Although ultimately derived from African drums made from hollowed logs, in its Cuban incarnation, the conga is staved, like a barrel, and they probably were originally made from salvaged barrels. It was used both in Afro-Caribbean religious music and as the pricipal instrument in Rumba . The name "conga" was coined in New York, USA in the 1950's, when Cuban Son Music and New York jazz fused together to create salsa. Modern congas have a staved wooden shell, or fiberglass shell, and a screw-tensioned drumhead. They are usually played in sets of two to four with the fingers and palms of the hand. From smallest to largest diameter, the drums are the nino (25 cm), the quinto (28 cm), the conga, seguidor or tres golpes (30 cm), and the tumbadora or salidor (33 cm). Modern congas stand approximately 75 cm. from the bottom of the shell to the head, and the player either plays seated, or the drums are mounted on a rack or stand to permit the player to stand. Congas are now very common in Afro-Latin music, including Salsa Music , as well as many other forms American popular music. Conga players are called Rumberos , while Conguero refers to those who dance following the path of the players. In Cuba, the congas are known as "tumbadoras", and two sizes are used: the "macho" (male) and the "hembra" (female). When more than two drums are used, it is usually one macho and several hembras tuned to different pitches. At the same time, the first conga is called "tumba" and it is followed by the Quinto or repicador and the Tres or '''marcador'''. Popular history in Cuba claims that the name “conga” first came to light during the processions Cabildos held dancing and chanting on the streets during Orishas celebrations. The popular commentaries referred to them as the Congos and from there the name conga. There are five basic strokes:
Historically, the drum was the connection between the deities and the human body, where the player stimulated the spirits to enter the dancer's body. FAMOUS PLAYERS SEE ALSO
|
|
|