Bongo Drum

 By Lauren - 25/2/19

 

 

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  and the smaller the macho. Together with the conga or the tumbadora, and to a lesser extent the batá drum, bongos are the most widespread Cuban hand drums, being commonly played in genres such as son cubano, salsa and Afro Cuban jazz. A bongo drummer is known as a bongosero. 

 

 

Facts 

 

1. The bongo drums are believed to have originated in Cubas eastern region in the Oriente Province in the late 1800s.

2. Bongo drums are usually between 6-7 inches to between 7-8.5 inches.

3. Most bongos are made of wood, with drum skins made either with animal or plastic.