Bongo

A bongo drum or ’bongos’ is a percussion instrument that comprises of two small drums held together by a thick wooden piece. The drums are made in different sizes depending upon the requirement. The smaller drum is known as a macho while the larger is known as a hembra, the names meaning male and female respectively, in Spanish. The person who plays the bongo drums is called a bongocero. It is played by holding the bongos between the knees and striking the diaphragm with the fingers. However, some classical music is played using sticks or brushes.

The history of bongo drums can be traced back to the Cuban styles of music during the late 1800’s, called Changui and Son. The present day bongo drums are said to have evolved from the Abakua Drum trio called 'bonko' and its lead drum, the 'Bonko Enchemi'. These instruments are still very much a part of the Abakua religion in Cuba and are similar to the modern day bongo drums.

Most contemporary bongos are made of a variety of materials ranging from wood to metal. These modern bongo drums can produce high-pitched sounds. In the past, bongo heads used a heating element to help tack and tune the instrument. By the mid 20th century, the heating element gave way to metal tuning lugs that made tuning easier. There are several bongo clubs that provide exhaustive bongo drum information as well as historical anecdotes.