The djembe resembles a single-headed goblet drum originally from Guinea and Mali. The instrument is used alongside the nyatiti to amplify emotion during song and dance. In the olden days, the oporo was used during funerals, weddings, barazas, and other important functions. Popularly known as the Oporo by the Luo community, the curved antelope horn resembling that of a kudu has multi-colored beads played by blowing air through its narrow holes. Handmade balafons, koras, and similar percussion instruments have 21 keys while the frame resembles a calabash. Jelis and other hereditary musicians pass down teaching instruments from father to son or daughter, a practice that continues to date. Balafon is made of a bamboo frame made of original rosewood or other wood selections depending on availability.

Balafon is associated with Griot tradition, a hereditary ritual in Gambia, West Africa. This instrument creates sound by vibration and is synonymous with the Mandinka. The bafalon is a musical instrument in West Africa that closely resembles a European Xylophone. Musical instruments span from percussion, string, wind, drums, and several others. We shall examine some of the prominent musical instruments that are still in use today. You can learn a lot about the continent’s flamboyant textiles, trade of valuable metals, and musical traditions. Africa is an enormous continent, of diverse people, cultures, and practices.

Kora african stringed instruments