Top 10 African Instruments That Define the Continent's Music

African music is rich in culture and history, with a diverse array of instruments that define its unique sound. Let's delve into the top 10 African instruments that have shaped the continent's music scene.

1. Djembe

The djembe is a traditional West African drum known for its versatile sound and powerful rhythms. Made from a single piece of wood and goatskin, it is played with bare hands, producing a wide range of tones.

2. Kora

The kora is a string instrument from West Africa, resembling a harp. It features 21 strings that are plucked to create melodic and rhythmic patterns, often used in storytelling and traditional ceremonies.

3. Balafon

Originating from Mali, the balafon is a wooden xylophone with gourds underneath each key to enhance the sound. It is played by striking the keys with mallets, producing vibrant and resonant tones.

4. Talking Drum

The talking drum is a unique instrument that mimics the tonal patterns of speech. Originating from West Africa, it is played by squeezing the strings to change the drum's pitch, creating a language-like rhythm.

5. Mbira

Also known as a thumb piano, the mbira is a traditional instrument from Zimbabwe. It consists of metal keys mounted on a wooden board, played by plucking the keys with thumbs to produce enchanting melodies.

6. Shekere

The shekere is a percussion instrument made from a gourd covered in a net of beads, shells, or seeds. Originating from West Africa, it is played by shaking or hitting the gourd, creating a rhythmic and lively sound.

7. Xalam

The xalam, also known as the ngoni, is a string instrument popular in West Africa. It features a calabash body and skin-covered wooden resonator, played with a plectrum to produce intricate melodies and rhythms.

8. Berimbau

Originally from Angola, the berimbau is a musical bow with a gourd resonator and a single wire string. Played with a stick and a coin, it is used in the traditional martial art/dance of capoeira, adding a rhythmic backdrop to the movements.

9. Kalimba

The kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is a small instrument with metal tines attached to a wooden board. Originating from various African regions, it is played by plucking the tines with thumbs to create soothing and melodic sounds.

10. Oud

Although commonly associated with Middle Eastern music, the oud has roots in North Africa. It is a pear-shaped string instrument with a deep, rich sound, played with a plectrum to produce intricate melodies and harmonies.

These top 10 African instruments showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the continent's music traditions, each contributing to the rich tapestry of African musical heritage.