African Bongo

The African bongo drum looks more like a djembe drum than it does a set of bongos. The obvious difference between these bongo drums and others is that there is only one drum. Traditionally, bongos come in a set usually consisting of a 7 3/4 to 8 inch Hembra drum and a smaller (around 6 inches) macho bongo.

This African drum also uses a rope based tuning system. I have never seen a set of bongos that uses rope based tuning, but with this bongo being a single drum, it allows for rope to be used in place of the standard rims and lugs. This is a much more complex drum to tune than those that use the standard mechanical tuning systems of regular bongos.

Most of these African hand drums come from Ghana where they are the preferred percussion instrument. The African Bongo drum shown above was handcrafted in Ghana by local artisans. The sound is superb and the iron construction makes it a durable instrument great for the wear and tear that comes from transporting your gear. If you have a nice drum like these African drums, you are going to want to be sure to get a quality drum bag to protect it.

Although it looks similar to a Djembe , this is actually an African Kpalogo Bongo. Another instrument hand made in Ghana, it is made of quality hand dried goat skin. Most of these drums come with beaters, but the most common way to play them is to use your hands. You can also get many more sounds out of the drum by using your hands than you can by using the beaters. I show you how to get different sounds out of your bongo drums in my free bongo lessons (link at bottom of page).

This African djembe bongo features the same quality goat skin and imported rope assembly that you’ll find on most of these Ghana made drums.

This Kenkeni is another example of an African Drum. They are most often used as part of an ensemble in djembe drumming. They provide a rhythmic beat under the djembe pattern and solos.

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Learn More About The African Drum or Leave African Bongo Page and Learn How To Play Bongo Drums.