Tag Archives: Percussion

The Ensaasi forms another section of the percussion family and is also known by the name of Enseege shakers. The Ensaasi form a small part of the Ugandan percussion family and are also known by the name of Enseege shakers. The shakers are made from gourds or shells and are used to accompany other traditional […]

The Engalabi features as part of the Ugandan percussion family and has various names depending on the size and shape, it is also known as a membranophone. The Engalabi is a membranophone instrument and part of the Ugandan percussion family. Traditionally the drum has a head made of reptile skin attached to a large wooden […]

The Empuunyi – otherwise known as the bass drum – is a large member of the Ugandan percussion family. The Empuunyi – otherwise known as the bass drum – is a large member of the Ugandan percussion family, constructed from a large wooden chamber and a cowskin drum head. Others of varying sizes are called […]

The Embuutu forms part of the drum, percussion family; this instrument determines the main melody for dancing. Traditionally these are hand-carved from hardwood trees; nowadays these types of drums are made with pinewood slats tied together like barrels. The Embuutu is considered a so-called “enogma enkazi” (female drum), which is why they are usually decorated […]

The Akadina is part of the Ugandan percussion family; others of varying sizes are called the Akadinda, Entaara and Amadinda. The Akadina is the largest member of a family of Uganda instruments that can be described as a unique set of traditional, handcrafted, xylophone-like melodic instruments. The Akadinda is incredibly rare, and we were lucky […]

Forming part of the Ugandan percussion family; the Akadinda, Entaara and Embaire are sister instruments to the Amadinda. The Amadinda is another popular member of the melodic percussion family from Uganda. The instrument features two ‘shoulders’ carved into the bottom of the instrument, allowing for the keys to stay fixed when they are placed onto […]

The Akogo features as part of the Ugandan string family and has various names depending on dialects, it is also known as an idiophone. The Akogo, also known as the thumb piano or idiophone, is one of the most popular instruments to hail from Uganda. Made up of a series of flexible metal tongues varying […]