Some Hausa musical instruments and their names
Nigeria is renowned for having a diverse population of tribes and ethnic groups. Every ethnic group has its own unique traditional music. Their unique collection of musical instruments have been played for ages and are becoming increasingly popular. One of Nigeria’s largest ethnic tribes is the Hausa. Their folk music contributed features to the development of Nigerian music like the Harp and the violin with one string. Hausa rural folk music and urban court music are the two categories into which Hausa music falls.
Here are five musical instruments used in Hausaland and their names:
1. The Kora: It’s perhaps one of the most well-liked and well-known musical instruments. It is also known as Jali. The instrument looks like a typical guitar. On a gourd covered in an animal’s skin or hide, twenty-one (21) threads are positioned.
Read Also: Queen Amina of Zaria – The Warrior Queen
2.The Kalimba: It is also referred to as the thumb piano. Metal strips that are joined to a resonator make up the musical instrument. The strips can be of various lengths. You must use a finger pad to touch the ends of the strips in order to duplicate the sound. Originally, the strips that make up the Kalimba were made of bamboo, but more recent versions use metal. The actual case is presented in wood.
3. The Talking drum: It is probably the most well-known musical instrument in Africa. The hourglass-shaped drum is typically placed beneath the arm due to the game’s simplicity. To change the pitch or sound, a drummer presses or compresses the narrow edge of the drum.
4. The Balafon: It frequently mimics the design of an African Marimba or xylophone. Wooden slats that are loosely wrapped with a cord over the little gourd are used to make the musical instrument. When the boards are struck with little hammers or sticks, the sound is produced.
5. The Kakaki: It is a metal trumpet measuring three or four metres. During Hausa traditional ceremonies and other events, the Kakaki is frequently employed. In Hausa societies, the sound of the Kalaki is reserved for royal occasions and is only played at gatherings held at the palace of the king or sultan. The Kakaki is played exclusively by men.