VOA Memorabilia

VOA MEMORABILIA

SAKARA DRUMS

These are rare drums imported from Nigeria, West Africa. They are handcrafted by the Hausa Tribe of North Central Nigeria. The women fashion the rim of the drum out of red clay. The men use goat skin to make the heads of these drums. The largest drum may be covered with cow or antelope skin. There are several wooden pegs around the rim of this drum which can be use to tighten the skin which brings the tone of the drums up to a higher pitch. Each drum is unique, as well as each tone is unique because these drums are hand crafted. However there are basic tones that can be expected, ranging from high tones coming from the small drums to low and deep tones in the extra large drum. They are struck with a small stick, with various patterns including the use of the hands and fingers. These drums are quite powerful and particularly when played in an Ensemble of three or more. They are also portable and easy to care for. To get an in depth demonstration, be sure to contact us for a concert or workshop presentation.

CAUTION: Do not drop this drum, expose to extreme temperatures or over moisturize it!

Atele-Medium - $30

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SEKERE/SHEKERE - BEADED GOURDS

The Sekere is a beaded gourd that can be seen played all over the continent of Africa and around the world. This item is a must have for anyone collecting African instruments. The instrument is created from a gourd (vegetable). The gourd is dried, cleaned and then dressed with a network of beads. These gourds come in various styles, shapes and sizes. There are two tones that come from the instrument. One is the sound that resonates from the gourd itself, and the beads that are shaken. Gourd tones vary according to the natural quality of the gourd itself, that is the thickness, length of the neck of the gourd and the shape and size of the belly. The particular style featured here is typically seen played in Nigeria, West Africa. Some may call it the Afro Cuban version. We offer imported sekere's as well as custom handcrafted instruments.

Rhythmkids™ Sherekes

For Your Own Custom Made and/or Custom Designed Shekere visit Shuga Mama Shekeres

Please contact Zakiyyah McKelven or Janet McDonald if you are interested in having your item custom made.

VISIT Shuga Mama Shekeres on Facebook Want to learn how to play this instruments? Click Here.

AGOGO (Nigeria) BELLS/GONKOGWE (Ghana)

Bells are a significant part of any African Drum Ensemble. The bell acts as the metronome and is used to keep the timing and add flavor to the rhythms that are being played by the drums. In some instances bells are played alone with no drum accompaniment. The person who plays the bell must have incredible timing as the drums respond to the bell and are kept in place by its meter. These bells are hand crafted, fired and honed by Blacksmiths in Ghana and Nigeria who pride themselves in the quality, sound, tone and construction of these instruments. Again, each bell has its own particular sound. Each bell consist of two parts or heads with one head smaller than the other. The larger head has the lower tone and smaller head has the higher tone.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INSTRUMENTS WE PLAY? CLICK HERE.

Ghanaian Gonkogwe Bell

Nigerian Agogo

Nigerian
Gonkogwe Style Bell

Large - $45

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Medium - $35

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Small - $25

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Small - $25

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VOA MUSIC CD's

Coming Soon

Magic Of Drums

Stay Tuned For the Hottest Drumming of All times, an Entire Album, Drum, Drum, Drum!!!!!!!!

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