The bongo (often referred to in plural as bongos or bongas) is a percussion instrument of African origin, consisting of two drums of different sizes placed next to each other, played directly with the hands.

The bongo is used in Latin music, especially in Cuban music, where it has developed a particular form and technique.

The bongo produces two distinct sounds: the larger drum has a deeper pitch and is called hembra (female), while the smaller drum has a higher pitch and is called macho (male). The bongo is a versatile and expressive instrument that can create embellishments and phrases to highlight the vocals or a specific moment in the piece.

In this article, we will explore the history of this musical instrument, from its African origins to its spread in Latin America and the world. We will learn how to play it, the musical genres that use it, and the main bongo players in history.

Finally, we will offer some tips on choosing and buying a good bongo.

The African Origins of the Bongo

The bongo has African origins, like many other percussion instruments. It is believed to have been brought by the Bantu people, who migrated from Central and West Africa to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade.

The bongo initially spread in the rural areas of Cuba, where it was used for dances, festivities, and rituals. The term “bongo” is a generic term referring to various types of ethnic drums. Specifically, the Cuban bongo is distinguished by its conical shape and tuning through lugs, and it developed in the 19th century when Afro-Cuban musicians began combining elements of African music with Spanish and Creole music. The bongo became a fundamental instrument for accompanying the island’s typical musical genres, such as cha-cha, bolero, and danzón.

The bongo was used as the sole percussion instrument in groups, and its player had the role of leading the rhythm and interacting with other musicians.

The Spread of the Bongo in Latin America and the World

This particular drum did not remain confined to Cuba but spread throughout Latin America, thanks to the musical movement known as son cubano, which combined elements of Spanish, African, and Caribbean music. Son cubano reached its peak between the 1920s and 1940s and gave rise to various subgenres such as mambo, cha-cha-cha, and salsa.
In a short time, it became an essential instrument for these musical genres, which required syncopated and complex rhythms.
The bongo also adapted well to other Latin American musical genres, such as merengue, cumbia, and bachata. The bongo also gained international fame with the global spread of Latin music.

Many famous musicians have used and continue to use this instrument in their songs, such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Santana, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The bongo has also influenced other musical genres, such as jazz, rock, and pop, becoming a universal musical instrument appreciated by musicians and listeners from different cultures and traditions.

How to Play the Bongos

The bongo is a musical instrument that requires skill and sensitivity. To play it well, you need to know the basic techniques and the various sounds it can produce.

The bongo is held between the knees or on a dedicated stand, with the larger drum (hembra) on the right and the smaller drum (macho) on the left. Left-handed players can reverse the position. The instrument is struck with the fingers or palms, although some modern compositions require sticks. There are several ways to strike it to produce different sounds.

Some of the most common techniques are:

– Open tone: strike the center of the drumhead with the fingertips, creating a full, resonant sound.
– Muffled tone: strike the center of the drumhead with the fingertips and then rest the palm on the head, creating a short, muted sound.
– Slap: strike the edge of the drumhead with stiff fingers, creating a sharp, high-pitched sound.
– Finger tap: strike the edge of the drumhead with one or two fingers, creating a light, delicate sound.
To play the bongo, follow the music’s rhythm and create rhythmic patterns that repeat or vary depending on the musical genre. Some of the most famous rhythms are:
– Martillo: the basic bongo rhythm, used in salsa and son cubano. It consists of four beats per drum, alternating between hembra and macho. The first beat is an open tone on the hembra, the second is a finger tap on the macho, the third is an open tone on the hembra, and the fourth is a finger tap on the macho.
– Bolero: used in bolero and cha-cha-cha. It consists of two beats per drum, alternating between hembra and macho. The first beat is a muffled tone on the hembra, and the second is an open tone on the macho.
– Cumbia: used in Colombian cumbia. It consists of three beats per drum, alternating between hembra and macho. The first beat is an open tone on the hembra, the second is a slap on the macho, and the third is a finger tap on the macho.

How to Choose and Buy a Bongo

Here are some tips for buying a bongo:

Before purchasing one, decide on your budget and the quality level you want.

Generally, cheaper instruments are made from synthetic materials or low-quality wood, with artificial skins and simple mechanics. These bongos are suitable for beginners or occasional use but do not offer good sound quality or durability.

Mid-range instruments are made from higher-quality wood, such as oak or mahogany, with natural skins and sturdier, more precise mechanics. These bongos offer a good quality-price ratio and are suitable for those who want to play regularly and with a certain level of expression.

High-end bongos are made from premium woods, such as cedar or rosewood, with selected skins and high-quality mechanics. These instruments offer excellent sound quality and long-lasting durability, but they are also expensive and require more care and maintenance.
They are ideal for professional players or passionate collectors.

Besides the budget and quality, you should also consider the size and weight.

Usually, larger and heavier bongos offer greater depth and sound power but are also bulkier and harder to transport. Conversely, smaller and lighter bongos provide greater agility and ease of transport but are less rich and powerful in sound.

Choose the size and weight of the bongos based on your available space, the type of music you want to play, and how often you will move them.

Another aspect to consider is style and design.

Each bongo has a unique look, determined by the shape, color, and decorations of the shell, the tone and finish of the skin, and the type of mechanics. You can choose a more traditional or modern style, more subdued or flashy, depending on your personal taste and the effect you want to create on stage or at home. Of course, style should not come at the expense of sound quality and functionality.