The History of Conga Drums

Conga drums have an extensive history that begins in Africa and matures on the island of Cuba. An instrument of diverse sizes, shapes and sounds, conga drums have been used in a variety of music over the past several hundred years. Conga drums have played a major role in Cuba's political and social history.

1. Beginnings

   • While no exact date of the origin or the congas can be pinpointed, evidence of the first generation of conga drums dates back to the precolonial Congolese people in central Africa. Ethnomusicologist Nolan Warden indicates that the conga is a hybrid instrument; a combination of Cuban and African influences.

   Cuban Influence

   • Congas were developed and perfected in Cuba. Over time, the trans-Atlantic slave trade and a blending of cultures and people allowed for the modern-day conga drum to come into existence. The history of the conga drum can be traced to the Cuban jungle, where natives used the conga as a means of communication, according to the San Diego State University Music Department. During Cuba's period of political upheaval in the mid 20th century, the government of Cuba banned the use of conga drums from fear of political unrest. Some were using the conga to communicate political information.

   Types

   • According to Artdrum, there are three basic types of congas: quinto, conga and tumbadora. Each type of conga created a different sound. Quinto is the smallest type of conga. It has a high pitch and is used as an accent drum. A quinto expresses emotion and is often used as a solo instrument. The mid-sized drum is called a conga. It is the most versatile drum in that it can play mid tones, low notes and high pitches. The conga is also medium in size. The tumbadora or tumba produces a low, steady tone. It is one of the most commonly used congas today.

   Construction

   • The African relative of the conga drum was made of wood and was much more cone-shaped then today's conga. The drum heads were made of rawhide and nailed to the base. According to Artdrum, the nails were then heated and the tension in the drum head was permanently created. Modern congas can be found with wood or fiberglass bodies. Their heads can be made of rawhide or a synthetic material, like plastic. The modern heads are secured with special rings that are used to adjust tension as needed.

   Musical History

   • Conga drums are used in a variety of musical styles including Cuban, Caribbean and South American music. According to Yale-New Haven teacher's Institute, congas have also traditionally been used during worship services and cultural celebrations in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Conga players were originally not well-respected, according to Warden. However, in the 1930s, Cuban musicians like Arsenio Rodriguez and Desi Arnaz popularized the conga, making the instrument accepted in mainstream music.
     
     Source:  Ekaete Bailey, eHow Contributor

Conga drums have an extensive history that begins in Africa and matures on the island of Cuba. An instrument of diverse sizes, shapes and sounds, conga drums have been used in a variety of music over the past several hundred years. Conga drums have played a major role in Cuba's political and social history.