What we usually
refer to as Conga or conga drums have narrow heads and the appearance of staved
barrels. It is said that the more appropriate name for these instruments is the
tumbadora. The drums themselves originated in Cuba, though their origin has
Afro-Cuban roots. The drums are commonly used in the styles Conga, Rumba Salsa,
Jazz, Songo, Latin Rock and the like. The conga are most often associated with
the Cuban tumbao rhythm and open tone singing. Conga is also the name of a
dance and rhythm with African roots sung in many Latin countries. We call the
drums associated with conga, conga drums. The dance is usually associated with
the carnival season before the Christian Lent. There are four sizes of conga
drums (here from biggest to smallest): tumba
(or salidor), conga (tres
golpes, the middle drum), quinto (the
lead drum), and requinto (or Ricardo, this is the rare one not
always used), now it is not uncommon to see people playing all four. People originally
played one drum People who play the Congas are called congueros, while people
who dance to the music of the conga’s are called rumberos. Famous congueros players include: Daniel de los Reyes, Miguel
"Angá" Díaz, Marc Quiñones, Fermin Goytisolo, Chano Pozo and Jimmy
Morales. Photos and Videos Below!
Resources:
- Conga (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conga) The Wikipedia page! Yeah yeah, I know…but hay its distilled knowledge. If it still bothers you just look at the resources they site.
- Introduction to the Conga Drum (http://www.drumdojo.com/j15/learning/congaintro1.htm) A good introduction to the instrument.
