About the UDU drum from Nigeria

... a bit about the UDU Drums from Nigeria

(photo courtesy of the Udu Gallery)

The Udu Drum comes to us from Nigeria, Africa. Originally, it was not designed specifically to be a percussion instrument but it was just a common clay pot made for carrying water.

It became an instrument just by chance as a tale says somebody from an ancient nigerian tribe dropped the pot down which resulted in an hole in the side of the pot, and then, he discovered its earthy, musical sound...

Its lowest tone was believed to be the "voice of the ancestors, it became to be an important part of religious ceremonies in the country. "Udu", meaning both "pottery" and "peace" in the tribal language.

(photo courtesy of the Udu Gallery)

(courtesy of the Udu Gallery)

They are so beautifully designed that a prominent museum in New York City added them to its permanent collection.

I became fond of this somehow rare drum because its low, unique vibrations are pure / spiritual, reminding somehow a heartbeat.

Also, its high pitches can be compared to the Indian Tabla Drums. The tones can also be compared to the African Talking Drums, and have sound characteristics that no skin-covered drum (like Djembe, Congas, Bongos, Derboukas...ets) can obtain. Udu drums come in various shapes as shown on the photos. Their tones / characteristics are then much different from each other.

Click here to listen to UDU solo

Playing technique :

UDU drums are played with an infinite combination of both hand palms and fingers covering alternatively fully or partially the two holes of the Udu.
One major specificity is that the sound level is much lower than a skin covered drum (good for home practice at any hour of the night without disturbing the neighbours!) and therefore, it needs some amplification system in case of public performance.

... Also, at home, it is also an original and elegant sober decorative object...