Shekere

Overview

The shekere is a West African percussion instrument made from a hollow dried gourd wrapped in a loose net of beads or shells. When the player shakes, twists, or slaps the gourd, the beads strike the surface and produce a crisp, rattling sound. Originally a Yoruba instrument from what is now Nigeria and Benin, the shekere has spread through the Afro-Atlantic world, becoming a key voice in Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, and contemporary jazz percussion.

Origin & History

The shekere developed among the Yoruba and other West African peoples, where it has been played for centuries in religious, ceremonial, and social contexts. Different sizes serve different roles, from small handheld shakers to large, deep-toned instruments that anchor the rhythm of an ensemble.

Through the transatlantic slave trade the shekere traveled to the Americas, where it took root particularly in Cuba within the Lucumí (Yoruba-derived) religious tradition. In Cuba it is often called chékere or agbe and is used in batá drum ensembles and in Santería ceremonies. From Cuba it has entered Latin jazz, salsa, and contemporary world percussion.

How It’s Played

The player typically holds the gourd by the neck with one hand and the body with the other, then shakes, twists, or strikes the gourd in coordinated patterns. The most basic technique combines a forward shake, a tap on the bottom of the gourd with the palm, and a twisting motion of the wrists, producing a rhythmic three-stroke pattern.

Larger shekeres are played by tossing the gourd back and forth between two hands or against the body, producing a deeper, more rhythmic accompaniment. Skilled players combine shakes, slaps, and tosses into intricate polyrhythmic patterns that can drive an entire ensemble.

Cultural Significance

In Yoruba religious and ceremonial life the shekere accompanies songs of praise, blessing, and storytelling, and is associated with several orisha (deities). In Cuba the instrument plays a central role in Santería ceremony and in popular ensembles that draw on those traditions.

In contemporary global music the shekere has become a familiar voice in Latin jazz, Afrobeat, and world fusion. It is also widely taught in school music programs in North America and Europe as a hands-on introduction to West African and Afro-Caribbean rhythm.

Related Instruments

• Cabasa – the modern manufactured cousin with metal beads on a cylinder
• Maracas – paired shaken percussion of the Caribbean
• Bata – the Yoruba and Cuban ceremonial drums often paired with the shekere
• Caxixi – the small Brazilian basket shaker
• Agogo – the Yoruba and Brazilian double bell

Where to Hear It

Recordings by the Cuban groups Síntesis and Yoruba Andabo, Nigerian Afrobeat ensembles led by Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti, and Latin jazz recordings by Mongo Santamaría all feature the shekere prominently. Field recordings of Yoruba ceremonial music on labels such as Smithsonian Folkways provide essential traditional context.

• Wikipedia: Shekere
• Wikimedia Commons: Shekere

Learning Resources

The shekere is widely available in West African music supply shops and through online retailers. Beginners can learn the basic three-stroke pattern in a single session, and many percussion teachers offer instruction in both West African and Afro-Cuban styles. Workshops at world percussion festivals are an excellent entry point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shekere made of?
A hollow dried gourd covered with a hand-knotted net of beads, shells, or seeds.

Is shekere the same as cabasa?
No, but they are related. The cabasa is a manufactured percussion instrument with metal beads on a cylindrical wooden body. The shekere is the older organic instrument from which the cabasa was derived.

How do you play it?
By shaking, slapping the bottom with the palm, and twisting the gourd to make the bead net move against its surface in rhythm.

Is the shekere hard to learn?
The basic pattern is simple. Developing speed, dynamic control, and authentic feel takes practice within a tradition.