 The
Boucarabou (alternative spelling bougarabou) is a set of 3 to 4 drums
commonly used in Gambia as well as the rest of West Africa. The drums
are single headed with an elongated goblet shape, usually placed on
a single stand and the end is covered in
cow hide.
Traditionally only one Boucarabou was played at a time, but in
more modern times, possibly influenced by modern western music, players
now perform on multiple drum configurations.
The drum is originally from the Jola people
in Casamance, Senegal as well as the Gambia, and is normally played
solo, by a single drummer. The drummer also wears a series of metal
bracelets that contribute to the sound, and the dancers often clap and
sing with the music, but it is unique in that a single drummer traditionally
provides the drumming. One of the most eminent performers of this instrument
is
Saikouba Badjie.
They are normally played with only the hands in a standing position.
They have a full, deep, rich sound which can be heard for miles and
is effective at all dynamic levels. They produce a kind of bass melody
in the total rhythm. In other modern drumming configurations, they are
often used to back up the djembe and tama in a percussion group.
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Culture & Traditions Music Traditional Modern
Senegambian Music 
The
Boucarabou (alternative spelling bougarabou) is a set of 3 to 4 drums
commonly used in Gambia as well as the rest of West Africa. The drums
are single headed with an elongated goblet shape, usually placed on
a single stand and the end is covered in
cow hide.
