The ngoni (the cameleon ngoni)

There are three types of ngoni: those used by the griots (tribal poets and musicians), those used by the hunters and those used by young people (the cameleon ngoni).

The cameleon ngoni is like the kora except that it is only 80 cm high with between three and eight strings. Originally it was used by the Peuls and had just one string. This instrument is mainly played on festive occasions.

The n’gongoma

The ngongoma comes from Guinea and consists of half a large calabash covered with a fine panel of wood. Thin metals strips of different lengths are fixed on the panel and determine the notes that are played. The ngongoma is held in both hands and played with the thumbs. It is like a ‘finger piano’. It is mainly played on informal occasions, to accompany songs.

The kalabash

The kalabash is the simplest of instruments. It consists of half a calabash turned upside-down and you tap your hands on it. ‘Rings’ can be used to produce louder sounds. It is decorated with shells, a symbol of wealth and fertility.