The udu is a traditional percussion instrument of the Igbo people living in Nigeria. It's usually made of clay and is essentially an empty water jug with a hole in it.
The Meaning of Udu
In the Igbo language - a dialect spoken mainly in the south-east of Nigeria - 'udu' literally means pot, which is exactly what it is since it's a hollow instrument with an opening at the top and an extra, bigger hole in the side of the body.
Playing Technique
Thanks to its construction, the udu drum shapes a bass-heavy sound that can be varied by changing the speed with which you hit the hole in the side while your other hand controls the size of the opening in the top to adjust the pitch. This unique African percussion instrument can also be played by tapping the body with the fingers.
Popular Udu Brands: Schlagwerk and Meinl
While traditionally made of clay, modern udus also come fashioned out of materials like wood, ceramics, metal and plastic, all of which shape a different sound and resonance. Clay udus generally sound warm and earthy, while metal udus produce a sharper and clearer sound. If you're looking for a good udu, check out the models made by leading percussion brands such as Schlagwerk and Meinl.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bongos
What's an udu drum?
The udu drum is a pot-like percussion instrument that originates in Nigeria and is traditionally made of clay. It's a hollow instrument that comes with an opening at the top and an additional, slightly bigger hole in the side of the body.
