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Explore batá drum rhythms and re-create you own. The bata are a family of three drums from the Yoruba culture in Nigeria. During the slave trade they spread to Cuba, where they became central to the Santeria religion. |  |  | | |
Have a go on our virtual Bata Drum Player. It's based on a rhythm called Chacha rokafun.
Listen to a recording of bata drumming at an Afro-Cuban party in Brixton, London.
Read Davide's story about how he got into the batá drums.
|  | Each drum has two playing surfaces which are differently pitched. The Okónkolo is the smallest drum. It's function is to keep a steady pulse and to provide the foundations of the groove, holding the ensemble together. |  | The Itótele is the medium sized drum. It answers back to the calls of the lyá. These two drums create complex 'question and answer' conversations which bring excitement to the performance of any toque, or rhythm. |  | The Lyá is the biggest drum and the leader of the ensemble, initiating rhythms and grooves which are answered by the Itótele. The Lyá can change the feel, tempo and direction of the groove at any time. | |
Links:
What do Bata drums say:
BataDrums.com
More about Bata drums:
Latin American Folk Institute |
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Watch a video of drumming, chanting and dancing in Brixton. |
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