About the Instruments
The bongó is a two headed drum from Cuba. It was originally used to play son cubano, an Afro Cuban rhythm. Now the bongó is found in many countries and is used to play all kinds of music. In order to play, a bongó player will usually sit on a chair and place the bongó between their knees, facing outward. They use their hands, not sticks, to produce the rhythms. Sometimes the instrument is mounted on a stand.
The chekeré is an instrument created from a dried gourd and a cover, or skirt, made with string and beads. It is originally from Africa and is now played in many parts of the world, including Cuba, Puerto Rico and Brazil.
The bombo is a drum from Argentina, made of goat skin and wood. It’s full name is bombo leguero, and was originally used specifically to play Argentine folk rhythms. One or two drum sticks are used to play the bombo, and the player is usually standing up, holding the instrument with a long cloth strap. The bombo is now played all over South America.
The chajchas are goat hoof rattles, also known as uñas (toenails). They are played all over the Andes and are made by stringing together a bunch of hooves.
The maracas are a small percussion instrument made from dried gourds filled with seeds or pebbles. Players will often play different patterns with each hand at the same time. Different versions of maracas are found all over the world.