A conga is a barrel shaped hand drum that originated in
Africa but was developed in Cuba. It is believed to have been derived partially
from the Makuta drums used in Congo although it is likely that various drums
influenced the development of congas. The name conga is also used to describe a
rhythm, various music groups, a type of music as well as a dance but it is mostly
used when referring to the instrument.
Conga drums appeared in Cuba in the 18th century where they were first referred to as tumbadora, a name that is still often used today. Since they were heavily used in conga groups playing conga music, these drums eventually became associated with the term conga even though they were used in other genres as well such as Rumba.
Today, congas are widely used in various musical genres internationally such as salsa, merengue, rock, jazz, etc. While it was originally customary to play one conga at a time, it is now common to see conga players with a set of drums playing on multiple congas. Moreover, it is an ideal drum to be played in a group and can often be seen as part of drum circles. A percussionist playing congas is usually referred to as a conguero and they may choose to play these drums while seated or standing.
The description conga is used to describe drums of different sizes. While the terminology applied to each size may differ even in Cuba, generally speaking the following classification applies:
Conga drums appeared in Cuba in the 18th century where they were first referred to as tumbadora, a name that is still often used today. Since they were heavily used in conga groups playing conga music, these drums eventually became associated with the term conga even though they were used in other genres as well such as Rumba.
Today, congas are widely used in various musical genres internationally such as salsa, merengue, rock, jazz, etc. While it was originally customary to play one conga at a time, it is now common to see conga players with a set of drums playing on multiple congas. Moreover, it is an ideal drum to be played in a group and can often be seen as part of drum circles. A percussionist playing congas is usually referred to as a conguero and they may choose to play these drums while seated or standing.
The description conga is used to describe drums of different sizes. While the terminology applied to each size may differ even in Cuba, generally speaking the following classification applies:
- Supertumba (confusingly this is sometimes also called tumba or salidor by some sources like the terminology given to the second category. Other than that it is also known as super tumbadora): Diameter – 31.8cm to 35.5cm
- Tumba (aka tumbadora, salidor): Diameter – 30.5cm to 31.8cm
- Conga (aka segundo, segunda, tres dos, tres golpes, tres, rebajador): Diameter 29.2cm to 30.5cm
- Quinto (aka primero): Diameter around 28 cm
- Requinto (aka super quinto): Diameter around 24.8 cm
- Ricardo (aka niño): Diameter around 22.9 cm
The supertumba is therefore the drum with the largest diameter producing more resonance than the other drums as well as creating the deepest sound. As the diameter sizes decrease from suptertumba to ricardo, the sound that is produced becomes higher such that a ricardo drum produces the highest sound. Out of the above types of congas it is rare to see drums used in practice outside of the three primary types which are tumba, conga and quinto.
