Cuba
Shekere

Is probably the largest and loudest of all the gourd/rattle types of instruments found all over the world, and used by cultures wherever mother nature allows gourds to grow. This instrument is made from a giant hollow gourd that is covered with a bowl-shaped mesh net that has small beads, seeds or pieces of wood woven into it. The "shekere" is traditionally played and found in Africa and Brazil. Cradled between two hands, one hand holds the neck of the gourd while the other hand allows the shekere to rest on the palm. Two hands shake the gourd in a rhythmic fashion allowing the beaded mesh net to slap up against the sides of the gourd producing sound and creating powerful rhythms.

The WORLD BEATS video features live, costumed performances of ancient, ethnic, percussive traditions. Aaron Plunkett puts it all together in this fascinating 33 minute program. SEE MORE...