Agogô

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An agogo (is a Yoruba word meaning gong or bell in English) is a single or multiple bell now used throughout the world but with origins in traditional Yoruba music and also in the samba baterías (percussion ensembles). An agogo may be the oldest samba instrument and was based on West African Yoruba single or double bells. The agogô has the highest pitch of any of the batería instruments.

Contents 1 Construction 2 Religious Origins 3 External links 4 References

[edit] Construction

It is made of metal with each bell a different size. This allows a differently pitched note to be produced depending on which bell has been hit. Originally wrought iron, they are now manufactured in a variety of metals and sizes for different sound qualities. The most common arrangement is two bells attached by a U shaped piece of metal. The smaller bell is held uppermost. Either bell may be hit with a wooden stick to make a cow-bell like sound or less commonly a clicking sound is produced by squeezing the two bells together.

[edit] Religious Origins

It is used in the ceremonial music of religions in Yorubaland as well as in their new world practice, which are based on beliefs brought by slaves from Africa such as candomblé. It may be officially used for congregation or heralding the coming of a dignitary. It is the main instrument of Obatala and Orisa Nla (Orisa Nla o, Alagogo Oje o). (Both Obatala and Orisa n la are very important Yoruba deities or gods).

David Byrne, lead singer of 1980s and 1990s rock band Talking Heads, has used the agogô on various albums and live in concert. Also, agogô bells play a distinctive role within drummer Neil Peart's mandatory solo during his live performances with the band Rush.

[edit] External links

• Bateria Sounds

[edit] References

• African and African-American Contributions to World Music (PDF)