Bongo drums are two drums, consisting of one larger drum and one smaller drum that are joined together. They are particularly important in Latin music, specifically, music deriving from Cuba. Though bongo drums are often attributed to Cuban origin, there are variants of bongo drums in Africa, particularly in Egypt, and in other Middle Eastern countries. These drums differ slightly from the Cuban form of bongo drums, as the bases tend to be ceramic rather than wooden.

Bongo drums usually have a wooden base or metal base, and can be tuned by tightening the skin over the drum. Their connecting frame can be either wooden or metal. Sizes of the drums vary according to player preferences, but it is fair to say that there is always a size difference between the two drums. When played, bongo drums are held between the knees, and are tapped with the fingers. Occasionally they may also be played with brushes.

The two bongo drums are each named. The larger drum is called hembra and the smaller drum macho, which are the Spanish names for female and male respectively. Hembra, has a lower tone than macho. Both are significantly higher in tone that the much large conga drums which are also played in Latin and African music.

Bongo drums became quite popular in the late 19th century. The development of music including the drums inspired the salsa, mambo and the rumba dance forms, and was called son. As these dances gained in popularity, so did the music.

Watching a skilled musician play the bongo drums is fascinating. The hands must move exceptionally quickly to capture the staccato and quick rhythms of the music. In drum solos, the player’s hands can move so quickly that the hands appear to blur with the motions.

The player of bongo drums will usually specialize in various percussion instruments. However, when a musician plays the bongo drums, he or she is called a bongocerro. There are hundreds of successful bongocerros, such as Willie Bobo, who frequently records with Tito Puente. Frank Colon has performed with numerous groups like Manhattan Transfer, and Airto. His music is also featured in the work of solo performers like Mary J. Blige and Herbie Hancock.

Nils Fischer may be one of the most interesting bongo drums players at the moment. He works and records in Holland, where Latin music is now quite popular. He is certainly helping to spread such popularity as a teacher at the Rotterdam’s Conservatorium.