Bongo

/ˈbɑːŋɡoʊ/ noun

Definition

A pair of small, hand-played drums usually played together to make rhythmic music.

Etymology

From West African languages, likely Bantu origin. The word traveled to Cuba with enslaved people, became central to Cuban music, then spread worldwide as bongo music became popular in jazz and world music.

Kelly Says

Bongos traveled from Africa to Cuba to the world, representing how enslaved people preserved their musical heritage even through terrible circumstances! The drums became a global symbol of rhythm and African-Cuban culture.

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