Bongos

/ˈbɑŋɡoʊz/ noun

Definition

A pair of small wooden drums of different sizes played with hands, originating from Africa and popular in Latin and jazz music.

Etymology

From Spanish 'bongó,' derived from African languages like Kikongo 'mpungi.' The drums arrived in Cuba via the slave trade and spread throughout the Americas.

Kelly Says

Bongos are tuned to different pitches so skilled players create melodies like a conversation—African rhythm traditions survived slavery and transformed into Latin jazz innovation.

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