WOMEN'S SEKERE ENSEMBLE

 Drums are found all over Africa. They are an important part of some African cultures. Drums are made out of different materials such as gourds, horns, and wood. They come in in various shapes and sizes. Such as goblets, cylinders and hourglasses. Goat skin is often used for the top of drums.

There are many ways of playing drums and different styles. The Sekere is a hand drum made from a gourd or calabash strung with beads or cowry shells.

This instrument is played in different parts of Africa. In Nigeria which is in West Africa, the people who are called Yoruba call this instrument Sekere or Agbe.

According to Yoruba legend, the firs stage in the development of drumming lay in the introduction of gourds as hand drums. Two of the most common forms being the Sekere and Agbe families of gourds. According to one Yoruba legend. Oduduwa was the person to first introduce gourds into Yoruba life. Having brought them from the banks of the river Simini, where one had been presented to him as a crown by three witches.

 The Sekere is used in various sets and combinations. It is played in the traditional ensemble which consists of Iya Aje, Emele Aje, Isaju or Kekere and Aro(Iron ring). It also is played with Sakara another hand held drum,oval shape played with a stick, and the Dundun drum a hour glass shape played with a stick. 

Sekere is played in other Yoruba styles of music called Juju, Apala, Fuji ,Waka , Afro Beat and Highlife.

In the New World, the Sekere is played in different combinations such as with a conga ensemble, in bands, with Sakara, and Agogo. just to name a few.

 African music is regarded as a part of traditional history, religious beliefs and social events. Therefore the drum is used to praise God, for naming ceremonies, rites of passage, marriage celebrations, funerals, festivals, Installing Kings, Queens and Chiefs. Drums are used to pay respect to important people in the town by reciting their deeds. It tells the King when vistors are coming to the palace, it is also used for religious ceremonies and it recites the history of the people.