The Ibo Udu Drum - Culture

Have you heard the mystical sound of udu drums? Relaxing, almost hypnotizing, it carries you into a different world: The land of the Igbo. Below, I'll tell you about the origin and traditions of these African pottery drums.

If you are looking to buy an udu, it is very unlikely that you'll find an authentic one from Africa. The traditional instruments are too fragile to transport. That's why Western manufacturers started to produce modern versions of the African udu.

The Origin Of Udu Drums
The Igbo people are an African tribe that occupies a region in southeastern Nigeria. In their language, "udu" means pot. And that's exactly what these drums originally were: simple water pots.

A potter once struck an extra hole in its side while crafting a water pot and discovered the beautiful sound that resulted from it. This musical pot has many different names in Nigeria: udu, abang mbre (pot for playing) or kim kim, just to name a few.

The Traditional Use Of Udus

Like other African percussion instruments, udus have religious functions. The Igbo also use clay pots and other pottery ware for rituals and ceremonies.

It can be hard for us Westerners to imagine what that means. Here are some examples of who may set up a traditional shrine and why:

a woman that is unable to have a child
a family that suffers from sickness or poverty
a community that is threatened by war or natural disasters

The pottery and other sacred items become a medium for spirits, ancestors and gods. The Igbo make prayers and sacrifices before them to please the spirits and ask them for help and guidance. During these rituals, the deep haunting sounds of the udu drums are believed to be the voices of ancestors.

Udu Drums In Modern Times

Today, the sounds of musical pots praise God in churches, because nowadays most Igbos are Christians. And even men fearlessly play it to entertain audiences in bars.

Of course, also famous African stars and Western percussionists have noticed the peaceful and mystical sound of this African instrument:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wSeGxn8v00g
Dobet Gnahore, the rising star from the Ivory Coast plays an udu in "Paleo".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lctTIPGNLys
Frank Giorgini's Set of 4 Udu Drums Played by Brian Melick









The Udu is percussion instrument that is classified as a "vessel drum". It is played amongst the Igbo peoples. Amongst the Igbo people, the udu is much wider shape and volume. Originally the use of the udu was to be used as a water jug. In the languages of these peoples the word "udu" means "peace" or "vessel". Traditionally the udu was only made by the women in the Igbo. It was also used originally as a water jug. The word udu means vessel "peace" or "vessel". Today the Udu is now used and adapted into many different musical styles, from jazz, to rock, to classical and even Persian classical music. The udu was adapted by notable groups like the Kamkars and other Persian musicians. The left and right hands when striking the udu push a certain amount of air through the vessel. This leads to a deep resonant sound that is reminiscent to the Indian tablah.

http://www.african-music-safari.com/udu-drums.html

http://www.museumofworldmusic.com/udu.html