Udu

The kim-kim or Udu is a plosive aerophone (in this case implosive) and an idiophone of the Igbo of Nigeria. In the Igbo language, ùdù means 'vessel' or 'pot'.^[1] This is a hand percussion instrument and it is one of the most important instruments in Igbo music.

Actually, being a water jug with an additional hole, it was played by Igbo women for ceremonial uses.^[2] Legend says that the Udu drum was made accidentally because a punched hole was on the side, making it useless. Instead of throwing it away, the owner started to drum it.^[3]

Usually, the Udu is made of

in different music styles.

The Udu is played in two primary ways: it is either placed on the lap or secured to a stand using duct tape.^[3] The player produces a bass sound by quickly striking the larger hole.^[4] Various pitches can be achieved by adjusting the hand position over the smaller upper hole. Additionally, the body of the instrument can be played using the fingers, creating a diverse range of sounds.

• Clive Sithole^[5]
• Eugene Skeef^[6]

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• Botija
• Ghatam
• Ipu
• Gagar