One-stringed African lute
A kontigi or kuntigi is a one-stringed African lute played by the Hausa, Songhai and Djerma. A 3-string version "teharden" is used among the Tamashek.
The instrument is used in Hausa music, primarily in northern Nigeria and Niger, and among Hausa minorities in Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Cameroon. It is also found among Islamized peoples throughout West Africa (see Xalam). The best-known player of the kontigi is Dan Maraya.
Characteristics.
The instrument uses a calabash gourd as the body of the instrument, covered by skin, with a stick for a neck. Modern instrument have had the gourd replaced by a can, such as a large sardine can. The neck on the Kontigi has "metal disk surrounded by small rings" which make noise as the instrument is moved or played. The tone is high pitched.
Performance.
The instrument is used to perform "praise songs" by professional musicians or by Griots in Nigeria. A well-known musician who used the instrument was Dan Maraya, who recorded albums. The instrument is used in Niger by children and men, performing solo.
References.
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