Shekere and Bells

Bells and shakers have a really important part to play in any musical ensemble in West Africa.

It would be unthinkable for any band to operate without them. The bells stridently keep the rhythm, purposefully maintaining a steady beat.

As you can see in these pictures, there is usually a whole row of shekere players who accompany the drums. They play a complex rhythm that grips the heart and compel the dancers tirelessly onward.