The Udu belongs to the basics of every percussionist as sound effect and rhythm instrument. This Udu 80 is handmade and designed according to the old African Udu. They are played by rhythmically opening and closing the side-hole with the palm of the hand. This produces a deep bass tone, reminiscent of the sound of the Indian Tabla. This playing technique is combined with the bright, percussive body-sound produced by hitting any part of the pot with the fingers. The long, ribbed neck can also be played and yields a high percussive sound, an appealing interval to the bass root tone.
The origin of the Udu drums lies in Nigeria. Members of the Hausa and Igbo tribes discovered the wonderful sound of these earthenware instruments with two openings. Udu means “clay pot” in the language of the Ibos. The Udu can also be found in Latin America and the Caribbean and made the leap into western music culture.