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The shekere (also spelled shakeré, sekere, or chékeré) is a traditional African percussion instrument made from a dried gourd covered with a net of beads or seeds. It is commonly used in West African music, as well as in Afro-Caribbean and Latin American musical traditions.

Key Features of the Shekere:

Construction:

• Gourd: The body of the shekere is a large, hollow gourd. The gourd is dried and cleaned, with the seeds removed.
• Bead Netting: A net made of beads, shells, or seeds is woven around the gourd. The netting is usually loose enough to allow the beads to move freely.

Sound:

• The shekere produces a variety of sounds depending on how it is played. Shaking the shekere causes the beads to strike the gourd, creating a rhythmic rattling sound. Hitting the gourd with the palm or fingers produces additional percussive effects.

Playing Technique:

• The shekere is played by shaking, twisting, or striking it. The musician can control the complexity and texture of the sound by varying the intensity and speed of the movements.

Cultural Significance:

• The shekere is an important instrument in many African musical traditions, often used in ceremonial, religious, and social contexts. It is also used in contemporary music genres, including jazz, salsa, and world music.

The shekere's vibrant sound and versatile playing techniques make it a popular instrument for adding rhythmic and textural elements to various musical compositions.