Description

The Bougarabou is a sacred percussion instrument from the Casamance region of southern Senegal, renowned for its deep cultural and ritual significance. Historically used in important ceremonies, such as marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, the Bougarabou’s powerful and earthy tones are only played by those initiated into its ancient traditions.

Crafted with a single cowhide drumhead and affixed by a web of ropes to an elongated wooden frame, the Bougarabou produces a resonant sound that carries across vast distances. Typically played as a set of three or four drums, each with its own unique size and tone, these drums are accompanied by clapping and other forms of percussion. Specific dances are performed only when these sacred rhythms are played, adding to the reverence of the Bougarabou’s music.

This sample pack, curated by producer Papé Armand Boyé, includes authentic Bougarabou drum loops, claps, and percussion, recorded by players steeped in this tradition. One of the featured musicians hails from a family recognized as “a family of Bougarabou since the dawn of time.” You’ll find both stacked combinations of the drums and individual one-shot samples, enabling you to integrate these ancient, culturally-rich sounds into your own music projects.