Nanigo Rhythm
The Nanigo rhythm originated in the Yoruba tribes of Nigeria. It was
influenced by Cuban culture after being brought to Cuba from Africa
during the years of African-Cuban slave trade. It is thought that the
Nanigo rhythm originated from the religious worship of the Orishas
during a “Bembe,” or celebration of the spirits. It is the mysterious,
voodoo roots of the Nanigo beat, and the perception of its players,
that added to the repression of the African culture within Cuba.
The fear of the “Nanigo,” or the African male (whether from Nigeria or
not) in Cuba may have actually led to the ban of the Conga drum, a
modern staple of Cuban music, because it was feared that the Nanigo population would use the Conga drum as a means of communication between the communities, much like in tribal Africa.
The Nanigo rhythm, or any of the 6/8 rhythms of African-Cuban music,
has evolved into the more common Cuban rhythms heard today like the son
or rumba clave or even as a base for the mambo or salsa. Typically,
the Nanigo is played on a Conga drum, but can also be adapted for the
bongo or Djembe drum.
Since the Nanigo rhythm has been adapted for use in all genres
of modern music, it is a commonly played rhythm that can be used for
improvisation, drum solos or to keep a steady, and fast beat. It can be
felt as either a 6 rhythm or a 4 rhythm, depending on the particular
beats accented during its performance. The versatility of the Nanigo
rhythm lends itself well not only to culturally-diverse musical
compositions, but also to the smaller, more intimate drum circle music.
The Nanigo rhythm can also be heard in modern music, but may be best
known for its appearance in Frank Zappa’s How Could I Be Such A Fool?
As a celebration of spirituality and African culture, the Nanigo rhythm
shines, even through its history during the African slave trade and
subsequent treatment of the Nanigos in Cuba. It is a rhythm that has
survived beyond politics and fear, and has become one of the more
favored rhythms played today by many artists in different genres,
including rock, pop and metal music.
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