A hugely popular choice of percussive instrument the Conga drum became more widely known after being transported to Cuba during the slave trade in the 19th century. Just like the bongo drum, congas originate from Africa in the Congolese.
This distinctive looking tribal drum has a tall and slim shape, not dissimilar from a barrel and a single drum skin. Featuring heavily in Afro-Caribbean music and the 1950s Latin music scene, this simple instrument is traditionally made from a hollowed out log.
Congas are designed to be played in a seated position, however as musical influences evolve, playing styles change and is it now common for the conga drum to be mounted and played in a standing position. Percussionists tend to employ a combination of either two or four congas with each drum tuned slightly differently.