Kontigi

A kontigi or kuntigi is a one-stringed African lute played by the Hausa, Songhai and Djerma.^[1][2] A 3-string version teharden is used among the Tamashek.^[2]

Kontigi with metal body made from oval can.

Side view of a kontigi. The lute has a elongated or oval half-calabash soundbox. It is small, about 12 inches long, with a high pitch.

The instrument is used in Hausa music, primarily in northern Nigeria and Niger,^[1] and among Hausa minorities in Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Cameroon. It is also found among Islamized peoples throughout West Africa (see Xalam). The best-known player of the kontigi is Dan Maraya.

Characteristics

Kontigi, bottom row, third from left.

The instrument uses a calabash gourd as the body of the instrument, covered by skin, with a stick for a neck.^[1][2] Modern instrument have had the gourd replaced by a can, such as a large sardine can.^[1][3] The neck on the Kontigi has "metal disk surrounded by small rings" which make noise as the instrument is moved or played.^[2] The tone is high pitched.^[2]

Performance

The instrument is used to perform "praise songs" by professional musicians or by Griots in Nigeria.^[1][3] A well-known musician who used the instrument was Dan Maraya, who recorded albums.^[1][3] The instrument is used in Niger by children and men, performing solo.^[1]

Sample recordings

A kontigi as illustrated by P. G. Harris in his 1932 article Notes on Drums and Musical Instruments Seen in Sokoto Province, Nigeria

• Kidan Kashewa by Dan Maraya Jos^[4]
• Wakar Keren Mota III by Dan Maraya Jos^[4]

See also

• Krar