An agogô (Yoruba: ['aɡoɡo]) is a type of bell percussion instrument. It originated in West African music and is now often used in both traditional and modern Brazilian music. Agogôs are usually made from two cone-shaped metal pieces that produce different sounds.

Etymology

The word agogô comes from West Africa. In Nigeria, the Edo, Idoma, Igala, and Yoruba people use ágogo to describe a bell that has one or two parts and no clapper. A larger group that includes all kinds of clapperless bells is called òjè, which means "iron" in the language. The name of the instrument and how to make it were brought to the Americas by enslaved West Africans.

Construction

The agogô was first made from wrought iron, but it is now made from many different metals and sizes to create various sounds. The bells of a metal agogô are made from flat pieces of sheet metal shaped into cone forms. The two bells are joined with a U-shaped metal piece. Each bell has a different length, so when hit, it makes a different sound. The length of the bell affects the pitch; longer bells make lower sounds, and shorter bells make higher sounds. Another factor that affects the sound is the thickness of the metal. Thicker walls make less vibration, and thinner walls vibrate more easily.

Playing

The agogô is held in one hand, with the handle placed in the player's palm. The open parts of the bells should be turned away from the player, and the smaller bell should be positioned above the larger one. The bells are hit with a drumstick or another tool made of wood or metal.

Uses

Drums are an important part of Yoruba music, which is essential to Yoruba culture and religious traditions. The âgogo is a key instrument in Ìpèsè, a group of drums used during Ifá festivals. This group also plays during ceremonies to honor the gods. The âgogo is also used in several types of Yoruba music, including Juju, Afro-juju, Apala, Fuji, and others. Nigerian musicians often use the âgogo to share traditional Yoruba music with more people.

Enslaved people from West Africa first brought the agogô to Brazil. In Brazil, the instrument is used in religious practices that have roots in African traditions, such as Candomblé. It is also used to accompany capoeira, a martial art from Brazil. Along with European instruments like the seven-string guitar and indigenous instruments like maracas, the âgogo was part of music groups in the 1920s called choro ensembles. The instrument is also used in samba baterias, which are rhythmic parts of Carnival celebrations. Many Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian musicians include the âgogo in their songs to create rhythms and music styles from Afro-Brazilian culture.