The shekere (from Yoruba Ṣẹ̀kẹ̀rẹ̀) is a percussion instrument made from a dried gourd covered with a net of beads or cowries. It can make sounds in several ways. It can be shaken, struck against the hand, or held in one hand while the other hand holds the gourd's handle. When the wrist is twisted, the gourd moves while the beads stay still, creating a unique sound through friction. The shekere originated in Yorubaland, a region in West Africa that includes Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.

Although it began with the Yoruba people, the shekere is now used across West Africa and Latin America. It plays an important role in traditional music and is also found in some modern music styles. In Ghana, it is called axatse. In Latin America, it is often called cabaça. Other names include afuxê, afoxé, cabaca, cabasa, and cabaza, depending on the language and culture.

The shekere is made from gourds that grow on the ground. The shape of the gourd affects the instrument's sound. To make it, the gourd is dried for several months, then the pulp and seeds are removed. After scrubbing, beads and color are carefully added.

Varieties

In Cuba, the chekeré, also called aggué (abwe), is a large, hollow gourd about 50 cm long (approximately 19.5 inches). It is mostly covered with a web of strings to which many colorful beads are attached. This instrument is commonly used in Afro-Cuban sacred and popular music. It can be twisted, shaken, or slapped to create a range of sounds. Musically, it is more versatile than maracas.

In Brazil, this African gourd rattle is known as xequerê. It is made by cutting a gourd (called cabaça) in half and wrapping it in a net. Beads or small plastic balls are threaded through the net. A similar, smaller instrument is called afoxé.