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 different ways. The instrument can be shaken, tapped against the hand, or held in one hand while the other hand moves the gourd's handle. When the wrist twists, the gourd moves while the beads stay still, creating a unique sound caused by friction. The shekere originated in Yorubaland, a region in West Africa that includes the countries of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.

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

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

Varieties

In Cuba, the chekeré, also called aggué (abwe), is a large, hollow gourd about 50 centimeters long (about 19 and a half inches). It is mostly covered with a web of cords, to which many colored beads are attached. This instrument is widely used in religious and traditional Cuban music. It can be twisted, shaken, or slapped to create different sounds. Musically, it can make a wider range of sounds than maracas.

In Brazil, this African gourd rattle is called a xequerê. It is made by cutting a gourd (called cabaça) in half and wrapping it in a net with beads or small plastic balls strung through it. A similar, smaller instrument is called afoxé.