Cuba
Campana

Pronounced ("come-pa-nah"), also referred to as a cencerro, bells provide the key rhythmic pattern for much of Afro-Cuban music. Bells are like muted drums that are made of metals, and are found all over the world. Cultures have produced some form of bell, gong or sounding metal wherever metal technology has taken root. The cowbell is held in one hand with the mouth of the bell pointing away from you and the index finger up against the mouth of the bell. The striking hand holds a thick wooden stick and hits the bell on the rim of the mouth as well as near the closed end of the bell. The "campana" is traditionally played by the timbalero (timbale player) and bongosero (bongo player).

The WORLD BEATS video features live, costumed performances of ancient, ethnic, percussive traditions. Aaron Plunkett puts it all together in this fascinating 33 minute program. SEE MORE...