Bongo: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฅ
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bongo

 

[หˆbษ’ล‹ษกoสŠ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical instrument

Bongo drums are a pair of small, open-ended drums played by hand, originating from Afro-Cuban music. They are typically made of wood or fiberglass and have a distinctively high-pitched sound. Bongos are used in various musical genres including Latin, jazz, and pop. They are played by striking the drumhead with the fingers, producing rhythms that are both rhythmic and melodic.

Synonyms

drum, instrument, percussion.

Examples of usage

  • She played the bongo passionately during the performance.
  • The band featured a bongo player alongside the guitarist.
  • Bongos add a vibrant sound to the Afro-Cuban dance music.
  • He learned to play the bongo as a child, inspired by his father's music.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'bongo' is believed to have originated from the African word 'bango,' which describes a type of drum.
  • Bongos were introduced to the world music scene through Cuban music in the early 20th century.
  • The term 'bongo' can refer to both the individual drums and the set together.

Cultural Significance

  • In Afro-Cuban music, bongos are essential for creating lively rhythms that accompany dance.
  • Bongos often symbolize joy and celebration in various cultures, making them popular at festivals.
  • Famous musicians like Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria helped popularize the use of bongos in jazz and Latin music.

Music and Instruments

  • Bongos typically come in two sizes: a larger drum called the 'hembra' (female) and a smaller drum called the 'macho' (male).
  • Playing bongos involves using fingers to produce different sounds, allowing musicians to express a wide range of emotions.
  • They are often played by sitting down and placing the drums between the knees, adding a personal touch to music.

Pop Culture

  • Bongos have been featured in countless music genres, including rock, jazz, salsa, and even pop.
  • The character 'Bongo the Bear' in various cartoons promotes a fun and lively image often associated with the drums.
  • In the Nintendo game 'Mario Party,' bongos are used in mini-games, introducing the instrument to a younger audience.

Celebrations and Festivals

  • Bongos are often played during fiestas and carnivals to energize crowds and encourage dancing.
  • In some cultures, drumming with bongos is part of rituals or ceremonies, symbolizing unity and community spirit.
  • The infectious beats of bongos often rally people together, making them a staple in celebratory gatherings.

Translations

Translations of the word "bongo" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bongo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‹เค‚เค—เฅ‹

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Bongo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bongo

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะพะฝะณะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bongo

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒœใƒณใ‚ด

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bongo

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bongo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bongo

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ด‰๊ณ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูˆู†ุบูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bongo

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bongo

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้‚ฆๆˆˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bongo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bongo

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะพะฝะณะพ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒœแƒ’แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bongo

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bongo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,929, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.