Algaita Explained

Algaita
Classification:	Double reed
Related:	Sorna Rhaita Suona Sopila Shawm Zurna

The algaita (also spelled alghaita, algayta or algheita) is a double reed wind instrument from the Sahelian region of West-Central Africa that is used by the Bamum,^[1] Hausa and Kanuri peoples in Cameroon and Nigeria. Its construction is similar to the oboe-like rhaita and the zurna. The algaita is distinguished from these other instruments by its larger, trumpet-like bell. Instead of keys, it has open holes for fingering, similar to the zurna.^[2]

Traditional recordings

• Music from the Villages of Northeastern Nigeria (Folkways, 1971)
• "Music of the Cameroon - The Fulani of the North" (Lyrichord 7334)

Use in jazz recordings

• Yusef Lateef, In Nigeria, (YAL Records, 1983)
• Yusef Lateef, The African-American Epic Suite (1994)

See also

• Kakaki
• Oboe
• Rhaita
• Shawm
• Washint
• Zurna

References

• H.G. Farmer, "The Arab Influence on the Western Soudan." The Musical Standard, 15 November, 1924.

External links

• Alghaita page
• Algaita page

Notes and References

1. Web site: Etonde . Patricia . 2022 . Adaptation of the German Colonial Administration to Traditional Bamoun Governance . 2024-07-09 . www.grin.com . en.
2. Web site: African Music - MSN Encarta . https://web.archive.org/web/20091028204539/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761560962/African_Music.html . 2009-10-28 . dead .