Cabasa

The cabasa, also known as the afuche or cabio, is a percussion instrument of African origin that is commonly used in Latin, jazz, and popular music. It is constructed from a wide cylinder made of wood or metal, wrapped with loops of steel ball chain. The cylinder is fixed to a long, narrow wooden or plastic handle.

To play the cabasa, one hand holds the handle while the other rubs or twists the chains around the cylinder. This produces a rattling or scraping sound with rhythmic variations depending on the technique used. The sound is created by the beads striking the surface of the cylinder.

The cabasa provides a distinctive percussive texture and is often used to create rhythmic effects and add color to musical arrangements. Different sizes of cabasas exist, producing varying pitches and volumes. Its versatility and distinctive sound have made it a popular instrument across a range of musical genres.