CultureAugust 30, 2026
yabara
yah-BAH-ruh
Definition
A traditional West African percussion instrument consisting of a hollowed-out calabash gourd covered with a net of dried seeds, played by striking the gourd against the palm.
Etymology
The word originates from the Bambara language, a Mande language spoken primarily in Mali, referring specifically to this type of gourd-based percussion instrument.
In the news
In the article, Bagayoko uses the yabara as a key rhythmic tool during her performances, striking it against her palm to produce a sharp, rattling accompaniment to her singing.
Still dancing at 88, Mali’s Mariam Bagayoko keeps tradition alive
Read the full article ↗RFI