The Conga drum : development, technique, styles, improvisations and the contribution of master drummer Ramon 'Mongo' Santamaria

Abstract

This thesis aims to document the broad development of the conga drum or tumbadora as it is known in Spanish, a hand drum of Congolese descent which developed in Cuba. The conga drum is now one of the most popular rhythmic instruments found in the world today, taking part in a wide range of musical settings. The research includes a historical perspective, a detailed analysis of sounds, hand technique, rhythms and improvisations, with particular reference to the contribution of master drummer Ramon 'Mongo' Santamaria, arguably the most influential player in the history of the instrument. The thesis also contains a detailed examination of personal tuning and set‐up preferences, an introduction to the instrumental sticks known as claves, an analysis of the clave concept, its connection with rhythm and song, as well as a detailed examination of the rhythmic and improvisational evolution of the conga drum over the years. The methodology utilised in this thesis includes analysis of musical sound, oral history gathered directly from cultural bearers, as well as transcription of audio‐visual material. The essence of the thesis is not only to document the historical development of the instrument as well as Santamaria’s musical journey, but it also aims to examine new hand techniques, as well as the wider vocabulary available to the conga drummer, in music making today.