The Drums of Vodou

The music ensemble are made up of 3 drums and a bell

The Maman or Mother drum is the largest
The Segon is medium sized
The Boula is small
The bell is the Ogan which can be made of any metal material that makes a good tinking noise

The priest can add the rattle of the Asson to the sound of the music, and of course a bass drum to add to bottom rhythms.

The Maman drummer is the one who sets the tone for the Lwa, if he sees someone who is being possessed by a Lwa he will break away from the original beat and guide the drummers to one more appropriate for the on coming spirit.

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Awesome post madem! Do you have any examples of Vodou drumming and their corresponding Lwa. Like the drum beats for the Petro, Rada, etc?

There is actually a good amount of Lwa specific music on youtube, surprising I know, complete with song and drum beat. For example:

This is a song to Legba:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMR0_QCjA2Q

Ah interesting! Thank you. :) I've seen a lot of Vodou Drum Music on YouTube actually.

Very cool post, thanks for sharing it. I look forward to more from you :D