Cabasas are a percussion instrument that creates a bright rattle sound when shaken against the palm. It works as a great instrument for the classroom and school orchestras, but also is ideal for music therapy due to needing minimal hand movement to produce a sound. Read more…

Cabasas are a percussion instrument that creates a bright rattle sound when shaken against the palm. It works as a great instrument for the classroom and school orchestras, but also is ideal for music therapy due to needing minimal hand movement to produce a sound.

Our range of cabasas include products from Percussion Plus, a brand with over 30 years-worth of trust placed in them from schools all across the country, so you can find the best one for your classroom at a great price.

The cabasa is a African percussion instrument similar to a shekere. Traditional cabasa are constructed of a dried and hollowed out gourd with beads strung around the outer surface. Latin percussion invented the metal afuche cabasa which produces a metallic, rattling sound similar sound to that of a rattlesnake. The afuche cabasa is often used in Latin jazz and bossa nova pieces however is has also be know to be used in band and orchestral pieces.

The cabasa is played by grasping the handle and shaking or twisting the wrist. Some drum kit players use a mounted cabasa. Because of its sound, the cabasa is frequently used in music therapy and especially with individuals with physical or neurological disabilities or those who have restricted movement.

African cabasas

Crafted in Ghana using traditional methods and materials, the Percussion Plus Honestly Made African cabasa with shells produces a lovely “chichichi” sound when played. Due to the use of a naturally grown gourd, the sizes for this instrument vary from season to season, making it a wonderfully unique cabasa. 
The Percussion Plus Honestly Made African cabasa with beads is also crafted in Ghana using a gourd, with dozens of beads suspended by a web of string around the outside to create the “chichichi” sound when shaken. With a colourful design and soothing sound, this cabasa is perfect for the classroom as well as music therapy.
Inspired by the original African instruments, the Percussion Plus Honestly Made beaded afuche de coco is made from a hollowed out gourd, and features a net of colourful beads to help create a soft “shshsh” sound when held in the palm of the hand and rubbed back and forth.

Afuche cabasa

The Percussion Plus afuche cabasa has a built-in handle for easy grip, and it is available in natural, black and red finishes. It creates a bright scratching sound when spun or shaken, making it a great addition to the classroom or school orchestra, and there are quantity discounts available for teachers that want to buy in bulk but are working with a budget.

The Percussion Plus afuche cabasa – mini is a small cabasa with steel chain beads for a controlled scratching sound, and is a perfect instrument for getting younger students involved in fun classroom activities.