ÀKÚBÀ
(ah-ku-bah)
A set of highly tuned mini conga-like drums, made from very dense, heavy coconut wood, played with sticks and hands, suspended on metal stands. They are very often played as talking drums as well as rythmic accompaniment. *Also see OGIDO drums, which are made of lightweight wood and thinner skins.
These are are Igbo ldrums, adopted by the Efik, Urhobo and other Eastern regions of Nigeria (drum wood and names differ) and by the Yoruba in the west.
They are particularly famous for their featuring in Fela Kuti's Afrobeat of the 1970s / 1980s and the Highlife of Chief Osita Osadebe, Rex Lawson and Dr.Orlando Owoh, to name a few.
Check the links to hear the sound and playing styles:
Chief Udoh Essiet - ex Fela Kuti percussionist (from 03:45):
Chief Osita Osadebe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZkj_h7UUP4&index=2&list=RDnTnuC9mU7Rw
Dr. Orlando Owoh (from 08:10):
Chief Tony Odili
quick demonstration by me:
Tony Allen (from 00:45):
https://youtu.be/xTgidO0jwAg?list=PLZlQsavYIO-YfWdBn8YSyhdNjkNrvRype
Igbo event in UK (from 00:55):
https://youtu.be/wHwYVPy_zlM
Fela Kuti (from 0:17:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CwWR11a6Kg
virtuoso young Igbo boy: