🥁 Origins (Late 1800s – Early 1900s)

The story begins with enslaved Africans brought to the Caribbean, who preserved their musical traditions through drumming. After emancipation, drumming became central to celebrations like Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. However, during colonial rule, authorities banned African drums in the late 19th century, fearing they could be used for communication and rebellion. In response, people adapted:

• These were struck on the ground or with sticks to create rhythms
• First, they used bamboo percussion instruments, called tamboo bamboo