Anansi Beat Drums & Rhythm Instruments

At Anansi Beat we carry a variety of handmade rhythm instruments (other than drums, of course) from Ghana and other countries. These instruments have been hand-selected by owner Nii Ardey Allotey from professional craftsmen in Ghana that he has met throughout his career as a professional drummer and dancer.

New - Asalato

Asalato Lg $9, Sm $8

Asalato are a hand-held percussion toy. They are made of two small gourds filled with beans and connected by a string. One gourd is held in the hand and the other is swung from side-to-side around the hand. Playable anytime, these are addictively fun!!

New - Middle Eastern Percussion




Professional dumbeks, cast aluminum $140	Zils $14 (top) Mini-dumbeks; small, portable $30 (center) Riqs $30

We now have middle eastern percussion. Along with the traditional drums and tambourines of middle eastern music, we have zils for belly dancers.

New - Rainsticks & Frogs

Rainsticks $25-25 Frogs $25

Rainsticks offer a gentle sound; simply upend the stick and enjoy the sound of a spring shower.

Percussion frogs come with a stick to play them; rub the stick along the frog's spine to hear it croak.

Double Bells

Double Iron Bells $20-35

These bells (known as Gangokui) provide the core of the Ghanaian percussion ensemble. They are most commonly played with a wooden stick (an old drum stick works nicely). They come in a variety of sizes for a variety of tones. These are strong, well-crafted bells.

Boat Bells

Toka (boat bells) $15-22

Dodompo (African castanets) $10-15

The boat-shaped bells (known as Toka) are most often seen atop the bass drums in a djembe ensemble. They are played with a metal rod (included). They come in a variety of sizes for a variety of tones. The prices vary by size.

The other bells in the picture (known as Dodompo) are played with a metal ring (included).

Shakers