Aerophones are musical instruments that produce sound primarily by causing a body of air to

vibrate. They are classified based on how the air is set into motion. Some common examples
include:

1. **Flutes**: These produce sound by directing a stream of air against an edge. Examples
include the Western concert flute and the bamboo flute.

2. **Reed instruments**: These have a reed or multiple reeds that vibrate when air passes over
them. Examples include the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe.

3. **Brass instruments**: Sound is produced by buzzing the lips against a cup-shaped

mouthpiece. Examples include the trumpet, trombone, and tuba.

4. **Organ pipes**: These produce sound when air is blown through a pipe, causing the air
inside to vibrate at a particular frequency.

5. **Whistles**: These produce sound by directing air over a sharp edge, such as a fipple or a
notch.

Aerophones can be found in various cultures around the world and can range from simple folk
instruments to complex orchestral instruments. They play a crucial role in many musical
traditions and genres.

Africa has a rich tradition of aerophone instruments, with various cultures across the continent
creating unique and diverse instruments. Some African aerophones include:

1. **Mbira (Thumb Piano)**: Found in various forms across Africa, the mbira consists of metal
tines attached to a wooden board. The player plucks the tines with their thumbs to produce
sound.

2. **Xalam (African Lute)**: While primarily a string instrument, the xalam can also function as
an aerophone. Some versions have a hollowed-out gourd attached to the body, which acts as a
resonator, amplifying sound produced by the strings.

3. **Kudu Horn**: Made from the horn of the kudu antelope, these horns are used in traditional
ceremonies and rituals in parts of Africa. They produce a deep, resonant sound when blown.

4. **Sakara (Clay Drum)**: Originating from West Africa, the sakara is a clay drum with a conical
shape and a membrane made from animal skin. It is played by striking the membrane with a
stick while covering and uncovering the small hole in the drum's body to create varying pitches.

5. **Fula Flute (Tambin)**: A traditional flute used by the Fula people in West Africa, the tambin
is made from bamboo or wood and has a distinct, breathy tone.

6. **Dondo (Talking Drum)**: Found in West Africa, particularly among the Yoruba people, the
dondo is an hourglass-shaped drum with a membrane stretched over each end. By squeezing
and releasing the ropes that hold the drum's two heads, the tension and pitch of the drum can
be altered, allowing it to "talk."

These are just a few examples of the diverse aerophone instruments found throughout Africa,
each with its own unique cultural significance and musical tradition.

Nigeria boasts a variety of aerophone instruments, reflecting the diverse cultural traditions
found across the country. Some of Nigeria's aerophone instruments include:

1. **Oja**: A traditional flute found among various ethnic groups in Nigeria, including the
Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. It is typically made from bamboo or wood and is used in ceremonial
and cultural performances.

2. **Ekwe**: A type of wooden slit drum found among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria.
It consists of a hollowed-out log with a narrow slit carved into one side. When struck with a
mallet, it produces a resonant, percussive sound.

3. **Gangan (Talking Drum)**: Also known as the "talking drum," the gangan is a drum with an
hourglass shape and two heads, stretched over with animal skin. It is played by squeezing and
releasing the drum's ropes while striking the drumheads to produce varying pitches, mimicking
the tones of human speech.

4. **Agogo**: A double bell percussion instrument commonly found among the Yoruba people of
southwestern Nigeria. It consists of two metal bells of different sizes connected by a handle.
When struck with a wooden stick, it produces a bright, metallic sound.

5. **Shekere**: A type of shaker made from a gourd covered with a net of beads or seeds. It is
commonly used in Yoruba music and dance, adding rhythm and texture to the music.

6. **Iya Ilu (Talking Drum)**: A large, barrel-shaped drum with a membrane stretched over one
end. It is played by striking the drumhead with a curved stick while controlling the tension of the
drumhead with the player's arm to produce varying pitches and tones.

These are just a few examples of the aerophone instruments found in Nigeria, each with its own
unique cultural significance and role in traditional music and ceremonies.