Sakara music

Sakara music is a form of popular Nigerian music based in the traditions of Yoruba music. It generally takes the form of praise songs that are accompanied by traditional Yoruba instruments such as the solemn-sounding goje (spike fiddle), and the small round sakara drum, which is similar to a tambourine and is beaten with a stick. Sakara music overlays nasalized, melismatic vocals (which are inspired by the singing of East Africa, as well as by Arabic traditions) on a rhythmic accompaniment provided by the traditional percussion and string instruments. The music is often brooding and philosophical in mood.