Udu

Traditional Clay Percussion from Igbo Culture

The udu, also known as kim-kim, is a percussion instrument originating from the Igbo people of Nigeria. In the Igbo language, ùdù means "pot" or "container." Originally, the udu was a ceremonial instrument played by women during traditional rituals. According to legend, the instrument was born by accident when a pierced clay pot, no longer usable for its domestic function, was transformed into a drum.

Traditionally, the udu is made of clay. It appears as a rounded vessel with a lateral hole in addition to the top opening. In some regions, it is customary to use the ashes of deceased individuals to craft the clay used in molding the udu, further deepening its spiritual significance. Today, models made of plastic, glass, or other modern materials are also available and used by percussionists in many contemporary music styles.
The udu can be played either :
on the musician’s lap
or on a fixed stand, sometimes held in place with tape.

The instrument’s signature sound is produced by quickly tapping the side hole with the palm or fingers, generating a deep, resonant tone akin to a breath. The pitch and timbre can be modulated by partially covering or uncovering the top opening with the hand. The body of the pot may also be struck with the fingers to create rhythmic embellishments.

This dual technique—air displacement (aerophone) and material vibration (idiophone)—makes the udu a particularly rich hybrid instrument.
While the udu still holds an important place in traditional Nigerian music, it is now widely used in world music, jazz, meditative genres, and modern percussion fusion. Its unique timbre allows it to blend into both acoustic and electronic settings.

With its organic shape, ritual origins, and deep, enveloping sound, the udu embodies the richness of Igbo musical tradition and its openness to modern experimentation. Percussionists around the globe are drawn to its versatility and its ability to converse with a wide range of instruments.

UDU IN CRUSH PERCUSSION