Engalabi

{{Infobox musical instrument | name = Engalabi | background = percussion | image = A man holding a local drum(Engalabi).JPG | caption = A man holding an Engalabi in his hands }}The '''Engalabi,''' also known as the '''Engoma ensajja''', is a membranophone percussion instrument commonly used in Central Africa, particularly in Uganda. It is associated with tribes such as the Baganda, Banyankole, Buzimba, and Tagwenda.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Instruments that define Uganda |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1214805/instruments-define-uganda-eur |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=New Vision |language=en}}</ref> The instrument is also referred to by various other names, including omugalabi, engaija, egaabi, omugudu, omugwabe, long drum, '''Engaabe''' (in Lusoga), and '''emiidiri''' (in Ateso).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Engalabi |url=https://music.africamuseum.be/instruments/french/uganda/engalabi.html |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=music.africamuseum.be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaggwa |first=Andrew |date=2014-02-11 |title=Sebunjo talks African music at Wazo |url=https://observer.ug/component/content/article?id=30068:-sebunjo-talks-african-music-at-wazo |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=The Observer - Uganda |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-19 |title=Lwere drums his way to the banks |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/prosper/lwere-drums-his-way-to-the-banks-1886018 |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Makanga |first=Samuel |date=2018-01-26 |title=Musical Instruments of Uganda |url=https://www.primeugandasafaris.com/musical-instruments-of-uganda/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Prime Uganda Safaris |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Design == The Engalabi is a long, cylindrical drum covered with skin, typically sourced from reptiles such as pythons or monitor lizards, or from antelopes, stretched over its wooden dowels.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2021-10-15 |title=Drum makers decry competition |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/life/drum-makers-decry-competition-3584626 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-08 |title=Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga: Lover of nature and literature |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/life/katikkiro-charles-peter-mayiga-lover-of-nature-and-literature-1801518 |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-05 |title=Bakisimba dance inspired by the drunkard's quick steps |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/bakisimba-dance-inspired-by-the-drunkard-s-quick-steps-1548384 |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref> However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has prohibited the use of monitor lizard skin for making long drums. Violators face fines or imprisonment for up to six years.<ref name=":3" />

The Engalabi is first either placed between the knees, held with one arm, or strapped to the waist or shoulder using a piece of cloth, banana fiber, or a cowhide strap.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=paresh |date=2015-03-20 |title=Engalabi: Long Drum – Percussion instrument |url=https://www.globalsoundmovement.com/blog/engalabi-long-drum-percussion-instrument/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Global Sound Movement |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Minisita Ssebuggwawo akubye engalabi n'acamula abali e Dubai |url=https://www.bukedde.co.ug/articledetails/BUK_116338 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Bukedde |language=en}}</ref> It is then tapped with the hands and is often played in combination with other instruments, such as Ngoma drums, rattles, Ensaasi, royal horns, or flutes.<ref name=":0" />

== Usage == The Engalabi is commonly used by Ugandan tribes, including the Baganda, Banyankole, Bateso, Basoga, Buzimba, and Tagwenda. It is featured in musical festivals, dance performances, and serves as a means of conveying messages during traditional ceremonies. For instance, it is played throughout the night during the "''Okwabya Olumbe''" ceremony, loosely translated as "Attending the funeral," and during twin initiation rituals. Each sound from the Engalabi carries meaning in Buganda; for example, "''Gwanga Mujje''," loosely translated as "Community, come," and "''Sagala agalamidde''," which loosely translates to "I don’t want anyone sleeping."<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> It is also used by Ugandan music producers in music production and in theatre productions, such as poetry.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-05 |title=Poetry taken back in the days |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/theatre-cinema/poetry-taken-back-in-the-days-1581408 |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref>

In Buganda, Baganda women were prohibited from playing the Engalabi, as it was traditionally played by holding it between the drummer's thighs. Women who were breastfeeding or menstruating were also not allowed to play the Engalabi.<ref name=":0" /> However, in the Lubiri, women were permitted to play the Engalabi during a "''Masiro''" ceremony dedicated to the Kabaka's predecessors by the royal orchestra.<ref name=":0" /> In modern Buganda, women are allowed to play all traditional musical instruments in musical, dance, and theatre performances.<ref name=":0" />

==Monument== The Engalabi monument, which is split into two parts, stands 11 meters high and has a diameter of 12.8 meters. It is located at the roundabout along Kabaka Anjagala Road, also known as the Royal Mile or King's Way, in Rubaga, near Bulange.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=New Buganda monument gets tourism ministry nod |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/undefined |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=New Vision |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NEW BUGANDA MONUMENT GETS TOURISM MINISTRY NOD {{!}} Uganda Tourism Board |url=https://utb.go.ug/news-and-views/new-buganda-monument-gets-tourism-ministry-nod |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=utb.go.ug}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-19 |title=KCCA gives Kabaka junction face-lift |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kcca-gives-kabaka-junction-face-lift-1606554 |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref> The monument features additional drums called ''Nankasa'' at its base.<ref name=":5" /> It is divided into two parts to provide access to the Kabaka, in line with his title "Kabaka Nantawetwa."<ref name=":5" /> The Royal Mile stretches from Bulange to the Lubiri.<ref name=":5" />

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [https://music.africamuseum.be/instruments/french/uganda/engalabi.html African Museum: Engalabi] * [https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1214805/instruments-define-uganda-eur NewVision: Uganda traditional musical Instruments]

Category:Ugandan musical instruments