Congas are Cuban drums that are of African Descent. These are single headed drums that are narrow and tall. They are believed to be derived from Congese drums. Congese drums are drums that are commonly played in a region of Congo. Over the years, these drums have found their way into popular culture and have even inspired the creation of the Conga Dance - which is one of those wedding dance clichés that you swore to never do but end up doing anyways.

As African drums, Congas were made with the use of hollowed logs. The Cuban version of it is shaped like a barrel as early versions of these drums were probably made using old barrels. Modern Conga drums are made of either wood or fiberglass with a screw tensioned drum head. The term “Conga” gained popularity in the 1950’s with the injection of the Latin Culture and Music in the United States. The word Conga is a derivative of a name of the rythm called La Conga, the drums used were referred to as “Conga Drums”. Conga players are called congueros and those who follow in the path of the players are called rumberos.
Here are a few basic strokes when playing the Conga:

Open Tone - This is achieved by playing with four fingers striking near the edge of the drums’ head. This type of stroke produces a clear and resonant sound.

Muffled Tone - The Muffled tone is achieved similarly to the Open Tone. This is done by striking the drum with four fingers but at the same time holding it against the drum head to create a muffled sound.

Bass Tone - You can create a low muted sound or a Bass Tone by playing with the full palm on the head of the Congo.

Slap - The Slap is the most difficult technique in playing the Congas. This stoke create a clear popping sound and is done by hitting the drums quickly. When played in quick successions, this is also called the floreo.

Touch - This tone can be used in creating the Conga equivalent of drum rolls. This is achieved just by touching the fingers or the palm to the drum head. In order to achieve the drum roll effect the heel-toe maneuver must be executed. The Heel-Tone Maneuver involves combing touching the drum head with fingertips and with the palm.

At present, the influence of Conga music is still felt all throughout popular culture. Music genres like: Samba and Bossa Nova, as well as Reggae and Country music often use Conga drums in their music.

About the author: Ethnic Drums
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com