The blasting sound of the Kakaki is one of its defining features that draws this beautiful aerophone associated with royalties to its listeners. Likewise, its extraordinary length of about three to four meters and the inflated cheeks of its blower.

The Kakaki, also known as "Waza" in Chad and Sudan or "Malakat" in Ethiopia, is a metal trumpet, whose origin is largely associated with the Songhai cavalry, an elite army that existed between the 15th and 16th centuries. This traditional musical instrument is also credited to the Hausa people across Niger, Chad, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

The kakaki is an exceptionally long metal-forged tube-like musical instrument. The instrument is open on both ends. One end is narrow and the other wider, bell-shaped.  Air is blown into the trumpet through the narrow end as the instrumentalist controls the pitch and tone of the sound produced with the lips and mouth. The whole  three-four-meter-long metal tube is joined around the middle at an enlarged point. This instrument is usually decorated with beautiful engravings and sometimes, colorful tassels to beautify it. Interestingly, the Kakaki is sometimes mistaken for a similar ceremonial trumpet called Farai, which is made of wood of about a meter or two.

Uniquely, the Kakaki is a traditional African musical instrument played only by men.

The Kakaki plays a significant cultural role in ceremonies among the Hausa people. It's used to welcome or announce the arrival of the Sultan or Emir and in praise-singing of dignitaries at events. The Kakaki is also used at funerals and other social functions.

The kakaki can be a standalone musical instrument or be part of a larger musical ensemble. When it's used in the latter, kakaki is played alongside drums, Farai, and other traditional instruments.

Despite its enduring use for royal functions and traditional ceremonies, the kakaki has found use in contemporary Hausa music as music producers and musicians blend it with other musical styles.

The kakaki is not only a musical instrument but also a symbol of cultural identity and heritage among the Hausa people.

The Kakaki is a traditional metal instrument common with the Hausa from West African states such as Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Ghana and Burkina Faso.

Kakaki, the Traditional Metal Trumpet from West Africa

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