The word cajon is the Spanish word for box. During the 16^th century slavery

was alive and well in places like Peru and Cuba. 

    These were African slaves and for reasons of fear and superstition they were not

allowed to have any of their ethnic drums or instruments.

But that did not stop the zeal for the music that was still stirring inside of them. 

    They began to play anything they could get their hands on.

Spoons, chairs, dresser drawers, tabletops, and boxes used to carry produce

and fish became their new instruments. Out of these very simple beginnings

came the modern style cajon drum that you see today.

It has become the national instrument of Peru

and is gaining popularity in Latin and other styles of music.

    The thing that impressed me with this instrument

was just how simple in design it was and yet it had such a powerful

and diverse sound.  I believe anyone could play one of these box drums

without having to be a professional. The only requirement

would be a genuine sense of rhythm and timing.

Do you have a zeal for music stirring inside of you?

Get a drum and let it OUT!