The cabasas was designed to create rhythmic scraping sounds and patterns. The beads can be manipulated against the textured steel or the instrument can be spun or shaken for varying sounds, the likes of which can be heard in music all over the world. It provides a metallic, rattling sound when shaken or twisted, similar to the sound of a rattlesnake. It is often used in Latin jazz.
The cabasa is frequently used in music therapy, particularly with individuals who have physical or neurological disabilities as it requires minimal hand movement to produce a sound. This instrument should be included in every percussionist's arsenal.
Similar to the cabasa, a shekere is a handheld percussion instrument composed from a hollowed out gourd, covered with beads or seeds. The beaded area rests in the palm of one hand while the other hand twists the gourd, making a swishing sound. The crisp, loud sound of the shakere can be surprising, and it compliments the African drum very well.
