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Kon

The kon is a two-string lute of the Frafra people and is found in the Sudan savannah belt of West Africa. Among the Bisa from Burkina Faso it is known as konde, while the Kassena call it kono, and the Dagomba biegu.

The kon consists of a round gourd, the top part of which has been sliced off. A goatskin is stretched across the opening and has two holes through which the wooden neck is inserted. A piece of wood is placed between the neck and the gourd to keep the neck in place. The two to four nylon strings are secured to the neck with cow sinew. The strings are pulled back using a piece of wood that serves as a bridge. The instrument is tuned by moving the strings forwards or backwards. Small metal plates are attached to the top of the neck and make a rattle sound while the instrument is being played.

The kon is played with a plectrum and is tuned in minor third, e.g. G-Bb in the case of the kon in Nakpanduri. The instrument is hung around the player's neck while he plays. Traditionally all kinds of amulets and cloths are attached to thekon to ward off evil spirits and witchcraft. The kon is played by 'troubadours', who are usually farmers and often to be found in the pito bars of the Frafra and the Kassena. Singers accompany themselves on the kon as they recite their songs. The accompaniment is repetitive and features the use of ostinato figures. The music is modal, with the kon musician playing double stops. The songs are mostly about everyday events and tales about the customers in the pito bar. Songs of praise are rewarded by presenting the kon player with a full gourd of pito (millet beer).