Bo District, Sierra Leone: In the heart of Mende land, a centuries-old musical tradition continues to unite communities and preserve cultural identity. The shegbureh, one of the oldest traditional instruments of the Mende people, stands as a vibrant symbol of resilience, creativity, and communal pride.
Cultural custodian Bockarie Ansumana, popularly known as Dr. Kposowai, 78, from Bo District, describes the shegbureh as more than a musical instrument. “The shegbureh is part of who we are as Mende people,” he said. “Our great grandmothers created it to heal the pain of war and hardship. It was meant to unite communities and bring joy when our warriors returned from battle.”
According to Dr. Kposowai, the name “shegbureh” is derived from a Mende phrase meaning “let’s come and play.” The instrument was first crafted during the colonial era, a time marked by oppression and struggle. Oral tradition credits its invention to a visionary great-grandmother who used the gourd—known as oryeh in Mende—to create a simple yet profound instrument that would later define Mende celebrations.
The shegbureh features a hollow body adorned with carvings. When shaken or struck, it produces a rich, resonant sound that mirrors the heartbeat of the community. In its early days, the instrument was played exclusively by women, who performed at weddings, harvest festivals, and homecomings. “Its sound, both playful and inviting, carried a message of togetherness,” Dr. Kposowai explained.
As Mende music evolved, another instrument—the kele—was introduced to complement the shegbureh. Crafted from govo, a dense hardwood, the kele added a deeper, rhythmic tone. “This addition came through the insight of a community elder, a great-grandfather who believed the shegbureh’s melody would shine brighter with a bass-like accompaniment,” he said.
The pairing of shegbureh and kele reflected the communal ethos of Mende society, symbolizing harmony between genders and generations. Over time, the shegbureh’s popularity spread beyond Mende land, inspiring other ethnic groups to incorporate its sound into their own traditions. It became a staple at festivals, coronations, and national cultural competitions.
“I can make plenty of instruments, but I love making shegbureh more than others,” Dr. Kposowai said. “It carries the spirit of our ancestors and the joy of our people.”
Despite the rise of contemporary music, the shegbureh remains an enduring emblem of Mende pride. Dr. Kposowai also highlighted the Mende people’s rich cultural expression, citing their vibrant masquerades—goboi, falui, jawgba, gbowei, ja, suwei, nafalie—as key contributors to their consistent success in cultural competitions across Sierra Leone and beyond.
From its humble origins in the hands of a creative grandmother to its celebrated status on the national stage, the shegbureh continues to tell the story of a people who refused to let hardship silence their joy. Its message endures across generations: “Let’s come and play.”