There is only one main instrument used in Benga and it is traditionally called the Nyatiti. In recent years, this particular instrument has been interchanged with guitars; however, they are played to emulate the Nyatiti. Some other sounds that are heard within the music usually come from the listeners and dancers clapping or foot stomping along with the beat. In elaborate Luo ceremonies cow bells, drums, sticks and gourds could all be used to make more sounds
Nyatiti
The Nyatiti is an 8 stringed Iyre. In Luo culture the lower 4 strings represents the first four days after a males birth and the upper 4 represent the first four days after a males death. The player of this instrument also wears bells on one ankle and a metal ring on the toe which is tapped against the Nyatiti to form a beat. In recent years it has even been emulated with an electric bass guitar to sound relatively the same.
BENGA INSTRUMENTS
Nyangile
The Nyangile is often referred to as a Sanduk which is Swahili for box. The instrument is used as percussion and is struck to create a beat.