The beat of the rhythm in Latin music is very much to be ignored. Surely when you hear the music, your feet would be itching to hit the floor. If you are a person who eats notes and knows music pretty well, instruments especially. You are likely to never miss the vibe that emanates from the conga drums.

This instrument takes on a drum which is tall (usually around three feet), narrow, single-headed and is played by beating with the hands.

This drum is essential to Latin American music especially in the South American regions and the Caribbean. This is used in folklore (punta, rumba, santeria etc.) and the more popular music such as the merengue, son, salsa, latin jazz, bachata, boleros cumbia and others.

Before you hit on the floor or before your hands itch to play this instrument, here are a few things that will make you even more amazed by this instrument.

* The person who plays this instrument is called a conguero.

* Andy Garcia has 25 of these drums alongside his much other collection like hats.

* While this instrument originated in Cuba, the incorporation in popular and folk music in many countries has resulted to the diversification of the terminology. According to Ben F. Jacobys Introduction to the Conga Drums, the English call this drum a conga while the Spanish call it tumbadoras.

* There are names for each drum according to size. From largest to smallest, they are the tumba, conga, quinto, the rare quinto and the side strap mounted ricardo.

* Music of Puerto Rico refers to the smallest drum a nino.

* The people dancing following the path of the players are called rumberos.

* The term conga was popularized in the 1950s when Latin music swept America off its feet.

* The Cuban son and the New York jazz when fused together became what was then known as mambo but was later on identified as salsa.

* The word its self was derived from the rhythm la conga which is used during a carnaval (a carnival) in Cuba. The drums that were used in the carnival is believed to be referred to as tambores de conga because these are used to play la conga and was, presumed, to be translated in English as conga drums.

* It is believed that the drums were originally from old barrels.

Having known these things you might probably been itching so longs. Sure it is nice to hear the music of the Latin Americans. With the upbeat and feverish beat everyone would want so much to join the fun. But if you are not the dancer type, knowing these facts would make you want to hit on the drumming mode and beat the conga drums. Well, you can do just that and you must do it now! Enjoy the feel of the drums in your hands!