Algaita

The Algaita is a type of oboe, or shawm, from West Africa. It is made from a single piece of wood hollowed into a short, conical tube. It has a circular pirouette that you press your lips against to play. The algaita tends to be played only in the presence of local rulers.

The algaita was developed by the Fulani people of West Africa around the 14th century. The algaita can be played continuously if you breathe in through your nose at the same time as breathing out from your cheeks. Children learn this skill by blowing through a straw into water without letting the bubbles stop.

The algaita (also spelled alghaita, algayta or algheita) is a double reed wind instrument from West Africa, especially among the Hausa and Kanuri peoples. Its construction is similar to the oboe-like rhaita and the zurna. The algaita is distinguished from these other instruments by its larger, trumpet-like bell. Instead of keys, it has open holes for fingering, similar to the zurna.