What is babandil musical instrument?

The babandíl (also spelled babendile, babandul, babandule, banbandjil, banbandjele, banbandjile) is a musical instrument from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, and Central African Republic.

It consists of a rectangular box covered with lizard skin, with wooden beaters attached to the ends of short lengths of chain or cord which in turn are attached to the box. The player holds the box in front of them and manipulates the beaters to strike a series of rapid, alternating beats. The babandíl is often used as a solo percussion instrument to accompany dances, but it can also play a leading role in large percussion orchestras.

Although the babandíl is similar in basic design to the rattle, the presence of the box gives the babandil's sound a buzzing resonance that is very distinctive. The basic box design is shared by many other instruments which are named after their shape, but are often decorated in different ways and vary in the nature of the resonator; the babandil is perhaps unique in its use of metal chains (or similar) between the handle and the beaters.

The instrument may also be known by the names nkele m’banga and tsho.