Danaya is the name of a barra troupe that has been performing together in Segou for 20 years. The Barra is a large kettle shaped drum made of wood, and a shaved cow skin. It is played with two hands and is a bass drum similar in sound to a large dun dun. It is heard on this recording alongside lead and accompaniment bongulo, a drum slightly smaller than a djembe, played with one hand and one stick. Barra is the first rhythm in the Bamana ethnic setting. Its purpose is to bind people together and enhance the attitude of help, trust and cooperation among the people. It is still played at many Bamana ceremonies.