Cuica (Monkey Drum) What is it?

Kalani demonstrates the CUICA, a Brazilian friction drum used in different styles of music. The unique drum can make lots of interesting sounds!
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[@spongescenes8115]

Who else has been looking for the *HOO HAA HOO HAA* sound for so long?

[@catman351]

Listening to bossa nova, you hear it.

[@stickycup3613]

Me too. I’ve been trying to find this noise for actually so so long I’m so glad I found it

[@jmsessn]

i've been doing that for half of my life trust me

[@Mees_MBpas]

ive only been looking for it for 2 days ever since i heard it appear in baldi's basics and popee the performer

[@ryfyyt171]

Yeah baldi and mk64 starman Yup hear it ALOT

[@waveali5620]

I listen to a lot of Brazilian music. I would have never guessed that this instrument was percussion instrument.

[@KairuHakubi]

I think it belongs in its own category. it has as much in common with a bowed string instrument or the glass armonica than it does with percussion.

[@CHAGAS.93]

Actually is a friction instrument

[@BierBart12]

I always thought that it was a person making those noises with their voice.

[@SamRMoyer]

Go birds! lol wasn’t expecting another phil - and you’re subbed to santenello, christ!

[@pancake3365]

So this is the instrument that makes those weird noises in the mario kart stages

[@PittsburghSonido]

《♡MistressHaruka♡》 hahaha came here for the same reason

[@Z-WARD]

I’ve heard the same sound I’m Mario kart, wario ware, Baldis basics, wii resort, Random arcade games...

[@KodyBod700]

I’ve been wondering since Baldi’s basics used it I wonder if Mario maker 2 has it

[@moppupaws]

The music when you get a shine in Super Mario Sunshine makes this sound

[@roddydykes7053]

《Pancake》 a lot of games on the N64 (and cartoons from the era for that matter) used this sound effect and I always wondered what the hell it was

[@Doormin]

I finally know the name of this fucking drum I've wondered what it was called for YEARS thank you

[@LosantoBeats]

I always thought it was people making those sounds with their voice. I learned about this instrument while taking Capoeira classes. My mind was blown. lol

[@tjohnson2139]

I thought it was a sample of an owl hooting being used around the world

[@bgockel]

@@tjohnson2139 Best comment here

[@autodidactic]

Yeah, some songs sounds like just a girl giggling and singing at the same time

[@ToaRanen7]

I thought it was a woodwind instrument

[@BierBart12]

Today I learned that most names for Hitmontop come from this brazilian battle dance. No idea why English didn't name the pokemon Kapoeira as well, that's so much cooler

[@quaid667]

I can make that sound with my Mcdonalds milkshake. To change the note, I simply take a sip.

[@musicman53able]

It uses the same concept, just on a much smaller scale! The ones that are used in samba, bossa nova, recording and stage purposes are much larger and elaborate!

[@AJ-on-youtube]

@@musicman53able they did that on a McDonald's commercial in the 1990s.

[@musicman53able]

I used to make that same sound with McDonald's shakes and drinks as a child. It was one on the turning points in my life that got me interested in music!

[@MrTPain]

🤣

[@abrahambeltran]

👏😂👏😂 Damn, man, I just heard it in my head as soon as I read your comment!!

[@Gyrobend]

I have a mother from Brazil and Samba music in my childhood since i could remember, that sound is etched into my memory and I learned the source of the sounds after almost 3 decades on this world. thank for this random closure in my life.

[@deborahdossantos7536]

Gyrobend both my parents are brazilian, after years of not knowing i’m just learning now too!

[@Staykool777]

I just found it at 60 years old. Heard it when I was in my 20s.

[@albavellozo6035]

My dad is Brazilian and I’m here now visiting family. I’ve always thought people were making the sound with their voice!

[@rizalsaidrizal]

Finally discovered what instrument makes this legendary noise. It is exactly as silly and bizarre as I expected it to be. I am pleased.

[@AC3electrosphere]

4:22 Uh...

[@onikaru]

Yes

[@fkdarula]

AaronYT sooo...

[@tjohnson2139]

........you really went there 😅

[@keepyourshoesathedoor]

Goodness.

[@SlyHikari03]

Hehe

[@kjartanskarpheinsson1753]

This sounds a lot like parts of the "Floral Fury" track in Cuphead.

[@ShadeKirby500]

It sounded like a friction drum yeah.

[@riptide534]

That’s where I know it from

[@664theneighbor5]

Yeah because that song is a samba & the cuica is a samba instrument

[@jed3219]

Yeah cuica is a solo instrument for samba percussion! Love it in that piece.

[@GanzoHasashi1911]

I love how everyone here in the comments came in search of “that one instrument I heard in Mario and Baldi”. I’ll admit I’m part of the group, one other influence was hearing the instrument in the intro for Dido’s “Thank You”

[@joybuzzergaming9487]

I’m here from momo dancing in avatar

[@kibokira1067]

SilvaZilla 88XO ive also heard it in popee the performer

[@Rosesofblood]

@@kibokira1067 yeah im here from that and baldi

[@amethystblob]

I came here for Goron City in Ocarina of Time. I never realised that Momo makes that sound in Avatar too.

[@sylv9041]

I came here from Undertale.

[@EtheRenard]

So, that's the MIDI drum instrument you hear in games whenever it tries to replicate an animal sound?

[@nightjarnine1126]

It is an undeniably fascinating instrument. 1) It's percussive by definition. 2) It also similarly draws it's reverberative friction sounds from that of bowed deep stringed instruments (like a Cello) 3) There's, there's other stuff... 4) doesn't sound great alone (like someone rubbing wet fingers across the rim of a bathtub). 5) Put in greta music (genuine Samba) or a great song ("Could You Be loved"), it's amazing. Ultimately, to me, it recreates a vigorous in-and-out breathing or gasping sound. Very few instruments (not even an actual human vigorous in-and-out breathing, gasping sound) can replicate that.

[@bakedbean37]

"Could You Be loved" Yes ...! 🙂 Thanks for putting two and two together for me. I'd always found that sound in that track intriguing. Well. Now I know. 🙂

[@derwinsexton6283]

I've been trying for 20 years to find this damn drum. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

[@gyozakeynsianism]

The composure and self-control required here to not make a single masturbation joke is truly admirable.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

😂

[@TheManManoel]

As a cuíca percussionist myself, i 100% agree! 😂

[@iamthecrispconnoisseur]

OMG.....I've wondered what this beautiful sound is for so long. This literally personifies Brazilian music to me. The Cuica!!!!

[@childrenofscarlet6164]

Finally i can sleep in peace finally knowing what that clean glass sound in Brazilian songs.

[@GalestianMusic]

Anybody else notice the smirk on his face at 0:45 after he says "rubbed, slapped..."? 😆

[@OKYAH]

Now I see it!

[@shawndesautel245]

Fun fact: the sound that plays in Baldi's "school" theme is this instrument. ( Also, the hoo sound in the "school" theme in Baldi is called a "open" note on the Cuica, and the hah sound is called a "mute" note

[@papushepard6403]

So this the "owaowaowaowao" from Goron City Theme...

[@CG64Mushro0m]

yeah

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

Yep! Oooh ooh uh! Uh ooh oooohh 😂

[@MarinaMeoli]

Thank you for talking about this classic Brazilian instrument! As a side note, it’s not pronounced “quick-a”, it’s “cu-ee-ca”

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

That’s right : Qwee-Kah

[@dirtyrat7181]

he didn't say it like "quick-a" tho

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

@@dirtyrat7181 Correct.

[@jonathanamado7228]

@@dirtyrat7181 I know it’s been awhile since commented, but I believe what the OP meant was that it should sound like three syllables instead of two (at least, that’s how it is pronounced in Brazilian Portuguese. American accent changes some things)

[@caputcultusd7558]

@user-zk6wt1cy7e De origem africana, mas ela é sim brasileira

[@CiRdy34]

Been making midi music files for years and had no idea what a Cuica was, I thought it was some sort of wolf howl. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks

[@natioffline]

Thank you very much for sharing, didn’t know this sounds made from drum until now, always bring smile to my face to hear this tweaks

[@spadeyspacely]

.... I'm just realizing how old I am when I literally see "Baldi's Basics" in the comments, but literally not one reference to the Sims 1 theme song, lol 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@spadeyspacely]

JayLeeBeanz you spoke your peace and that’s cool, but age does have something to do with it. I’ve played Baldi’s too, but I still remember where the hell I heard it first which was on The Sims. You can’t remember where it’s from and that’s fine.

[@obama_man9933]

Or floral fury from cuphead

[@elliswebster7041]

I’ve never played sims 1 and never even seen baldis basics, I feel like I’m in between

[@goopyhead]

i barely see baldi's basics in these comments

[@OKYAH]

Now your comment is 4 years ago..

[@kanalet8460]

I’ve finally figured out what that sound is in the Goron City theme

[@regalsage]

Thank you for solving that mystery of the Brazilian monkey sound in so many songs. Voce Abusou!

[@jurisfootrag]

This is the sound in the background from that sweet French song about Bonnie and Clyde.

[@spinosaurus2001]

I've been looking for this instrument for all my life

[@musicman53able]

When I used to play with the jazz group Max Groove, part of my solo show was strapping on my Cuica and go out into the audience and play for the crowd and one of the funniest things I would do if it was a man and woman sitting together, I would get next to the man and make a lion's roar on the Cuica and swipe my hand in front of my nose to make it sound like the guy had just farted! The audience would crack up laughing and most knew my sense of humor and took it all in stride and fun! If you really want to connect with your audience, find new and creative ways as a percussionist to involve your audience. You have the power! Go out there and have fun!

[@blahblahblahblah2837]

The Latin music on the Sims has this sound burned into my brain. Such a playful sound!

[@Anakuya1]

I always thought that noise was something rubbing but I never imagined it was a drum! I have always loved hearing that weird noise in a lot of the uppity, tropical sounding japanese soundtracks for anime... I'm glad I learned something new! :D

[@Alberto-ny7kf]

this instrument is actually named after opossums in brazil, because people here thought it sounded like them

[@trenee1977]

My favorite sound in Samba music! Finally know what its called

[@carterasics]

Kinda like a straw in a cup :p

[@mel4340]

i'm Brazilian and i've always wondered what is this sound i always hear in samba, finally found out!

[@nicolasbionick9867]

I’m from Brazil and this? This I’ve been looking for it! I’ve heard it in my childhood

[@samsamkin4647]

I always love the use of the cuica in many songs, especially a song called "Chihuahua" by Luis Oliviera and His Bandodulua Boys. I think it was also used in songs sung by Astrud Gilberto as well.

[@ColorfullHD]

Amazing video! Love this sound

[@rhyskarslake]

literally my favourite instrument ever

[@juan.dedior]

Awesome!🔥

[@rubencasarez17]

Awesome tutorial, just bought me 1.

[@chickenbites8877]

Ahhhh so thats what I keep hearing on my Bossa Nova albums!!!

[@tvb5509]

Found this from MOTHER 3. The monkey Salsa has this as a signature instrument while attacking.

[@joseantonioperes3515]

Um dos melhores intrumentos Brasileiros

[@ronfowlermusic]

Me and Julio remember the days down by the old schoolyard

[@LupixSubscribe]

Who else been looking for that noise that Momo (ATLA) makes when dancing?

[@paulromsky9527]

Kalani, Thanks for this video. I always wondered what the Cuica was called. I think I first saw one on the old 1950's "I Love Lucy" show that I saw way back in the 70's - if my memory serves me. I remember seeing someone's hand move in and out to make that "hooing" sound, but never a clear view of what was inside. I always imagined it was a diaphragm of some sort that made the sound. Thanks to you I now know it is a much simpler rod attached to the drum skin. After seeing the show, I was telling my friend about it and that it was the instrument that is featured in Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" song. I started mimicking the playing of the Cuica along with the song - making the sound with my voice and exaggerating the pushing and pulling (but like I was grabbing a handle of something inside). In any effect, he thought I was nuts... he was not picking up what I was putting down. It has been over 35 years since then, but now I have to look him up just to tell him, "See, I was not nuts, there really is an instrument like that!". Its funny how we remember moments from so long ago. How did this come to mind? Well, I was watching a Leonid and Friends video where their singer Ksenia was playing one. I said, "That's it....that's the thing that makes the hooing sound!". I looked up "instrument that makes a hooing sound" on Google and found the Cuica. Then a quick KZbin search brought me to your great video. So not only do "We need more Cowbell", but also, "We need more Cuica!"... because not many songs feature the Cuica [laugh]. To anyone reading this: Look up "We need more Cowbell" on KZbin. Also check out the band "Leonid and Friends" that brought me here. Thanks again, Paul.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Great story!

[@blackwater7183]

Wow 35 years. I also ask my drummer friend what makes this sound he said Toca...but we were like only 14 back then. 😅

[@Pickchore]

When I found out what this instrument was called I bought one with the first pay from my new job. That was almost 15 years ago. Mine is a bit smaller than this one though so it creates different tones.

[@travismiller1466]

came here after seeing les claypool's flying frog brigade whamola video, thought the "dish scrubber" guy sounded sick! good first look video for what instrument he was playing.

[@KarlKarl666]

Was listening to some Masayoshi Takanakas music and in the song BELEZA PULA I heard this fun monkey sounding rythm and had to try and find the instrument, very cool.

[@AJ-on-youtube]

That's pretty cool that you have a camera that can show the stick inside the cuica while you're playing it. Too bad you didn't use it for that...

[@tommyg8146]

I was wondering so much what is this instrument!!!! Hahaha mind blown! Thank you :-)))

[@AlexReynard]

I was listening to Spyro Gyra, heard this sound, and decided to finally find out what the heack it was. Googled "what's the south american instrument that sounds like a chimp hooting?" and it led me right here. Amazing! Thanks for the very clear explanation of what this is and how it works. The other thing I was going to Google was 'sounds like washing a pot' and I'm surprised it's actually way closer to that!

[@blackwater7183]

"washing a pot" lmao!.I looked up Spyro Gyra I put it under my favorites now. Thanks.

[@UE_5_beginner]

In Spain we have a similar instrument called Zambomba from the XVIII century, we play it during christmas, specially in the south

[@toptext455]

I need one of these, man. I've been trying to find out what this instrument's name is for months and I finally found it!

[@PaulTaylor1]

It always makes me think of wild tribal dances with shrunken heads lol... and window cleaners.

[@Daily-Central]

When you move the straw up and down in a Mcdonalds cup

[@squirrelbutler2119]

I always wondered which instrument made that weird sound like a balloon is being rubbed. Now I know.

[@ajm2360]

0:04 The last sound you hear before getting your face ripped off😂

[@Turb5ter]

I'm having to constantly get my mind out of the gutter throughout this video. Anyway thanks for the info.

[@UnicornsExist17]

Sameeeee

[@helpmefortheloveofshrek6623]

Oh my god this is what makes those sounds

[@ArtsyAustin]

I've been searching "instrument that sounds like a gasping human", "instrument that sounds like HOO HOO", "instrument that sounds like a barking dog" did it lmao.

[@blackwater7183]

For decades I always wondered what made that sound now I finally found it. Lol

[@sadibella6006]

Finally discovered what that goofy thing is. Thanks!

[@nicholasstocker6866]

When I was just about to watch the video, a commercial came up with the sound effect of the cuica in it! Coincidence? I think not!

[@imagineknowledge3122]

00:45 I skipped video I thought he's talking about BDSM

[@livelit7765]

I ALMOST BUSTED WHEN HE WAS TALKING ABOUT THE HEAD

[@friedpicklezzz]

It’s such a comical yet musical instrument

[@alexanderthef8]

I always related this to a coyote sound but this is what I've been looking for!

[@afropoppette]

Sooo, my husband and I were listening to "Sister Owls" by Monster Rally. Husband pondered, what is that instrument that does does that sound in between the phrases. I googled "what is the instrument that goes woo", and happened upon this video. 😂 I'm so glad to know what it is now 😁

[@Patwirk6969]

"Hi, welcome to my schoolhouse!" *theme music plays*

[@phillyman5000]

I believe Paul Simon used this in some of his early recordings. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard. :)

[@ChillCash]

When you go back and forth it sounds like you're washing a window! 😂

[@bosstele3440]

1:09 ... "No I am not doing anything I shouldn't be to a drum" LOL XD

[@New3DSLuigi364]

Is that the instrument used in the Shine Get theme from Super Mario Sunshine?

[@noiselessfox7618]

FUCKIN FINALLY! I SEARCHED FOR THIS FOR ETERNTY!!!! NOW I KNOW! I FEEL BORN ANEW!!!!

[@khateatingcactus]

4:04 thats a hell of a cuíca lick right there

[@otohime8516]

That was horible, who the hell uses only 1 finger to play cuíca... he should've look up for how to play it

[@robertbrown3400]

It's the concept of a 3 year old pushing his straw in and out of a Burger King soda cup but it is awesome. Maybe the first caveman instrument along with a hollowed out log and 3 hole bone flute.

[@ThoughtPumpkin0]

I hear this a lot in bossa nova and other jazz, it makes the song sound crazy and more wild hahaha. Really makes me want to move around like a monkey on meth

[@kejaris949]

I think I found the rubbing sound that was in "Sucka 4 Love" by Rick James and Tina Marie. It was a lower pitch than how this guy is playing but the same rubbing type sound. I've been looking for years for this instrument!

[@samanli-tw3id]

Is this the instrument that makes the “whoop whoop” sound during the chorus of Englishman in New York?

[@thesneakysloth8481]

I’ve been listening to some jorge ben jor recently and I have it as cuica I have been hearing.

[@KocterGD]

Oh hi! Welcome to my schoolhouse!

[@germzdesantaana3831]

Muito obrigado!

[@rundcg]

MR. Clean showcases his new AMAZING cleaning drum!

[@Booley95]

I recommend people to look up the song falador passa mal, it demonstrates how amazing it sounds in a band!

[@EmpanadaDeCaca]

thanks for the recommendation, great song

[@DraculaBiscuits]

I have the church giggles watching this

[@raymondlieberwerth7126]

Heard this in "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard".. Also heard it in some of the Sims 1 Deluxe Latin soundtracks. Very hard to find the name of an instrument when all you got to go by is "hoo ha slidy widy latin instrument"

[@caelkins2458]

They use this in Mario a lot. I hear it in Mario Kart and it was in Super Mario 3D World

[@superyoshiverde7911]

Also found in Mario Party (specially in the N64 Mario Party Trilogy)

[@klop4228]

Also, Goron City in Zelda

[@agent3547]

Also in the game Arms

[@ptose]

in italy there are a couple of similar instruments (called Putipù and Cupa Cupa, there's also a very interesting variation called Cupafon made by Pino Basile which allows him to play many tuned Cupa Cupa at the same time), altough with the stick outside the instrument instead and rubbed with the palm of the hand (a thing that apparently can be painful) instead of a piece of cloth like in the video.

[@gingerjam2192]

When I was a kid I was wondering what was the instrument that makes that sea lion noise in Sting’s English man in New York. It must be a cuica.

[@docnathan3959]

Finally know that percussion instrument in the Baldi’s Basics theme

[@Dethmeister]

The theme song for the old show Baretta featured one of these.

[@KerryKennarddrum]

Is this drum an 8” ??

[@wanggang3885]

A very disco instrument, especially when combined with electronic toms.

[@chika3150]

I came here because it sounds like the medley in Goron CIty form Ocarina of Time.

[@logicalblackman8228]

That is the best sound EVER!!!

[@jeffmesquita8237]

Brasil é tudo de bom, amo meu Brasil. 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 Nosso samba.

[@carnivalinjapan79]

nice video👍

[@SlyHikari03]

I hear this a lot in Anime and Video game osts.