Sudanese National ICH

The musical instrument is crafted from a plant's fruit unique to the Berta communities, except for some adjoining groups living at the Ethiopian border. It consists of a group of flutes of different sizes and lengths that are of precisely calculated dimensions. Each of the fourteen plus instruments produces its distinctive sound. Wāza is played in orchestral arrangement with other instruments but unlike any different style of woodwind arrangement. The player must emit a specific sound from his device at a particular time not in unison with the rest of the band. The Waza is played in specific occasions such as the sorghum harvest, in Nafir (mobilization for help). Playing the Waza is accompanied by singing and dancing that include men, women and children. The instrument removal from the store and playing is governed by strict regulations under the control of Sheikh al ‘ada (the Custom sheikh).