Kora:
It is a 21-stringed harp-lute that is plucked with the fingers. It is the national instrument of The Gambia and Senegal, and is widely used across West Africa.
Ngoma:
It is a generic name for a family of African drums. In Songhai, the Ngoma refers specifically to a large cylindrical drum with a single drumhead, played with hands or sticks.
Djambé:
It is a goblet-shaped drum with an animal skin head, played with hands. It is widely used in West Africa and originated from the Mande people, who were part of the Songhai Empire.
Balafon:
It is a wooden xylophone with metal keys that are struck with mallets. It is an important instrument in the music of many West African cultures, including Songhai.
Shekere:
It is a percussion instrument made from a dried gourd covered with a net of beads or cowries. It is shaken to produce a rattling sound.
Djembe:
It is a goblet-shaped drum similar to the Ngoma but smaller in size. It is traditionally played with bare hands and produce rich bass tones.
Flute:
Various types of flutes were used, including transverse flutes and end-blown flutes.
Fiddle:
A one-stringed fiddle with a calabash resonator was also played in the Songhai Empire. It is known as a "Goge" in the Songhai language.