The largest
ethnic group are the
Fang (85.7% (1994 census) of a total 704,001 (July 2013 est.)), with 6.5%
Bubi and smaller populations of Mdowe (3.6%),
Annobonese (1.6%) and
Bujeba (1.1%), including smaller groups such as the
Ndowe, the
Bisio and the
Combe. The Fang are known for their
mvet, a cross between a
zither and a
harp. The mvet can have up to fifteen strings. The semi-spherical part of this instrument is made of bamboo and the strings are attached to the center by fibers. Music for the mvet is written in a form of
musical notation that can only be learned by initiates of the
bebom-mvet society. Music is typically
call and response with a
chorus and
drums alternating. Musicians like Eyi Muan Ndong have helped to popularize folk styles. A three- or four- person orchestra consisting of some arrangement of
sanza,
xylophone,
drums,
zithers and
bow harps accompanies the many dances in Equatorial Guinea, such as the
balélé and the
risque ibanga. Another popular instrument is the tam-tam, a wooden box covered with animal skin. In its center are bamboo keys installed with complete musical scales. A second type of tam-tam has two different levels of musical keys. Generally, wooden musical instruments are decorated with fauna images and geometric drawings. Drums are covered with animal skins or animal drawings. ==Popular music==