A traditional kpanlogo ensemble commonly includes three main drums:
- Male-voice drum: provides a lower supporting part.
- Female-voice drum: provides a contrasting supporting pattern.
- Master drum: leads, improvises, and communicates with the dancers.
The drums are supported by the nono, an iron bell that plays the main timeline, and the fao, a gourd rattle that reinforces the rhythmic movement.
The supporting drummers begin by establishing a repeated pattern. These parts should remain steady so that the master drummer can improvise without causing the ensemble to lose its rhythmic centre.