Guide to African Percussion and Drums

Currently many drums and musical instruments come from Africa. It is a custom to use African instruments like drums as well as percussion for communication and celebration. Many kinds of percussion instruments, including drums, are widely used in Africa, some styles being more common among the people than others. Along with the variety of drum styles, many different decorations for the drums themselves are available as well, allowing you to personalize your instrument.

The Djembe Drums

The tradition calls for djembe drums to be crafted out of one hollowed-out section of wood. The drum is shaped something like an hourglass, with a head that is usually constructed from goat skin. Traditional djembe drums are tuned using a rope braided around the drum shell, while more contemporary styles are made from synthetic materials. This drum is very versatile, with a wide range of sounds produced from a single-headed drum.

An Overview of Dundun Drums

In terms of their configuration, dundun drums resemble a hollowed-out cylindrical shape. The Dundun drum has two heads, and is rope tuned. The tonal qualities of the drum are determined by the diameter, length and thickness of the drum’s walls. 

The sound of the drum is also impacted by the head's thickness and material. Dunduns are played with either a stick or bare hands. Quite often, a bell is attached to the side of the drum. Traditionally, it is played sideways; one hand plays the head while the other hand plays the bell.

An Overview of Kpanlogo Drums

Originating from Ghana, kpanlogo drums look a bit different than other drums from Africa. While in shape, the body of the drum resembles a contemporary conga instrument, in reality, pegs are used to secure the ropes. Rope lining the instrument from its top to its pegs makes this drum distinctive in appearance. In its dimensions and tone, variations in the drum are possible; bigger drums yield lower tones. One individual in a group can play up to four separate kpanlogo drums at the same time.

An Overview of Hand Percussion Instruments

There is quite a bit of variation when it comes to smaller percussion or drum instruments played by hand. Agogo bells, wood blocks, shakers of various styles, cabassas and even maracas all originated from Africa. 

These unique instruments add flavor and a variety of voices when played in a group, taking any ensemble to the next level. 

Hand percussion is also very useful for including others in playing music. Kids, elderly and disabled people can participate in the auxiliary percussion as members of drum circles, shows and celebrations.

Musical Instruments from around the Globe

The world is a large and diverse place and every country has its own customs, dress and language. The countries of the world also differ in the instruments we play. Each is highly unique and played all over the world. This article features some of the most well known instruments and the country of their origin:

The United States

Famed for its Country and Western music, America’s most famous instrument is the Banjo. The banjo has become a symbol of South American heritage and has become increasingly popular all around the world. The banjo has been popular in American music for over 200 years.

African Instruments

Africa is well known for its range of musical instruments, in particular the djembe drum. This type of African instrument, pronounced ‘jem-bay’, was originally played in religious ceremonies but is now a regular feature in many drumming circles and schools.

India

North India is well known for the Sitar. The sitar is a type of guitar which has seven strings. This instrument is popular all over the world and is taught in schools in the UK and US.

Spanish Instruments

The Flamenco has made Castanets one of Spain's most famous instruments. Through a series of rhythmic clicks these instruments are used to accompany the Flamenco dancing. Tradition dictates that they are made of hardwood, although fibreglass alternatives are becoming increasingly more common.

Instruments from Scotland

The musical instrument Scotland is most famous for is the bagpipes. This instrument is recognised the world over, for its unique sound and appearance. The bagpipes originated as an accompaniment to dances. The fact that the bagpipes are known for being difficult to play makes them even more appealing.

Australia

Australia is synonymous with music and wildlife. The didgeridoo is probably the most famous musical instrument. The didgeridoo saw a recent resurgence in popularity thanks to popular television personality and musician, Rolf Harris.

You soon realise how diverse the world's musical instruments are. Learning about the music and instruments played by different cultures tells us a lot about their lives and traditions so introducing some of these instruments into schools is a great way to educate children.

Djembe Drums - Find Out More About its Interesting Origin

The djembe drum is one of West Africa’s most popular instruments and is growing in popularity all over the world. The nature of this instrument has led to it becoming a popular instrument in schools for getting children interested in music. Learn all about the history of this drum here:

Where the Djembe Originated From

The Djembe drum originally came from West Africa and was an important part of their culture. The djembe was used for creating powerful rhythms and beats which were not only used in ceremonies but also for motivating warriors ready for battle.

This West African drum was used to unite communities and still is today. People also take up the djembe drum for recreational purposes, drumming has become a popular form of entertainment. The traditional instrument is now hugely popular all over the world, not just in Africa.

Why Is It So Popular?

The djembe is an easy drum to learn to play which adds to its popularity. Unlike standard drum kits, the hand-held drum is played by tapping out a rhythm with the hands. The djembe is great for all ages to learn to play.

This type of drum has a unique appeal because if its heritage, interesting sound and the fulfillment which can be achieved through playing. The benefits of playing the djembe drum include: hand to eye coordination, responsibility, musicality and confidence.

Because of the numerous benefits associated with learning the djembe it has become a popular children's musical instrument for school music lessons and groups. This percussion instrument can be used to add rhythm to a school orchestra of performance.

What Are The Different Types of Djembe Drums?

Djembe drums are available in different sizes and designs. The traditional djembes are made from wood and produce an authentic sound, there are also modern fibreglass versions which are very similar but produce a thinner sound. The fibreglass djembe drums are more portable as they are lighter in weight.

Djembe drums also come in a range of sizes.

There are small hand-held djembes which are suitable for children. The larger models of djembe drum are best suited to playing in drumming circles and large orchestras although djembe straps are available to make them portable.

The djembe has a great story behind it, in terms of its construction and the role it has played in different cultures over the years. Through playing this instrument you become involved in the culture surrounding the djembe.

What Size Djembe Drum Do I Need?

Drum size will relate to your own size, level of ability and the musical purpose of the drum. These types of drums can be played whilst standing up - using a djembe strap - or sitting down so it is important that you get the correct size for you.

Adults should, generally speaking, have larger drums where the heads are 12 inches or more. Young people should have the smaller drum, with head sizes of 7 to 10 inches. In order to work out what sized drum you will require you will need to place the heel of your hand on the rim of the djembe and stretch your hand across the drum head, your fingers should just cross the centre of the drum. If the drum head is too small, your hands will be too large and it will be difficult to play

The drum also has to be the right size to be able to sit comfortably between your legs. Your arms also need to be able to reach the drum head with ease without having to over stretch. Some of the very agile are able to control the position of the drum with their legs, and actually move it, with smooth, minute squeezing and loosening motions of the knees against the drum's body. It is possible to pick up the drum and beat it for an extra explosive resonance, by just using the knees.

Once you have purchased your drum it will take a few sessions of playing to feel comfortable with it. One should play the drum whilst in different positions, in the comfortable position of sitting down, to the awkward position of standing up.This will ensure it is the correct one for you, it will soon become apparent if it isn't. This follows the thinking behind the "Suzuki" method of learning music that was once popular. 

Children mastered how to play the violin and become acquainted with the musical instrument by walking around with it while playing. The point here is simply that one's body must get familiar with the drum. Size is an important factor to get right. Getting the right djembe is the foundation of you djembe playing career.

Size is an important factor to take into consideration when deciding on a djembe drum. Also whether you prefer a traditional wooden djembe or the more modern synthetic type.

A Guide to Djembe Drum Care

Your djembe drum is an investment, you have spent both time and money to get it. Now you have your djembe drum you'll need to know how to care for it. There are certain ways to care for your djembe including getting a djembe bag to transport your drum in and also regular maintenance of the skin.

Your drum will need to be stored somewhere when it's not in use so it does not get unnecessarily damaged. To preserve the longevity of the skin, it is helpful to detune the djembe when it is not in regular use. The constant tension on the skin can cause wear, giving it a break from time to time will extend the life of the skin. Plus the life of the drum head itself could be extended by as much as fifty percent.

It is also necessary to rubdown the drum skin occasionally. Rubbing the skin with a light coating of oil or lotion will rehydrate it a little. By looking after the skin it will really help maintain the sound quality and look of your drum. Before applying to the whole drum skin, test the oil or lotion in a hidden part to make sure no undesirable discolouration occurs. Drums with synthetic skin may not benefit as much from this rubdown, but be sure to let your drum know it's nothing personal.

Djembes should only be stored where it is dry and cool. Sun can really damage the skin on a drum, making it dry and brittle. Excess moisture will cause your drum to go mouldy or rot. A mouldy drum can be unpleasant and certainly won't go unnoticed when you take your drum to your drumming group.

Storing and transporting your djembe drum in a djembe bag is wise move, it is well worth investing in a decent bag. Investing in a decent bag will also pay dividends as some bags are padded, go for the best you can afford as it will be worth it. Your djembe will most likely get damaged during transit. When purchasing a bag be sure to properly measure your drum to insure a snug fit. An ill fitting bag will not provide as much protection to your djembe.

You should get into the habit of looking after your djembe. If you look after your djembe it will be with you for many years to come.