Meet The Djembe

Among the group of membranophone instruments is the djembe. This drum is traditionally constructed of wood shaped like a big goblet with animal skin stretched over it. One of the most popular drums of West Africa, when struck properly it produces a deep bass sound thanks to its shell shaped body.

The drum's history can be traced all the way back to the Mali Empire of the twelfth century and to the tribes of either the Mandinka or Susu (also known as Numu). When the blacksmiths of the Mandinka tribe crossed Africa the djembe, or sanbayi as the Susu call it, went with them and as a result it became widespread. It is believed by the members of these tribes that each drum contains three spirits, one of the drum maker, one from the tree used to produce the drum, and the spirit of the animal whose hide was used for the drum. Today, people prefer to use goatskin to cover the drum and they decorate it by carving designs into the wood and attaching braided rope to give each one a unique appearance and flair.

Surprisingly the word djembe is actually French in origin and not African as you might suspect. When the French colonised certain areas of Africa they studied along with the people their instruments and musical styles. The French do not have a hard 'j' within their language they decided to use 'dj' and it is this spelling that has gained the greatest recognition. It is not the only accepted spelling though with some other common names including djimbe, jembe and yembe. It was in the 1950's and 1960's around Paris that the djembe grew in public awareness due to be it extensively used by the ballet ensemble Les Ballet Africains. From then on the drum has grown in popularity around the world, especially amongst drummers who appreciate its unique sound.

In Africa the diansa, or drum rhythm, is traditionally used in celebrations such as at weddings and baptisms and to commemorate full moons as well as the changing seasons. It has even been said that djembes were used as a kind of musical language to transmit messages over long distances.

The djembe is sometimes accompanied by other instruments like the bells and dundun drums. In Senegal, the djembe is used by the Wolof tribe as part of the elaborate dances that their women perform. When the instrument is being played the women perform an alluring dance called the Saber meant to attract and entice their men.

You can create a sound with the djembe using one of three basic techniques. The first technique is where you create a 'bass' note by hitting the middle of the drum with your palm. A 'tone' is produced when you hit the rim of the drum with flat fingers and a 'slap' is the same action but with your fingers relaxed.

Djembe drums are now made by specialist drum makers all over the world and are sought after by students, tourists, professional musicians and hobbyists alike. Musically it is hard to resist moving to the driving beats of a well-played djembe, and even novices to drumming enjoy the primal energy of handling a djembe.