The Outstanding Attraction Of Genuine African Drums

There’s just something compulsive about the rhythm of African music – it gets your toes tapping and you just can’t resist beating out the rhythm with your fingers. It is almost impossible to ignore and you just want to join in and interact. The effect of that intense rhythmic style depends heavily and primarily on the skilful playing of the renowned African drums that for centuries have been associated with most African tribes. They love their music, it stimulates them and I know few who are not likewise enthusiastic when they hear the powerful, persuasive percussion of the djembe, djun djun, bougarabou, bata, udu, gadzo, conga and kpanlogo drums, to name a few. Is it any wonder that Africa has long been known as the "drum nation"?

Music is a religion for many Africans and these instruments will be played at weddings, funerals, births, in religious ceremonies, at the installation of chiefs and in ritual dances, to ignite passions and stimulate emotions. Their rhythms can be hypnotic and few can resist the power of the intense, pounding beats. At times they have been used for communication, in the same way as Morse code was used, to alert nearby tribes and send messages quickly.

Without doubt the djembe, also known as jembe, sanbanyi or jymbe, is the best known of all African drums and has been exported to many countries and copied by drum manufacturers throughout the world. It is goblet shaped, hollow and made of wood with stretched skin on the top. It is played by the bare hands and depending on whether you hit the centre of the top or play nearer the edges, the resonance of the sound can be noticeably changed. The original drums were made of hard wood and were heavy to carry whereas now, mahogany is popular and produces a clear and distinct sound. The djembe drum dates back for centuries and is reported to have emerged from Mali culture.

Nowadays some manufacturers use synthetic materials and have altered the shape and design. Some sell rope-tuned djembes while others stock mechanically-tuned drums. Among the leading brands of djembes are Remo, Tiger, Kambala, Toca and Meinl. These are reputable manufacturers who offer guarantees with their products and the facility to return the drum if you are dissatisfied with it in any way.

We advise you to check out this site and many of the links to which you will be directed and wish you every success and much enjoyment with your purchase.