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 PRO 24 x 14 DEEP CARVED DJEMBE DRUM DRAGON M25 +BONUS $134.95 Time Remaining: 29d 6h 49m Buy It Now for only: $134.95 |
 Remo 27 x 16 Key Tuned Earth Djembe Drum with rolling carrying case $52.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 52m |
 Remo 10 Advent Djembe $45.00 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 24m Buy It Now for only: $50.00 |
 SALE 16 x 9 PRO DJEMBE HAND DRUM BONGO YIN YANG M6 $44.95 Time Remaining: 28d 17h 36m Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
 Djembe Praying Hands design $75.00 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 17m |
 SALE 16 x 9 PRO DJEMBE HAND DRUM BONGO M2 CROSS $45.00 Time Remaining: 29d 16h 23m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 |
 SUPREME GOD Hand Carved GENUINE African DJEMBE DRUM Instrument NOVICA Art $248.38 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 34m Buy It Now for only: $294.95 |
 SOUL of MUSIC PATIENCE Artisan Hand Crafted GENUINE DJEMBE Drum AFRICAN ART $118.95 Time Remaining: 1d 5h Buy It Now for only: $142.95 |
 20x11 Carved Zig Zag Style Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $89.00 Time Remaining: 20d 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $89.00 |
 WISE MAN Hand Made Genuine African DJEMBE DRUM NEW Novica Art $168.88 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 52m Buy It Now for only: $204.95 |
 SALE 16 x 9 HANDMADE DJEMBE HAND DRUM BONGO M1 $44.95 Time Remaining: 21d 5h Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
 SWORD OF JUSTICE Handmade Authentic African DJEMBE DRUM $90.20 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 15m |
 COLORS Of AFRICA Authentic DJEMBE DRUM Hand Loomed KENTE CLOTH NR Novica $124.56 Time Remaining: 22h 35m Buy It Now for only: $139.95 |
 Meinl Journey Series Djembe Kenyan Quilt Medium $98.00 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 6m Buy It Now for only: $98.00 |
 AFRICAN GRACE Hand Carved DJEMBE DRUM Authentic GA EWE Tribe EMBOSSED PLATING $97.86 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 51m Buy It Now for only: $109.95 |
 Toca SFDMX 10AG Djembe Gold 736021150713 $101.01 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 30m Buy It Now for only: $101.01 |
 PRIVATE ROYAL DANCE Genuine African Hand Carved PEACE HARMONY DJEMBE DRUM New $259.98 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 37m Buy It Now for only: $299.95 |
 Small believed to be African Djembe Ghana drum $30.00 Time Remaining: 20h 43m |
 Toca SFDJ 7WP Freestyle Djembe Woodstock Purple 7 FREE SHIPPING $33.99 Time Remaining: 15d 6h 32m Buy It Now for only: $33.99 |
 THE KING SPEAKS Genuine KPANLOGO African Hand Carved DJEMBE CONGA DRUM Novica NR $229.58 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 29m Buy It Now for only: $257.95 |
 24x135 Deep Carved African Style Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $149.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 44m Buy It Now for only: $149.00 |
 Remo Key Tuned Djembe 14 x 25 Fabric Earth Finish DJ 0014 05 $304.95 Time Remaining: 19h 7m |
 GOOD SOUL Genuine HANDSOME AKAN Hand Carved Wood DJEMBE DRUM AFRICAN ART Novica $132.98 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 58m Buy It Now for only: $152.95 |
 NEW 12 x 7 Handcarved Djembe Bongo Hand Drum for Kids $31.95 Time Remaining: 23d 16h 57m Buy It Now for only: $31.95 |
 POWERFUL BEATS Hand Carved Original AFRICAN Mini DJEMBE DRUM Novica ARTS $43.98 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 10m Buy It Now for only: $49.95 |
 24x135 Deep Carve African Style Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $149.00 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 58m Buy It Now for only: $149.00 |
 Remo Key Tuned Djembe 12 x 24 Multi Mask Finish DJ 0012 LM $269.95 Time Remaining: 17h 35m |
 ELEPHANT BEAT Artist Carved Genuine DJEMBE DRUM Africa GHANA ART Novica $238.98 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 54m Buy It Now for only: $279.95 |
 LOT OF 2 SALE 12 x 7 Handcarved Djembe Bongo Hand Drums for Kids $54.95 Time Remaining: 18d 16h 52m Buy It Now for only: $54.95 |
 ELEPHANT VILLAGE Authentic African DJEMBE DRUM Hand Crafted Goatskin NOVICA Art $311.46 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 23m Buy It Now for only: $349.95 |
 SALE 16 x 9 PRO HANDCARVED DJEMBE HAND DRUM BONGO M5 $45.00 Time Remaining: 20d 2h 58m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 |
 Remo Key Tuned Djembe 12 x 24 Black Earth Finish DJ 0014 BE $304.95 Time Remaining: 20h 35m |
 COME TOGETHER Ghana ARTISAN Hand Made GIRAFFE Design Africa DJEMBE Drum NOVICA $129.95 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 10m Buy It Now for only: $159.95 |
 12x7 Tie Dye Sarong Design Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $35.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 59m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
 Remo Key Tuned Djembe 16 x 25 Fabric Earth Finish DJ 0016 05 $349.95 Time Remaining: 22h 11m |
 10 x 6 New Handmade Djembe Bongo Hand Drum for Kids $24.95 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 7m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 REMO DJEMBE 24X12 CERAMICS african percussion drum $219.95 Time Remaining: 22h 25m |
 Tycoon 12 Supremo Series Djembe Natural Finish $249.95 Time Remaining: 17h 50m |
 CLEARANCE SALE 26x15 DEEP CARVED DJEMBE DRUM PLAIN FINISH + BONUS $147.95 Time Remaining: 17d 4h 47m Buy It Now for only: $147.95 |
 Tycoon 12 Concerto Series Djembe Red Pearl Finish $389.95 Time Remaining: 18h 52m |
 12x7 Carved Brown and Black Zig Zag Design Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $43.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 42m Buy It Now for only: $43.00 |
 Tycoon Percussion 12 Master Platinum Tri Fade Djembe $414.95 Time Remaining: 19h 12m |
 Remo Kids Percussion Rain Forest Djembe Drum KD 0608 01 $104.95 Time Remaining: 1d 1m |
 NEW 16 x 9 DJEMBE HAND DRUM BONGO Dragons M7 $45.95 Time Remaining: 17h 49m Buy It Now for only: $45.95 |
 Tycoon Percussion Traditional Series 13 African Djembe $429.95 Time Remaining: 19h 29m |
 Toca 10 Synergy Vryheid Djembe NEW $79.99 Time Remaining: 9d 20h 11m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 Tycoon 12 Concerto Series Djembe Natural Finish $339.95 Time Remaining: 19h 56m |
 Beautiful African Hand Carve Percussion Bongo Doumbek Djembe Drum Wood Nice New $56.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 24m |
 Meinl Journey Series Djembe Kenyan Quilt Large $145.00 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 6m Buy It Now for only: $145.00 |
 Tycoon Percussion 12 Signature Heritage Series Djembe $529.95 Time Remaining: 20h 42m |
 Toca 10 Synergy Vuur Red Djembe NEW $79.99 Time Remaining: 9d 20h 11m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 Tycoon Percussion 12 Master Fantasy Tiger Djembe $419.95 Time Remaining: 22h 7m |
 Tycoon Hand Carved 10 African Djembe T2 Finish $229.95 Time Remaining: 22h 24m |
 SALE 16 x 9 DJEMBE BONGO HAND DRUM Aboriginal Art $44.95 Time Remaining: 19d 23h 40m Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
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 12x7 Caribbean Sarong Design Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $35.00 Time Remaining: 28d 5h 58m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
 Handmade Wood Decorated Pattern Djembe Drum $14.99 Time Remaining: 20h 57m |
 Tycoon Hand Carved 12 African Djembe T2 Finish $239.95 Time Remaining: 1d 4m |
 SALE 16 x 9 Handmade DJEMBE BONGO HAND DRUM Aboriginal Art $44.95 Time Remaining: 3d 21h 20m Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
 Remo Key Tuned Djembe 12 x 24 Fabric Earth Finish DJ 0012 05 $269.95 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 26m |
 Mid East Adjustable Comfort African Djembe Drum Strap $30.31 Time Remaining: 13d 1h 22m Buy It Now for only: $30.31 |
 Tycoon 12 Artist Series Djembe Natural Finish $269.95 Time Remaining: 1d 44m |
 Tycoon 12 Supremo Series Djembe Mahogany Finish $249.95 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 17m |
 NEW 16 x 9 DJEMBE HAND DRUM BONGO KOKOPELLI MODEL M8 $44.95 Time Remaining: 10d 18h 47m Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
 Tycoon 12 Concerto Series Djembe Red Finish $339.95 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 3m |
 3 RING PRO 24 x 14 DJEMBE BONGO DRUM Model M23 +BONUS $147.75 Time Remaining: 4d 21h 35m Buy It Now for only: $147.75 |
 Tycoon 12 Concerto Series Djembe Mahogany Finish $339.95 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 14m |
 Remo Key Tuned Djembe 12 x 24 Multi Mask Finish DJ 0012 LM $269.95 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 35m |
 DJEMBE DRUM STRAP Gold Padded On Both Shoulders $18.99 Time Remaining: 27d 16h 28m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 |
 GHANA FAMILY Master Artisan Handcrafted Wood AFRICA DJEMBE Drum NOVICA $68.28 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 16m Buy It Now for only: $77.95 |
 20x11 Geometric Pro 3 Ring Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $119.00 Time Remaining: 10d 1h 49m Buy It Now for only: $119.00 |
 Tycoon Percussion 10 African Djembe Hand Drum $129.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 11m |
 Tycoon Percussion 12 African Djembe Hand Drum $169.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 20m |
 Meinl Nino Original African Style Rope Tuned Earth Rhythm Djembe Xx Small $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 34m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 ASAFO Genuine HAND CARVED African KPANLOGO DJEMBE Drum GHANA ART Novica $228.88 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 24m Buy It Now for only: $277.95 |
 516 Djembe Toca Wood Leather African Drum New $33.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 26m Buy It Now for only: $33.99 |
 55 WOOD ENGRAVED DESIGN PORTABLE AFRICAN DJEMBE DRUM $0.01 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 15m |
 Remo Leon Mobley Signature Series Hand Painted Djembe Drum 12 X 24 Fiberskyn 3 $124.33 Time Remaining: 5d 5h 51m |
 Remo Earth 14 x 25 Inch Djembe African Hand Drum New $198.00 Time Remaining: 16d 15h 43m Buy It Now for only: $198.00 |
 Tycoon 12 Supremo Series Djembe Natural Finish $249.95 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 50m |
 SALE 24 x 14 DEEP CARVED DJEMBE DRUM BONGO M2 + BONUS $129.95 Time Remaining: 16d 22h 11m Buy It Now for only: $129.95 |
 Tycoon 12 Concerto Series Djembe Red Pearl Finish $389.95 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 35m |
 Handmade Drum African Djembe Body with Rings GHANA Tweneboa 13x24 $45.00 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 27m Buy It Now for only: $65.00 |
 Kalimantan Small Backpacker Djembe w Tote Bag $49.99 Time Remaining: 11d 18h 15m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 Tycoon Percussion 12 Master Fantasy Bali Djembe $419.95 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 41m |
 Celtic Labyrinth Djembe Drum 24X12 FREE SHIPPING $149.00 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 36m Buy It Now for only: $149.00 |
 Tycoon Percussion 12 Master Platinum Fade Djembe $419.95 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 54m |
 Tycoon 12 Artist Series Hand Painted Djembe Red $289.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 59m |
 7 1 2 X 16 Aboriginal Drum Djembe Dot Painted Drums $44.99 Time Remaining: 23d 1h 59m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 Tycoon Percussion 12 Master Antique Series Djembe $419.95 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 11m |
 16x9 Carved Gye Nyame Design Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $49.00 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 2m Buy It Now for only: $49.00 |
 MUSICIANS Authentic HAND CRAFTED African DJEMBE DRUM Ghana ORIGINAL DESIGN $289.95 Time Remaining: 5d 5h 9m Buy It Now for only: $367.95 |
 INFINITE LOVE Hand Carved GENUINE WOOD DJEMBE DRUM Novica African Art $218.95 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 23m Buy It Now for only: $279.95 |
 24x13 Deep Carved Praying Hands Design Djembe Bongo Hand Drum $129.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 43m Buy It Now for only: $129.00 |
 AKAN STAR African HAND CARVED Wood Goatskin BENIN DJEMBE DRUM w Macram Strap $169.95 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 28m Buy It Now for only: $229.95 |
 DJEMBE BACKPACK BAG Blue Celestial Design XXL $40.99 Time Remaining: 26d 19h 13m Buy It Now for only: $40.99 |
 ULTIMATE Hand Carved Wood DJEMBE DRUM GHANA Africa Fair Trade Artisan NEW $296.33 Time Remaining: 5d 20m Buy It Now for only: $332.95 |
 AFRICAN STAR Authentic Handmade WOOD DJEMBE DRUM Novica Artisan NWT $249.95 Time Remaining: 5d 3h 47m Buy It Now for only: $297.95 |
 TOCA SDVR 7 SYNERGY VUUR AFRICAN DJEMBE DRUM 7 INCH RED $34.99 Time Remaining: 23d 18h 45m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
 TRIBAL WILDERNESS Authentic Artist Handmade ASHIKO DJEMBE Drum KENTE Cord AFRICA $159.98 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 12m Buy It Now for only: $179.95 |
African Drumming with a Djembe
Among the group of membranophone instruments is the djembe. In its traditional form this drum is constructed of wood in the shape of a big goblet with animal skin stretched over it. One of West Africas favourite drums it produces a deep bass sound when played correctly due to its goblet shaped shell.
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. The people of these tribes believe that the instrument contains three spirits, one of the person who makes the djembe, one from the tree from which the wood is taken, and one from the animal whose hide is used for the drum. Modern day players prefer to have drums with a goatskin hide that they personalize with braided rope and designs carved into the wood.
Surprisingly the word djembe is actually French in origin and not African as you might suspect. The French colonised parts of Africa and studied the music styles of the people as well as their instruments. As they do not have a hard 'j' within their language they chose to use 'dj' and it is this spelling that has gained the most recognition. There are currently many accepted spellings of the drum including jembe, djimbe 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. Since then the drum has continued to grow in popularity around the world, especially amongst professional musicians who are appreciative of its unique and tribal sound.
In Africa the drum rhythm, known as the diansa, is played at celebrations such as baptisms and weddings and also to commemorate important events such as full moons and the changing of the seasons. Some have even suggested that African peoples have used the sound produced by the drum in order to send messages over long distances, making use of the different sounds to communicate different meanings like a type of musical code language.
The people of Africa also use other instruments to accompany the djembe, typically bells and dundun drums. The Wolof tribe from Senegal uses the djembe as part of an elaborate dance performed by their women. While the instrument is played the women dance the 'Sabar', a provocative dance meant to attract and entice their men.
There are three basic ways to create sound using a djembe. The first is by hitting the centre of the djembe with the palm of an open hand, creating the 'bass' note. Hitting the edge or rim of the drum with the fingers flat produces the second sound called a 'tone', and thirdly using a similar action on the rim of the drum but with fingers relaxed is called a 'slap'.
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. When you hear a djembe being played well it is not easy to resist grooving to the sound and even beginners will appreciate the primal energy of handling this african drum.
About the Author
Baz Waters runs EthnicPercussion.co.uk, an internet store based in the UK that provides djembe, african drums, didgeridoos and other ethnic percussion instruments in the UK.
Terry The Happiest African Djembe Player........EVER!!!!