IS DJEMBE THE ONLY AFRICAN DRUM?

[Africabeyondafrica]

The Djembe or Djeme drum is so popular abroad that many people think that when you mention African music, one has to play a djembey. Do you think the Djembe is the only African drum or there are others?
According to WIKIPEDIA, a djembe (pronounced /ˈdʒɛmbeɪ/ JEM-bay) also known as djimbe, jenbe, jembe, yembe, or sanbanyi in Susu; is a skin covered hand drum, shaped like a large goblet, and meant to be played with bare hands. According to the Bamana people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes directly from the saying "Anke dje, anke be" which literally translates to "everyone gather together", and defines the drum's purpose. "Dje" is the verb for "gather" in Bamanakan, and "be" translates as "everyone" in Bamanakan.

Djembe drums were introduced into the Western world in the ’50s, when the Guinea National Dance company, Les Ballets Africains toured much of the world. The drum did not gain real popularity until the ’80s, however, and between these years the instrument was only well known to African music and dance aficionados.
Djembe drums have definitely captured the hearts of many in the Western world over the last two decades, and it’s not hard to see why.

[The Marriage of Ani & Igwe]

Because of this djembe-centric view of African drumming, I think it's very important that we also study, inform and promote other types of drums from the Continent. First of all, the djembe is only one portion of its own orchestra--so if we're going to talk about djembe, we'd have to talk about dundun, sangba and kenkeni as well.

But besides the djembe family/orchestra, there are many other important drums in W. Africa alone. The sabar of Senegal is played with one hand and a very small switch from a tree. The Yoruba bata of various sizes are very important drums for religious ritual. The bote is a large kettledrum from the Guinea and Mali region. Its players use one hand to play it with a stick while the other hand uses metal rings to strike a ndaba bell dangling from the wrist.

Those are just a few that I know about. Of course, there are many other important ones that I haven't yet seen, as I haven't yet made it to the Continent.

[Africabeyondafrica]

Thanks a lot. The extra info is much appreciated. Keep writing brother and post pictures if any.

[DJ STRATEGY]

I think the djembe gets the most attention cause it's the most flamboyant.( grabs attention, very loud)
true most people wanna play djembe and don't know bout djundjuns which are really the heartbeat of a djembe orchestra

[Africabeyondafrica]

Dj,
Thanks for your comments. I also think that many people play djemey because it is handy and can be transported easily. Look at a Ghanaian drum like Bomaa ( The large drum in a Fontonfrom ensemble), they are not easy to carry but they are real attention catchers.

[Africabeyondafrica]

ASAFO DRUM FROM THE CENTRALREGION OF GHANA.

[Afrika Midnight Asha Abney]

Greetings,

I concur.

Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney

[Sun Ship]

Another reason the Djembe became so well-known was because of the great Dancer, Choreographer, and Anthropologist Katherine Dunham who was very instrumental in bringing African dance and music into the Western cultural scene, and was responsible for the world famous Dunham technique of dance. She was probably the first to perform African and Caribbean African dances in a major Hollywood film back in the 40’s.

She seemingly focused on Haitian culture (where she became a Vodum priestess) as well as Senegal. Back in the late 60’s she brought a renown Djembe Master drummer, Mor Thiam (who so happen to be the recording artist Akon’s father) here who is Senegalese and of the Dogon nation.

When I mention this fact, I’m surprise that I’m finding so many diasporic young African percussionist and dancers who are unaware of this most important part of their history.

I think it’s not only the fact that everyone think that the Djembe is the only African drum is the problem, but the idea that African music is basically about drumming along, for not only does African music have hundreds of different drums and drumming techniques and traditions, but it also has hundreds if not thousands of various wind and string instruments which are ignored as we look to the continent for musical inspiration and heritage.

If it were not for the string instruments of Africa, the Europeans would not have the violin, the guitar, or the banjo to name a few.

Henry O Tanner's famous oil painting, The Banjo Lesson

Even when we speak of the Bata drum or instruments used in Orisha worship there are a variety of styles, traditions, and techniques in Cuba and in Africa. All traditional Bata drums are not hourglass shaped, or played by hand.

Katherine Dunham

[The Marriage of Ani & Igwe]

Excellent points, Blackman.

[Africabeyondafrica]

Excellent addition to the forum. I am particurlarly interested in the history of the Djemey in the new world and I think your contribution is great. Thanks a lot.