Learn More About the Origin and Story Behind the Djembe Drum

The djembe drum is one of West Africa’s most popular instruments and is growing in popularity all over the world. This instrument is used in school music lessons and has become an effective way of getting children interested in music. This short article reveals more about the history of the djembe, read on to discover more:

Where Does the Djembe Drum Come From?

Pronounced ‘jem-bay’, the drum originates from the Mali Empire of West Africa and is steeped in cultural history. The djembe wasn’t just used in religious ceremonies but also for motivating warriors into battle.

This drum has played an important part in uniting communities for centuries. This drum has also been taken up as a popular form of entertainment. The popularity of the djembe has spread across the world so is no longer limited to Africa.

What are the Reasons Behind the Djembes Popularity?

There are a number of reasons why the djembe has become popular, the first being that they are easy to learn to play. Unlike standard drum kits, the hand-held drum is played by tapping out a rhythm with the hands. This means that everyone from adults to children can learn the drum quickly and easily.

The djembe drum has a unique appeal which has come about through a combination of factors including its heritage and history, the nature of the drum itself and the ease of learning to play it. 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.

The Types of Djembes Available

It is possible to get djembe drums in different designs and sizes. Traditional wooden djembes produce an authentic African sound, while the Fibreglass alternatives have a thinner sound. The fibreglass djembes are a lighter weight and more portable drum.

Djembe drums also come in a range of sizes. Small, hand-held djembes are great for children and carnival performances. 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. By playing the instrument, you can discover for yourself just why this djembe has now become one of the most popular drums worldwide.