What in the World is Djembe?

What in the world is Djembe? Well.....simply put, Djembe is is a goblet shaped hand drum with an authentic goat skin playing surface which is held down by rope runners. 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. They come in different styles & sizes....and so on and so on.

Djembe drums are commonly used in drumcircles where people gather together in groups and everyone just kind of plays from within. The main objective in a drum circle is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves. If you haven't taken part of a drum circle yet, I highly suggest you check one out! It is truly a moving experience! I guarantee you'll be forever changed! To find a drum circle event near you, go here ---> http://drumcircles.net/circlelist

There are different techniques and ways to hit the djembe. One uses different parts of their hands to produce different sounds. Those sounds can also differ when you hit a different part of the playing surface.

Here is a great instructional video on the djembe made by solo artist/teacher Jim Donovan. Jim is one of the best and his music has been featured in major motion films such as Ice Age, Twister, Mathilda as well as on various network television shows such as American Idol, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Party of Five and the PBS "Web of Life" documentary.

This guy is awesome!!!! Check it out!