The Djembe drum is the most popular African drum. An authentic Djembe is hand carved from a single tree trunk into a shape which is wider at the top, narrower at the bottom and the head is made from goat skin. A Djembe drum is classified as a membranophone of the percussion family.

Djembe History
The first stories of the Djembe drum come from 14th Century traders in what was then the Mali Empire, now encompassing Mali, Guinea, the Ivory Coast and other parts of West Africa. It is thought the drum may have originated as early as 500 AD in Mali or Guinea, as a smaller version of a tall ancient stick drum known as "Bebede". Only with the recent trend toward globalisation has the Djembe gained its well deserved worldwide popularity.

An incredibly powerful drum, the Djembe is capable of deep booming lows, and slaps that crack like the sound of lightning. It was, and is traditionally used as a sacred drum in healing ceremonies, rites of passage, ancestral worship, warrior rituals and social dances.

It is said the Djembe was named after the materials that were used to make the drum. The shell was carved from the log of the "Djem Tree" (Ficus sycomorus). The carved shell then had a "Be" (skin) stretched over the top, leading to the name Djembe.

The Methods of Playing a Djembe
A Djembe is typically played in one of three positions. The first is the standing position with a drum strap suspending the drum from the shoulders in front of the player with the head of the drum slightly below the player’s waist. The stem or foot of the drum in this position points down and back between the player’s legs. It is in this position that the drum is most resonant, being apart from any solid surfaces. Drum straps can be made from any number of materials including webbing, belts, shirts, and ropes.

The second position is where the player is seated on a stool or chair with the drum between the knees. The Djembe must be tilted so that the foot of the drum is not flat against the floor. In this position, the knees and feet secure the drum so that it doesn't fall or get away from the player. It is important for the seat to be at the right height for the playing surface of the drum. Otherwise, the playing will be awkward and fatigue will set in very early. Having an erect posture while being relaxed is the easiest way to keep energized and comfortable while playing. The second position is usually the most comfortable for most people if there is a place to sit down.

The third position may be used where there is no convenient place to sit. This is where the Djembe is lying down, and the player straddles the instrument. This position is usually difficult to maintain for any extended period of time. The player must be careful not to damage the top edge of the drum against the ground or floor in this position.

Which ever position is chosen, the Djembe is capable of producing - with some coaxing - three distinct tones. A beginner can enjoy whatever sounds that come from the drum while playing. Before long however, it will become obvious that striking the drumhead in different places and holding the hands in different ways produces different sounds.

The first tone to play is usually the normal or open tone. The hand strikes the drum with the four fingers and first inch of the palm on the drum. The thumb does not strike the drumhead in the normal or open tone. This tone, like the other two, is played without the other hand touching the drumhead to avoid muting the sound. And to play the normal tone cleanly, the striking hand must not be allowed to linger on the surface of the drum.

The bass tone is played with the hand striking the drum more or less in the centre of the drumhead. Experimentation will show where the bass sound is most resonant.

The slap tone is played in much the same position as the normal or open tone but with the little finger slightly leading the contact with the drumhead as opposed to the hand being flat.
Click here to learn more about playing a djembe.

Health Benefits
The Djembe is also known as the healing drum because of its history as a tool in African healing traditions. According to current medical research, stress causes 98% of all disease. Recent biofeedback studies show that drumming along with your heartbeat for 15 minutes alters brainwave patterns (increasing alpha) and dramatically reduces stress. So drumming actually "meditates" you to health!