A djembe or jembe (/ ˈdʒɛmbeɪ / JEM-bay; from Malinke jembe [dʲẽbe], [1] N'Ko: ߖߋ߲߰ߓߋ[2]) is a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa.

This site offers tools and insights to help you learn, understand, and play traditional West African drum beats, especially the djembe (jembe) and dunun (dundun) rhythms of Guinea. I share with you what I have learned in over 20 years of study with master drummers and from performance in many drum circles, jams, bands and dance troupes.

By selecting one of the links below you can learn more about how to play, tune, maintain, repair, and rehead a djembe drum. We also offer information on how to select the right djembe for you, give suggestions on where to purchase your djembe, and include information on the history and making of a djembe drum in West Africa.

Jun 25, 2015 · Abdoul Doumbia, a Djembefola from Ségou in Mali explains that the word 'jembe' comes from two Bambara words, 'Dièn' which means unity and 'Bin' that signifies harmony. Another belief is that the word comes from a saying in Bambara, “Anke djé, anke bé”, or “everyone gather together in peace.”

Oct 14, 2000 · Jembe teachers are proliferating, with some of them leading study tours to Africa, and major drum manufacturers have recently found a market for industrially produced jembes. Reasons for the delayed international impact of the jembe are varied.

A djembe drum is a traditional West African percussion instrument that has gained popularity worldwide for its versatile and powerful sound. Made from a single piece of wood or individual staves, the drum features a hollowed-out/open body and an animal skin or synthetic membrane stretched across the top.

Originating in Guinea and neighboring countries of the former Mali empire, the rhythms of the djembe (jembe) and dununs (dunduns) can now be heard everywhere. If you travel with a djembe you will find others to jam with, and sharing drum rhythms will lead quickly to new friendships.

Through its history and cultural significance, the djembe drum continues to be cherished as an integral part of African identity and heritage. Its far-reaching influence and ability to bridge cultural gaps make it a symbol of unity, rhythm, and the rich tapestry of African percussion.

Jun 3, 2021 · Learn how to play the African instrument known as the djembe drum. If you're interested in the art of hand drumming, learning how to play the djembe is a great place to start. This West African instrument is simple to learn, as there are …

Bongo drums and djembe drums are both designed to be played with your hands and are often made from wood, but they have several key differences: Wow, that’s a lot of differences, but do they matter? Do the drums sound the same? Let’s keep going and find out.