The national wooden African drum is rightfully the most versatile and popular percussion instrument in the world. It gained popularity due to its variety of sounds. This is due to the unique design and fit of goatskin, as well as the skill of the performers, some of whom are world famous.
The African wooden drum is called a djembe. They play it with their hands. It is believed to have been invented in the 12th century by the West African Mandinka tribe, now called Mali. The drum is played by whole generations of Africans, because it is an integral part of rituals in Mali, Guinea, Senegal and other West African countries.
Traditionally, the djembe was played only by griots - respected high-class musicians - who used it to initiate the younger generations into the historical, religious and cultural past, in stories about antiquity and the life of their ancestors. Griots were, and to this day remain, not only outstanding musicians, but also people with deep knowledge, inheriting the wisdom of generations.
Djembe is inseparably associated with dancing and singing. Djembefall (a musician who plays the djembe) is obliged to know songs and dance to the rhythm of the drum. Some of the dances have symbolic meaning and are performed at important events, such as festivals to ask for rain or a good harvest, weddings, funerals, or the birth of a child.
Musicians playing the djembe are united in collectives called "ballet".
Djembe design
Djembe has an unusual appearance and structure, due to which a variety of sounds are born. The drum is made in the form of a cup. This shape is cut from a single piece of log. Mandinka traditionally used lengi wood, a sacred tree for the tribe. The upper cup-shaped section of the drum produces sound, while the lower, narrower section of the drum adjusts the sound volume. The top of the drum is covered in goatskin for high pitched tones and slap-like sounds. Goat skin, unlike calf or antelope skin, is thinner and more suitable for a musical instrument. The tension is adjusted with twines passed through the metal rings. The drum body is painted with ritual paintings.
A drum made of glued strips of wood, similar to a djembe, is called ashiko.
Djembe sound
Djembe produces three types of sounds: bass, tone and slap. The bass is produced by hitting with a full hand in the middle of the drum. The tone (middle sound) is produced by playing along the edge of the drum. The slap (high pitched sound) is the most technically difficult sound. There are several types of slap, and all of them are born when you play along the edge of the drum. To get this sound, the fingers must be completely relaxed, and the blow is produced by the movement of the hand and forearm. The musicians argue that it is impossible to explain the slap technique. Mastery can only be achieved through trial and error, since everyone's hands are different, respectively, and the sound will be different.
