African Djembe

African Djembe

Information on the djembe, their preparation and origin as well as some background knowledge.

The Djembe is a West African instrument whose origin was a long time ago in Guinea.
Over the years, the musical cultures have blended in Africa.
Today, the djembe in many other countries, such as in Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Niger, Ivory Coast / Cote d'Ivoire and in Ghana.

Djembe or: Jembe is traditionally an instrument of the Mande Bambara and Malinke peoples. From their settlements it has spread since the 60's in a regular sweeping across West Africa to South Africa and in recent decades in Europe and America.

Traditionally, the djembe of "musicians" is made, wherein the timber body in the "rhythm" worked.
There are few high-quality timber species which are, according to African musicians for the Djembe-production very well.
These particular species are West African and exotic woods hot Lenke, Iroko / Odum or Dweneboa. They are ideal for the construction of instruments such as djembe and balafon suitable.

During my musical travels through West Africa, I came into a small town, where be built today without European tools, but with self-forged tools Djembe.
This is done by means of a common rhythm, with the heaviest operation eg the hollowing out of the heartwood the beat determined and minor works, such as Decorations at the foot of the djembe, the melody arise.

For generations, this tradition has been maintained in musical families. When I am on my first visit in 1986 approached the small African town, where the tradition still exists today, I assume meant the sound of drums and rhythms can be.
At first I thought that one of the usual events in Africa such as Birth celebrations, weddings, outdooring ceremonies, harvest festivals or funerals drummed, danced and sung, but as I approached, I realized very soon that there were musicians at work or carving the Djembés there. By working on the Holzkorpora created rhythms that combines revealed a complex melodies play.

Later, I told an old, blind musician and carver, that he has made throughout his life and music made these instruments with his hands and has played and believe that the instruments of the rhythm is on, drums in carving.

Very soon I realized the value differences between instruments, which are made from cheap materials and with European tools and instruments that would be made to the old style of music sent hands in excellent quality.