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    Djembe

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    The document provides an overview of the origins and characteristics of the West African djembe drum. It discusses that the djembe likely originated less than 1,000 years ago in Mali by the Mandinka blacksmiths, and was spread by West African tribes for religious and ceremonial purposes. The djembe produces a versatile range of tones through striking different areas of the drumhead, and is tuned by the surrounding ropes. Players are often storytellers who lead responsive audiences in dancing, singing and other percussion during performances.

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    Djembe

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    99 views6 pages
    The document provides an overview of the origins and characteristics of the West African djembe drum. It discusses that the djembe likely originated less than 1,000 years ago in Mali by the Mandinka blacksmiths, and was spread by West African tribes for religious and ceremonial purposes. The djembe produces a versatile range of tones through striking different areas of the drumhead, and is tuned by the surrounding ropes. Players are often storytellers who lead responsive audiences in dancing, singing and other percussion during performances.

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    The document provides an overview of the origins and characteristics of the West African djembe drum. It discusses that the djembe likely originated less than 1,000 years ago in Mali by the Mandinka blacksmiths, and was spread by West African tribes for religious and ceremonial purposes. The djembe produces a versatile range of tones through striking different areas of the drumhead, and is tuned by the surrounding ropes. Players are often storytellers who lead responsive audiences in dancing, singing and other percussion during performances.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    99 views6 pages

    Djembe

    Uploaded by

    api-310304667
    The document provides an overview of the origins and characteristics of the West African djembe drum. It discusses that the djembe likely originated less than 1,000 years ago in Mali by the Mandinka blacksmiths, and was spread by West African tribes for religious and ceremonial purposes. The djembe produces a versatile range of tones through striking different areas of the drumhead, and is tuned by the surrounding ropes. Players are often storytellers who lead responsive audiences in dancing, singing and other percussion during performances.

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    At a glance
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    The text discusses the origins and history of the Djembe drum in West Africa, particularly Mali, its role in communities and ceremonies, and how its sounds are produced.

    The Djembe drum likely originated less than 1000 years ago in Mali, West Africa and was created by the Mandinka blacksmiths from simple materials like wood, animal skin, and rope.

    The Djembe is played in groups led by a master drummer and is integral to ceremonies, celebrations and storytelling. Dancers, singers and other musicians often accompany the Djembe players.

    The West African

    Djembe
    BY: MEGAN S TROSNIDER

    CHAPTER 1

    Origins
    The history of the Djembes creation is often a de-

    bated topic. Its creation most likely took place in


    West Africa in Mali less then a 1,000 years ago. However, there is not an exact note of when or who came
    up with the instrument. African history was often told
    orally, so over hundreds of years stories change and
    different perspectives are told. One of the most
    widely spread agreements, though, is that blacksmiths
    of the Mandinka were the drums creators.
    Created from simple raw materials such as wood,
    animal skin, and rope, this instrument was spread easily across West African tribes. Its association with religious and life ceremonies was key, as well. This drum
    was, and still is, vital to everyday life in many communities. Players are held in very high regard, but unfortunately, it is still very uncommon for women to be
    able to play djembe.
    1

    Players of the this drum are often referred to as storytellers and they are led by the djembe master. During the playing ceremony, non-players are often dancing, clapping, singing, or even playing other percussion instruments. It is very unusual and rare for this
    drum to be performed in front of a non-responsive
    audience.
    Baby Naming Ceremony in Mali

    CHAPTER 2

    Sound
    For such a seemingly simple instrument, the djembe
    is extremely versatile in sound production. This is especially true when it is the correct players hands.
    Even for its size it has the ability to be very loud and
    resonant. The tones it produces can vary, but the basic ones are a bass sound made by hitting the middle
    of the drum, while higher pitches are made by striking the edge. The drum is also tuned by the ropes surrounding the upper part of the djembe, below the
    head. Rattles and beads can also be added to the
    drum for both musical and aesthetic purposes.Re

    Djembekan
    by Ibrahima
    Camara

    Review Questions
    1.) Where did the Djembe most likely originate?
    a. Egypt
    b. Kenya
    c. Mali

    2.) What is most often used in creating the drum?


    a. Wood
    b. Stone
    c. Glass

    3.) What are some players of the Djembe often called?


    a. Storytellers
    b. Fortunetellers
    c. Preachers

    4.) How is the Djembe tuned?


    a. Tightening the head
    b. It cant be tuned
    c. Tightening the ropes
    5

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