Djembe

About the Sound and Character

The djembe boasts an enormous dynamic range. In the center, it delivers a deep, powerful bass, while rim strikes produce deafeningly sharp, high slaps. It is an instrument of fire, trance, and pulsing life energy.

Structure and Features

The goblet-shaped body is hand-carved from a single piece of hard African wood. Goatskin is stretched across the wide top using a complex system of durable rope interlacings that allows the instrument to be tuned to very high tension. The djembe is played with bare hands.

Genres

• Traditional West African music and dance
• Ragga, reggae, and world beat
• Street drum circles